In one exhibition ring, Phaser heeled beside her mistress, patiently waiting for her next command. She did well. She barked a little more than she should have, but she was having fun. Phaser and Ms. Treinis's second briard have recently competed in agility events, as well as the more traditional obedience trials. In an agility contest, the dogs are timed as they make their way through an obstacle course, she explained.
Agility is recess.
Phaser's work was not yet done for the day, however. The owners returned briefly to give a second command to lie down, then left again, this time for five minutes. Phaser, two Dalmatians, a Shetland shepherd and a golden retriever each waited dutifully, undistracted by one another, judge Thornton or the crowd of watchers. In the end, Phaser went home with a second-place trophy, earning 191 of 200 possible points. New Bedford resident Mary Marshall was among those attending the show to test the competitive waters for their own dogs.