Down to Earth

I went off to Okotoks yesterday for an Earth Dog Event. It is my kind of dog sport - low pressure.  :)  Your dog either has the instinct, or they don't.  Kind of like Lure Coursing - they either chase the lure, or they don't.  There isn't much you can do to train or direct your dog.  And once they start, you just sit back and watch.

And because it is based on instinct, the dogs are almost guaranteed a good time.  They get to hunt, chase and burrow after rodents for the day.  It is a terrier's dream come true.

There wasn't much to photograph (as the dogs should be underground for the most part) but I just tried to capture some candid shots of the dogs and their owners.  I also liked capturing the excitement of the dogs as they were being led up to the start line - most of the dogs were pulling like crazy to get there.

If you'd like to see more, feel free to check out the full gallery!