Obedience, rally, agility, tracking, barn hunt, nose work, dock diving—you name it. Our breed can do it all.
LRCGB members actively participate in a wide variety of AKC and non-AKC companion sports in addition to classic retriever work.
Each year, the LRCGB hosts several companion sports events that draw region-wide participation from Labrador and sport-specific enthusiasts alike.
Like our Labradors, our members know how to balance the hard work it takes to put on first-rate events with a determination to be sure a good time is had by all. Please join us at one of our events – as an exhibitor, spectator, steward or class sponsor! More information on individual events is available on the Events Calendar page, which is updated regularly.
Our events are well-run, festive and fun! They include:
Winter Conformation Match plus Obedience and Rally Show + Go
Usually held in mid-February, the licensed conformation B match is judged by knowledgeable breeders and includes sweeps, veterans and a full complement of regular classes. The Obedience and Rally Show + Go mimics a trial atmosphere but allows the use of food and toys so is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the Spring and Summer shows. The club provides toys and prizes and usually has lunch brought in for exhibitor purchase. It’s always a good and productive time among Labrador-loving friends!
Spring AKC All Breed Obedience and Rally trials
Held the 1st weekend in March in Franklin, MA, these indoor trials are some of the annual favorites of obedience and Rally enthusiasts from New England and beyond. They include a full complement of obedience classes on Saturday and Sunday, a Rally trial on Sunday, and always warm hospitality with a terrific array of raffle baskets chock-full of decorative, functional and often one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds from the raffle support Labrador Rescue.
May AKC Agility trial
The agility community in the LRCGB is a small but mighty part of the Club. Partnering with Colonial Shetland Sheepdog Club (sharing resources and volunteers) we descend on the Wide World of Indoor Sports in North Smithfield RI for our annual weekend-long agility trial. The fun starts on Friday afternoon when we enter the empty area to set up for a 2 full ring AKC event with 600 runs. This is where the expression, ‘it takes a village’ comes in! It is a whirlwind weekend to experience a sea of dog crates, dogs of all breeds, and the wonderful agility community of New England. If you’re looking to learn more or fulfil your work requirements for the Club, we welcome helpers with open arms! And lunch tickets!
June Conformation Show and Obedience and Rally Labrador Specialty
In June, our shows move outdoors to the beautiful Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds in Westford, MA. The wooded, well-maintained grounds provide generous space for camping, shade parking, strolling, shopping, picnicking, and multiple rings for Conformation, Obedience and Rally at comfortable distances from one another. There are always beautiful ribbons and prizes for exhibitors, unique vendor shopping, and the prospect of winning one of the many festive raffle items members generously donate each year. And of course, a whole bunch of beautiful Labradors in one place to meet and admire! A New England lobster dinner on Saturday night often rounds out the festivities.
Canine Good Citizen
You’d like to have a dog that is well-behaved, at home and in the community? Strengthen the bond between you and your dog to become the best companions for each other — and great neighbors to those around you?
Check out the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program!
It’s designed to teach the basics of good manners and obedience — without the competitive element and stress of a formal obedience trial. All you need is love, patience and tons of praise.
LRCGB doesn’t offer CGC classes but we frequently include CGC tests in our various events. Check out our Activities page to see what’s coming up!