Sometimes it's 'ruff' work being a dog. Try reading sign language, following owners' unpredictable starts and stops, and literally jumping through hoops to get the job done. Dog shows are serious business.
Truth be known, though, they are kind of fun for both the human and canine varieties.
The audience at the Grand Traverse Kennel Club Dog Expo on Saturday at the Grand Traverse Mall cheered and occasionally chuckled as dogs made their way sometimes successfully through the agility test, which is similar to a large obstacle course. It was more of a chance to practice skills and show the community what the local kennel club is all about. It takes about 16 weeks of initial training to get ready for a novice show. The truth be told, though, it's not so much the dogs that need training. Any dog can learn it.