The first Grassy Lake Retrievers' Kids' Training Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the field across from Jim Stone Elementary.

Registration is $20. Kids ages 8 to 11 and their large breed dogs, minimum 30 pounds, are invited out for a half day of hands-on dog training activities.

Kids will learn professional techniques of training and maintaining an obedient retriever or house dog from Grassy Lake's resident trainer Matthew Huff, who is also a full time fourth-grade teacher at Jim Stone Elementary.

The schedule of the day is as follows:

9 a.m. Champion Retriever Demonstration

10 a.m. Hands On Training

11 a.m. Best of Show & Speed Retrieve Contests

Noon Q & A Session Best of Show Contest all participants will have a chance to show off techniques learned during the clinic. Winner will receive a PetSmart Gift Card.

Speed Retrieve Contest fastest dog to retrieve, fetch and return a tennis ball or bumper at 50 yards. Winner will receive a guided duck hunt of $200 value with Matthew and his Champion Retriever, Mattie.

All participants will be placed into a drawing for a parent/child guided duck hunt. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased on the day of the event. Must be present to win. All participants will also receive a goodie bag.

Only one dog per participant. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

User Comments:

To Grassy Lake -- 9:55 Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007
This was awesome! It was very interactive, hands-on and your teaching experience definitely displayed during the training! Thanks for a great day, great information, great advice, and great training! The kids had a ball!