• Photo by Debbie Tull

We've all seen the YouTube clips of dogs doing agility runs. Energetic pooches running, jumping, weaving through obstacle courses and looking like they're having the doggone time of their lives. It's high-energy fun and it's happening right here at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds at the 13th annual Lost Coast Kennel Club Dog Agility Trials and fourth annual Barn Hunt, July 21-24 from 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. (free admission). It's four days showcasing stamina, obedience, speed and the special bond between dog and handler.

Also, can your dog smell a rat? Bring him/her to the Barn Hunt Clinic on Friday from noon-4 p.m. at the fairgrounds' soccer field to learn what goes on in a Barn Hunt and see if he/she's got the nose for it ($10/dog - open to anyone). In Barn Hunts, dogs explore bales of hay using their instincts to search out rats that are hidden and safely contained in aerated tubes. The dogs can't actually get to the rats, they just find 'em, usually with tails wagging. For dogs that are entered into the Barn Hunt itself (please leave un-entered dogs at home) and for spectators curious about this fun event, it takes place July 22 and July 23 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on the soccer field (free to watch).

There will be vendors on the grounds as well, offering goodies for dogs and their owners. So take home a doggy bag and please remember to leave your own pooches at home unless they are entered in the events. For more information, go to www.lostcoastkc.org or call 445-3316.