Open Mic

Most dog shows feature flashy, well-coiffed curs who compete strictly on looks and poise. But the Agility Dog Show, to be hosted by The Village at Gleannloch Farms on March 26, will bring together a field of four-legged athletes–including one international champion—to demonstrate the advanced doggy dexterity that defines “Dog Agility”. The highly trained field of furry entrants will perform at the community from 10:30AM-Noon for area residents of all ages—for the fourth straight year. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

“If you have never seen an agility dog program you would never imagine what these dogs can do,” said Mimi Collins, lifestyles director for The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “They jump, they go through tunnels, walk along narrow edges, run over see-saws, pause stock still, and just exhibit a level of overall training you have to see to believe.”

Agility Dog competition is a relatively new form of canine sporting event, only gaining recognition in the last 20 years as an official sports category by national groups such as the American Kennel Club.  The agility contestants must master two different kinds of courses: the Jumpers Course, requiring jumping and pole weaving; and a Standard Course, which includes such challenges as climbing an A-frames, squeezing through tunnels, negotiating see-saws, and then suddenly freezing stock still on flat surfaces.

“Our community is totally dog friendly and many of our residents keep their own pets,” said Kathy Johanns, executive director of The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “They are just crazy about dogs and they’ve been looking forward to this program for weeks.”

 The agility competition is open to all types of breeds from 15 months old and up.  The younger dogs are considered “green” and allowed to compete as novices. The more experienced dogs are in the “Elite” category and are expected to exhibit total course mastery. Although dog agility is relatively new and fast-growing, the Houston area already boasts some of the top agility dog trainers and competitors in the world. One of the largest local shows is held indoors at the Reliant Center in conjunction with the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows to be held this year July 20-24. 

“Everyone who comes out will get a chance to see all levels of competitors including a champion Sheltie named ‘Chase’ whose has competed at the international level.  We will also have several dogs who are tops in their breed such as an agility champion named ‘Wilson T-Bone Wood’.  Wilson is a White West Highland Terrier who has been ranked in the top 5 Westies in agility for the past two years.” said Patricia Horton, organizer of the event, and an agility dog trainer in her own right. “But I have to say that many in the audience get the biggest kick out of watching the younger dogs give it a go—they’re so cute and conscientious.  And it’s a great opportunity to talk about dog agility with actual competitors.”

Horton is bringing a field of 15-20 agility dog performers to The Village at Gleannloch Farms in Spring, where her dad and mom, Charlie and Lois Horton, reside. She was invited to bring in the Agility Dog Show for the fourth straight year by popular demand.

For more information on Dog Agility as a fast growing sporting event, please see:

• http://www.squidoo.com/dogagilityvideoshowcase
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility
•  http://www.akc.org/events/agility/what_is_agility.cfm

Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, The Village at Gleannloch Farms is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.

The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.

In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.

For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.

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Photo courtesy of The Village at Gleannloch Farms

Agility dog competition requires enormous coordination between dog and master. The Village at Gleannloch Farms will host an Agility Dog Show--free and open to the public--on March 26 at the community.