Regional Dog Agility Championship comes to Prunedale

The U.S. Dog Agility Championship came to Prunedale, Saturday, for their Western Regional Championship.

Over 100 dogs, and their owners, arrived on the central coast for a weekend-long competition.

The dogs are trained to jump, weave, and sprint around different obstacles.

Each dog is put into a division based on their experience and height.

Judges evaluated the dogs on how fast and accurately they were able to complete each course.

Redwood City resident, David Kurtz, said he has been competing with his dogs in agility competitions for a decade.

“When your dog has a job it’s like they’re a lot easier to live with and you have a much better relationship with them. I just like working with dogs,” said Kurtz.

“The best handlers from around the country, or at least mostly the west coast, are here. You have to have to actually some qualifications in order to be able to compete here. Everyone is running really hard and they’re super well trained dogs and awesome handlers,” said Nancy Gyes, Showchairwoman of the USDAA Western Regional.

This event served as a qualifier for the national competition in Scottsdale, Arizona, come early Novemeber.

USDAA has been hosting this event in Prunedale for several years. Officials said that the event has always been one to look forward to.

“This is a lovely location. Unfortunately, there’s not that many incredible locations around the bay area. So, uh Prunedale. It’s super. We’ve been here for many years,” said Gyes.

For some owners, the competition is never the sole focus. Kurtz said its all about the bond.

“It’s just the relationship with the dog. That’s the most rewarding part for me,” said Kurtz.