In a whirlwind of activity, Westworld becomes “the” dog park! 

Included in the competitions, are flyball, Frisbee freestyle, agility, and Dock diving. There are exhibition sports as well, including canine freestyle, Lure coursing, herding. As these exhibition sports expand, they too will include competitions at all levels up through and including professionals.
 

The site, is a huge, grassy polo field, with tents everywhere. The afternoons heated up more than was desirable, but not to the point of giving up. Shade was a premium and water was essential. Otherwise, people continued their fast and furious dog sports events. Teams represented were from Japan, Bermuda, Russia, Italy, Spain, England, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Canada and an agility judge was from the Netherlands. There were dogs from almost every state in the US. A total count of the number of dogs taking part was not available but there were 988 dogs from eight countries in agility, 25 flyball teams, and more than 60 dogs from five countries taking part in the Disc dog events.

In addition to all of the competitors, there were vendors! Shopping! Food ! New dog equipment, clothes, dog food, dog treats, etc., are on site. They are all there (at least when they are not competing or playing) Now, throw the public with their well behaved dogs, into the park. It begins to make sense that this event is a perfect place to be on warm, comfortable days in November.

Many, many breeds of dogs were represented in these events as well. There were the typical athletic breeds, but who would have thought that a Papillon would be in the top contenders for his class for Dock Diving dogs?

The canine freestyle exhibition ring included two top trainers into their curriculum this year. Julie Flanery from Corvalis, Oregon and Patty Wiedeman, choreographer extrodinaire, and her assistant, Debora Ward. These workshops were the high point of the weekend for many. Some of the flyball competitors had to change their plans, to include these sessions, because the trip south is not made as often as they would like. The workshops included picking music using beats per minute, both of the handler and of the dog. Costumes, props, and music can help to make a good routine great. Patty Wiedeman is a born performer and excellent trainer. She shared some of her secrets. Julie Flanery is a wonderful trainer who understands dogs and people. She teaches the secrets to allow you and your dog to succeed in freestyle. Everyone laughed until they were sore and learned the ways to make the focus of your choice of dance come to life.

Between workshops, there were demonstrations to share the joy of freestyle with the public. Every time the music was turned up, the ring area was lined with spectators. Many of those spectators would grab their dogs and dance right along. Several Frisbee freestyle competitors from Holland requested to dance for us, to relax their dogs. The routines and music were enjoyed by the spectators and the dog world grew a bit smaller.