AKC Dog Obedience Shots (7 photos)

[Scott_Quier]

My wife is looking to add another member to the family. Thankfully, not another child as we are of an age when we are looking forward to being full-fledged "empty nesters." What she wants is a dog. So we traveled to Richmond VA (about 60 miles) to see an AKC Dog Show. She went for the conformation events - just to see the breeds. I couldn't have cared less. I went where I could get some acdtion shots (of course I took my camera gear!).

Besides, I'm more interested in the brains than in the beauty.

When looking at the following, please understand I was limited to very poor florenct light and I couldn't flash for fear of distracting the dogs. Iimagine being a handler that has worked years to train the dog only to have the result spoiled by an incosiderate photographer! Not going to be me! So, I was wide open (f/2.8) at ISO 800. Probably should have tried 1600, but the noise!

This first series I thought was interesting. Looking this dog, all I can think about is "floppsy". But the dog is very happy!
#1
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77658482-M.jpg

#2
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77658521-M.jpg

#3
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77658586-M.jpg


This series is for my neice who just loves golden retrievers.
#4
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77659071-M.jpg

#5
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77659167-M.jpg


Here, you can see the dog's smile quite easily.
#6
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77659240-M.jpg

Part of the "Open" class obedience trials requires the handlers to put the dogs in the "down" position. When the judges orders them to "Leave your dogs," they must file out of the ring to a location determined by the judge. This location puts the handlers out of sight of the dogs. The dogs are then required to maintain their positon (they can settle down, but can't move about, squirm, etc) for at least another 5 mintues.

The spaniel is getting bored and lookng around. That's cool. Just shows the dog's level of intelligence.
#7
http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/77659292-M.jpg

[saurora]

Nice shots, Scott. I especially like the last one. So I guess we can expect some "new puppy" posts from you pretty soon? Have fun in your decision making. If you're interested in a brainy dog, just keep in mind that the smarter they are, the more easily they get bored. And a bored puppy....well, you get the picture!!! :D

[Scott_Quier]

Nice shots, Scott. I especially like the last one. So I guess we can expect some "new puppy" posts from you pretty soon? Have fun in your decision making. If you're interested in a brainy dog, just keep in mind that the smarter they are, the more easily they get bored. And a bored puppy....well, you get the picture!!! :DNah, no puppy pics for a while. The wife is looking now because she can but she knows that we can't get one until at least next spring. We used to have dogs (3 for a while) so we know about the boredom issue.

[Antonio Correia]

We had 3 dogs in the house.
The last one had to be killed because was too ill.
The previous one was known as "my dog". Mine, Antonio's dog. Daddy's dog.
He was very very clever but unfortanatelly he had a heath problem and passed away.. I was very sorry. :uhoh
My wife loves dogs.
I do like them also but not the way she does.
We have beeen considering to have a dog again these days that children are out of the house as they lieve their own lives.
If we adopt a dog it would be an abandoned dog.
What do I mean ? A dog left in the street by the people. Not a breed. We considere they are ill often.
Why? Because - of course I am in Portugal and this is what happens here - animals from breeds have sometimes consanguinity what makes them ill before beeing too old. And sometimes they are fool and attack us.
I shot (with the 20D) this dog today at the beach.

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/77710996-M.jpg
...
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/77710221-M.jpg
...
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/77709591-M.jpg
...
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/77711708-M.jpg

[Jeffro]

Scott-Sounds like you were challenged as much as the dogs! :D

[Antonio Correia]

Sounds like you were challenged as much as the dogs! :D
:D :D :D

[frofan]

Scott, they aren't the best pictures, but I thought your niece might like my golden...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/frofan/e992abfa.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/frofan/c227119d.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Cute little dog. :):

[raian]

I love Competitive Obedience. My yellow lab is in the top level now (Utility). I would love to be a judge someday. It's a really fun sport and you bond with your dog and really become a true team.

These pictures are wonderful. Can I ask what lense you were using? They do not allow you to use flash at these events and my pictures always come out dark (I've only ever tried to shoot some with my little P&S Fuji... now that I have the Nikon D50 I want to try again).

[frofan]

Cute little dog. :):

He is still cute a year later. He just weights a little more now (85 lbs).

[scoob]

:thumb great shots!!

[Scott_Quier]

Cute little dog. :)::agree Very cute little puppy.

[Scott_Quier]

I love Competitive Obedience. My yellow lab is in the top level now (Utility). I would love to be a judge someday. It's a really fun sport and you bond with your dog and really become a true team.

These pictures are wonderful. Can I ask what lense you were using? They do not allow you to use flash at these events and my pictures always come out dark (I've only ever tried to shoot some with my little P&S Fuji... now that I have the Nikon D50 I want to try again).The lens - my Tamron (see below).

Not only do they not allow you to use flash at these events - it would be a gross injustice to the people/dogs competing. These teams work long and hard (as you obviously know) to get where they are. To have someone blow it for them by distracting the dog with a flash - that's just not on!

[mgmphotographics]

Awesome shots! Sweet adorable dogs! Do you you have any in the wildlife section (pets)? :thumb

Mara

[Seefutlung]

13519

Hey Scott ... If you don't have your heart set on a certain dog yet ... here's a recommendation. I've had a number of dogs, from mutts to Goldies ... but the best dog I've ever had is my little Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The best companion ever, man or beast. I just cannot say enough about her ... my Wired Fox Terrier is fun and entertaining too, but the Wheaten is a person.

[Antonio Correia]

13519

Hey Scott ... If you don't have your heart set on a certain dog yet ... here's a recommendation. I've had a number of dogs, from mutts to Goldies ... but the best dog I've ever had is my little Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The best companion ever, man or beast. I just cannot say enough about her ... my Wired Fox Terrier is fun and entertaining too, but the Wheaten is a person. People who love dogs are nice people.
Statement by myself.
Of course we love dogs here at home :D:D:D
:thumb