Fairgoers last week enjoyed the daring performances of the Performance Dogs of Ohio. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
The Performance Dogs of Ohio were a big hit at the Adams County Fair this year. Owner Wesley Ryan said they’ve been in the business for seven years but started this show two years ago.
The performance, which includes approximately 30 dogs, started when Ryan’s brother decided to compete with his dog, who had a little too much energy. Ryan’s son joined his uncle and enjoyed the experience. Ryan explained, “We picked up a dog – Paisley, and we ended up winning the World Championship with her.” The group has focused on fairs and festivals for the past two years.
Ariel Faeth runs the drone during the show, and Ashley Quesenberry is the primary trainer and a professional dog trainer by trade. She said, “We train pretty much every day. Our dogs do stuff for five to 20 minutes due to what we work on daily. We work on tricks, agility, disc, and flyball.” She admits managing it can be challenging but has succeeded in a workable balance.
Fairgoers gathered to watch the high-flying pups jump hurdles, run through hoops, catch flying frisbees, and other stunts. The delightful canines came to show off their skills and accomplished the feat.
Performing in 48 locations this season, Ryan said the dogs present nearly every weekend. During the winter months, they entertain at college basketball games. This week at the Adams County Fair was the first time the dogs did four days of shows in a row. Ryan said, “We’re super pumped about this!”
The Performance Dogs of Ohio website states, “These dogs are our pets first and performers second.” Their focus is a healthy relationship with their “best friends.”
“These dogs love to work for us, and they love to perform.”
