Captivating canines perform at Extreme Dogs show

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 26, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke Jenn Schielke celebrates the high jump with one of many performing dogs this week at Whoop-Up Days.

Dog lovers will have to check out Extreme Dogs at Whoop-Up Days down at Exhibition Park doing three shows daily at 3, 5 and 7 p.m.

The event promotes animal rescue and pet adoption with rescue dogs and trainers performing high flying stunts, extreme sports, and all manners of tricks – these dogs will capture the hearts of all who attend.

Andrew Pogson, with Extreme Dogs, gives colourful commentary along with tips and tricks for how all audience members can turn their dog into a high-flying super-dog, or even just learn to sit.

“Whether your dogs are young and old, you can always teach a dog new tricks,” said Pogson. “When teaching your dog a few new tricks, you’re always going to want to use positive reinforcement, always encouraging that dog by having a party at the end to reinforce that behaviour.”

When training a dog, Extreme Dogs reminds pet-parents that time and effort is a key trait in both the owner and canine.

“Lots and lots of time. All of us are positive reinforcement trainers. We find whatever motivates our dogs, whether it’s toys or treats. They’re going to work with that to motivate them. Once we find a behaviour that we like, we mark that with the reward. Whenever they’ve done something correctly, we make it a party, we make sure that they know they’re doing the right thing. We train our dogs every day,” said Jenn Schielke performing with Extreme Dogs.

Schielke is a Calgary trainer and competitor with 15 years of performances across Canada and the U.S., using her training and expertise to show audiences what hard work and dedication can do.

“Dogs intrinsically want a job, whether that job is doing a sit, stay, or walking with you nicely to the end of the mailbox and around the block. You can take agility classes at your local dog club here in town. The key to training is obedience. You don’t have to get into a sport or have your dog compete, anything works. It honestly gives them a really balanced life, it fulfills them, and they are better pets when they have a job,” said Schielke.

With a goal of creating wonderful lives for all dogs in need of a home the show sparks joy and excitement with a message to audiences looking for a new fur-friend.

“We’re promoting responsible pet ownership and the sport of canine athletics,” said Pogson. “The event showcases what amazing things can happen with your dog’s young or old. Just spending a little bit more time and getting out in the park to have some fun.”