Dogs-only Fast CAT Fun Trial returns to Dac Rowe April 29-30
April 16, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
A German shorthair pointer named Boomer chases the lure on the Fast CAT course in May 2022. File photo by Gordon Miller
Signups are filling up quickly for the Green Mountain Dog Club’s Fast CAT Fun Trial scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, at Dac Rowe Park in Waterbury.
CAT stands for Coursing Aptitude Test, a program run as a competition through the American Kennel Club. The local version is still relatively new and is run as an unsanctioned, untimed fun trial to introduce canines and their owners to the event.
Registration is required. The event is open to all breeds and mixes of dogs over 4 months of age. No experience is needed.
The first Saturday heat is a short, 50-yard course for small, young, and new dogs to try out in particular. The rest of the heats will be on a 100-yard fenced chute where dogs chase a white cloth decoy (called a “bunny”) from start to finish.
The trial will be run in individual heats with dogs running up to three times per heat. However, each dog may participate in just one heat on only one day.
Some important details:
Each dog should have two handlers, one to release and one to catch. Each should have a leash.
Owners can register multiple dogs. The registration fee is $15 per dog, per run.
Participants should use the park entrance on Winooski Street. A parade on Saturday will close Main Street at 12:50 p.m. for a short time.
Handlers are asked to keep a safe distance between dogs and to bring water and a bowl. Any dog showing signs of illness must stay home. Females in season are not allowed. Any aggressive dogs will be asked to leave.
There is an online registration form with more information online at greenmountaindogclub.com or on the group’s facebook page under events.
Email any questions to fastcat@gmdcvt.org.