A.K.C. event will be held in Muscatine for the first time

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Twenty-month old Airee will hurdle just about anything for some string cheese and the approval of his master, Bill Fridrych of Muscatine.

The Airedale terrier is learning agility trial racing but isn’t quite ready yet for this weekend’s American Kennel Club Agility Trial. The event, hosted by the Muscatine Agility Club of Iowa, will be held in Muscatine for the first time at the Agricultural Learning Center. It will bring together dogs and their trainers from across the Midwest.

“The club has spent about three years to become licensed,” said Bill Fridrych, Club member and Muscatine Humane Society Board president. “It’s really neat to have your home club put on these trials. A lot of volunteers have put in many hours of work to make it happen.” 

Agility trials can include obstacles, ramps and poles to weave through. The course changes at each event location and the dogs are timed and scored based on performance. If the dog takes too long or doesn’t clear a hurdle or go through a tunnel then points can be docked. The quicker the dog and handler finish the course, the more points the duo earns.

To participate in the A.K.C.-licensed event, the dog must be purebred.

Fridrych, 61, has enjoyed the sport locally in just-for-fun matches and has been able to practice indoors and have out-of-towners join training session since 2005 when the Canine Activity Center of Muscatine was constructed on the Muscatine Humane Society property, 920 S. Houser St.

Fridrych has earned the title of MACH (Master Agility Dog Champion), with another of his Airedales, Beamer, in 2008. Beamer, now retired, was the seventh Airedale to ever achieve the high MACH title, Fridrych said.

“It’s a personality thing. A dog needs to be kind of fearless and motivated to do the tasks,” Fridrych said.

Judi Wiegle, 49, of Muscatine has been involved with agility trials for about five years with Jane, one of her four border collies. Jane runs about 5.9 yards per second, depending on the type of course.

“It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between you and your dog,” said Wiegle, president of Muscatine Agility Club of Iowa. “The point is to make it fun for the dog. If it isn’t fun for her then I see no point in doing it.”

Wiegle said she enjoys spending time at trials with other agility teams because the dog lovers have such great attitudes and cheer each other on.

“It’s a big game,” Wiegel said, adding that it has brought joy, enthusiasm and exercise to her and Jane’s lives.

“People would never guess she was 10, she runs like a 5-year-old.”

The American Kennel Club Agility Trial in Muscatine filled quickly, but the club wants to hold the events more often. Beginning in January 2010 the A.K.C. will accept all breeds.

The Muscatine club encourages the public to attend the trials on Friday and Saturday to find out if they may be interested in training their pets and having a lot of fun.