Blue Mountains Dog Training Club became the first dog club in Australia to hold a trial under strict COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday, July 4.
The club's annual obedience trial and inaugural rally obedience trial was made possible after organisers prepared a strict COVID-19 safety plan for competitors, judges, stewards and the public.
"In any other year we have unlimited entry and at least seven obedience rings running concurrently. This year entries were limited to only 10 per class, and four classes in the morning while the remaining five were held in the afternoon. People were limited to 100 at each session," said trial manager Susan Dellas.
All judges and stewards were given access to masks, gloves and sanitizer, among other precautions.
Three Blue Mountains club members were among the 77 entries -Jacky Walker with her border collies, Will Silk and his German Shepherd, Sophy, with Susan Dellas and her British bulldog, Aladdin, being the only one to gain a pass.
The trial was held at Dogs NSW grounds in Orchard Hills.