By Luke Voogt
The Royal Geelong Show’s most terrier-ific event returns this year with dashing dogs putting their paws to the floor in a bid for glory.
Teesdale’s Caitlin Kitson urged local dog owners to follow the lead of her Scottish terrier, Matilda, a race veteran with one victory.
“It must have been a slow year when she won,” Caitlin said.
“She’s 11, so now she’d be lucky to get a place.”
But Matilda’s chief hander, Caitlin’s son Fletcher, 6, said the tenacious terrier’s fitness regime gave her a chance.
“She likes to chase bunnies,” he said.
Caitlin described the race as a “fun” rather than “serious”, although the organisers introduced a video referee after “discrepancies” one year.
“They run so fast so we had to video it in the end.”
Owners would coax their dogs over the line with methods ranging from lures to special treats, Caitlin said.
But a good hug would be the only motivation needed for Bannockburn sausage dog Maylee, said “parent” Amanda Bartlett.
The cuddly canine trained this week at Geelong Showgrounds with Amanda’s son for her debut in the show’s Dachshund Dash.
“She performed very well today – she was very keen to run with Tom, who she adores,” Amanda said
Maylee’s family hoped she would pelt up the track to be with her young owner Tom, who had some reservations.
“She’s a very lazy dog,” he said, “but once you’ve got a good bond she’ll be the first to reach you.”
Terriers, dachshunds and other dogs will compete in respective races on 22 October during the four-day show.
