BONHAM, Texas (KTEN) — Dogs of all shapes and sizes from across the country came out to compete at the Lone Star Dog Obedience and Rally Trial in Bonham.

Unlike breed shows where only purebreds are accepted, dogs from any background are welcome at the American Kennel Club obedience competitions

"Roadie, I found him on the side of the road. He was out in rural Oklahoma," trainer Barbara King said. "So we turned around, of course. He was not microchipped, and we did try to locate his owners. No one claimed him, so he came home with me."

This was the Lab's first competition, and the rookie took home first place in his class.

An AKC obedience competition in Bonham welcomed dogs that weren't purebreds.
An AKC obedience competition in Bonham welcomed dogs that weren't purebreds. (KTEN)

 

The trials tested the dogs' listening skills as their trainers directed them to perform different tricks.

"There are lots of different things that you can do with your dog in the ring," trial chair and dog trainer Frances Powrie said. "They can retrieve, they have to walk beside you, which is called 'heeling.' They have to sit, down, jump over objects — all sorts of things you would train your dog to do."

But competition isn't the only draw for the trainers. 

"It's always fun here," trainer Rich Imfeld said. "There's a lot of friends here, people who you've competed against—just have a good time with your dog. A boy and his dog—what could be more fun?"