Tescott, Kansas – On August 5 and 6, the Central Kansas Working Dogs Club made history by hosting their inaugural Protection Sports Association (PSA) trial at Yaeger Field. This marked not only a first for the club but also a statewide first, bringing the PSA competition to Kansas for the very first time.
The event attracted competitors from eleven states, including Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas and Tennessee, showcasing their talented working dogs in the intense yet disciplined sport of PSA.
A Brief Overview of PSA For those unfamiliar with the term “working dogs,” these highly trained canines excel in various jobs, from police work to search and rescue missions. The Protection Sports Association (PSA) is a sport that highlights these abilities through obedience and protection phases.
Obedience Phase:
This segment demonstrates the dog’s ability to follow commands and perform intricate exercises with precision. It focuses on the handler-dog relationship and requires strong communication and trust between the two. Scenarios in the trial include staying while the handler walks away from the dog, even while “decoys” (simulated bad guys in padded bite suits) scream and run around the dog, refusing tasty food from a stranger, jumping over jumps, retrieving strange items like books or cardboard boxes,
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and staying in a heeling position while passing distractions like dog toys and balloons.
Protection Phase:
In this stage, dogs are tested for their courage, control, and determination as they respond to various scenarios that mimic real-life protection work. This phase showcases the dog’s ability to switch from a calm state to a defensive mode, under the command and control of the handler. Protection scenarios include a simulated carjacking, an attack on the handler from hiding, and a “fighting decoys” scenario- where two decoys argue and yell and the dog must not bite until directed by the handler. If the dog bites the wrong decoy, or decides to bite on his own, he loses all points for that exercise.
Highlights of the Event The trial included unique attractions such as a raffle of working dog-related items and a vendor presence from Epoch Canine, all the way from South Dakota. Concessions were available, adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the unique features of the event was a “Poop Raffle.” Contestants who cleaned up after their dogs and brought bagged dog poop to the table received a ticket for a chance to win a high-dollar prize, a $200 e-collar. The initiative was wellreceived, encouraging participants to keep the facility in pristine condition. The importance of cleanliness extended to the competition itself, as dogs could be disqualified if they went potty on the trial field – a grave concern for those who drove from states away.
Local Pride: Daija Thomas Adding to the sense of local pride, high school senior Daija Thomas served as the Steward of the trial. Her participation underlines the community’s involvement in and support for this unique event.
Daija is also training to become a decoy herself, and recently purchased her own $1600 custom Bite Suit using funds she earned while working at the Lincoln Grocery. Daija hopes to attend Kennelwood Dog Trainer’s Academy in Missouri after she graduates.
The first-ever PSA trial in Kansas, hosted by the Central Kansas Working Dogs, was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on the skilled and dedicated working dogs and their handlers. From obedience to protection, from raffles to responsible conduct, the event not only educated but entertained, leaving spectators eagerly awaiting next year’s competition. It was a remarkable weekend that put Tescott, Kansas, on the map in the world of working dogs.
Central Kansas Working Dogs can be found on Facebook, or by emailing [email protected]
