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last updated 17 October 2008

The NSW State Obedience Titles took place on the long weekend in October. So far so good – you’ve heard this before. In fact the NSW State Obedience Titles have been taking place on the long weekend in October since forever – I count nearly 30 years either competing, watching or officiating, and I’m only a pup.

However, this year was different. Sure it was still the long weekend in October, and it was still at the Bill Spilstead Canine Complex, where it has lived since it moved from St Ives. This year there were only two trials instead of three – and they took place at night! The drought over the last few years has meant that often the day trials were quite hot (some of us can remember freezing rain … but that was last millennium). So night trials were being tested in 2008.

Obviously our competitors thought this a good idea, as the trial was overwhelmed with entries, and most rings had reserves. Some entries even had to be returned as there was no way they could be accommodated.

Saturday dawned cool and wet, which was good news as we had been sweltering in 30+ degrees heat for two days. The rain cleared up and the day turned fine. The grounds looked a picture, and the grounds staff had managed to fit all eight rings onto the main area. As one ring was a bit dark with the existing lights, two light towers were hired for that ring to ensure that everyone could see everything (why you need to see when the dogs are using their nose so much in Utility Excellent I’m not sure, but the judges tell me it’s necessary).

The dogs loved the evening trial and showed their appreciation by working brilliantly – the Trial Secretary nearly ran out of qualification cards.

As the State Obedience Titles trial on Sunday is the culmination of the obedience year, the presentation of the perpetual trophies was held before the trial commenced - to tumultuous applause from the triallers. Mrs McGarvey and Mrs Treister were able to be there to present the awards that they sponsor, and their presence was warmly applauded. It was a comment on the quality of the winners that even with results from a calendar year over anything up to fourteen trials, some dogs were only a few points away from each other in total.

The Sunday trial too was overwhelmed with entries, and most rings had reserves. Yet with absentees and withdrawals, every reserve was able to trial.

Results for the State Titles weekend are here:

• Perpetual trophies
• Saturday results
• Sunday results
• State Titles Medallions