Taieri Canine Training Club (TCTC) members are celebrating after several wins at national agility and obedience competitions last month.
A large contingent of the club travelled with their dogs to Tokoroa and competed in the New Zealand Dog Agility Championship while others went to Christchurch for the New Zealand Dog Obedience Assembly.
The dogs and their handlers returned home with cups and ribbons, as most placed well or came first in their category.
TCTC member Sallie Remon and her daughter, Sian Remon (15), competed at the obedience assembly, while her son, Jake Remon (12) flew solo to Tokoroa to defend his title as junior handler of the year. He came second.
Mrs Remon and 3-year-old border collie Taboo came in first and third in different obedience events then secured the title of overall top novice dog.
Sian scored her first competitive win with 10-year-old collies, brother and sister team Meg and 'Arry. They won three out of four Rally-O competitions.
''I was definitely not expecting to win, I was just hoping to qualify,'' Sian said.
TCTC member Fiona Dyer and border collie Lachie beat 23 other dogs and handlers to win first place in the special beginners category at the obedience assembly in Christchurch. It was the second time the pair had competed in the section.
They had also come first at a show in Invercargill.
Mrs Dyer said she had joined the Taieri Canine Training Club without the intention of entering competitions but the support and patience of the other members gave her the confidence to do so.
''I just love to do these things with the dogs because you're around people who love their dogs,'' Mrs Dyer said.
TCTC competitor Bronwyn Smaill took her dogs, Inch and Zeta, to the New Zealand Dog Agility Championship in Tokoroa.
Five-year-old collie-cross Zeta earned two ribbons in the intermediate division for fifth and 10th placings, while 2-year-old kelpie-cross Inch also received two ribbons.
He came fourth in the starters division and sixth in the jumpers event.
Mrs Smaill said she had not expected either dog to do as well as they did because there were more than 130 dogs in Zeta's division, and more than 80 dogs competed against Inch.
''I was a bit surprised. I had just hoped they would place in the top 20,'' she said.
TCTC president Veronica Maclean was pleased with the club's participation and success.
''Not all the dogs and handlers who went to NZDAC and NDOA returned with ribbons but all had a really enjoyable weekend doing what they love to do with their dogs,'' Mrs Maclean said.
- Haley Thom
