Dog lovers in the New York City area might want to take time out to visit the first ever "Dog Gone Smart Expo".

It takes place February 13-14, 2006, at the Penn Plaza Pavilion at the Hotel Pennsylvania (401 Seventh Ave).

The Expo is meant to showcase the working talents of dogs, what dogs were originally bred to do.

Scheduled for Feb 13, are such events as...

• Terrier-Go to-Ground, a competition that tests the ability of Dachshunds and Terriers to hunt and work underground



• Competitive Dog Agility, get a glimpse of the fun, competitive sport that tests for speed and accuracy of handler and dog



• Schutzhund Obedience and Protection, find out about a dog’s intelligence and utility



• Guide Dogs, learn about Guiding Eyes for the Blind a non-profit, charitable organization that provides trained guide dogs for the visually impaired throughout the world



• Freestyle—Dancing With Your Dog, find out how you can get jiggy with your furry friends in a demo by The World Canine Freestyle Organization



• New York City Police Department Bomb Sniffing Dogs, see these specially-trained canines work alongside New York City’s finest



• Disc Dog Demo, witness father and son duo "High Flyin" Houston and "Dare Devil" Dallas as they perform acrobatic and freestyle routines

Scheduled for Feb 14 are events for herding, hound, and sporting dogs..

• Service Assistance Dogs, East Coast Assistance Dog, Inc. will show how people with disabilities can gain greater independence and mobility through the use of specially trained dogs



• Hunting, see the speed, alertness and skill of Pointers



• Search & Rescue, find out about canine and non-canine search and rescue teams help in disaster recovery efforts with The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation

Throughout the day, there will be games, agility racing, Frisbee dogs, world record high jumping, dancing dogs, trick dogs, and more at the Classic K-9 Show. Top dogs and trainers from all over the U.S. and Canada will compete and entertain the crowds. The show is choreographed to music and mixed with comedy and special effects.

Last but not least, visitors can witness the determination and strength of the Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in a Cart Pulling Demonstration.

The EXPO will also feature more than 50 vendors. Attendees can also visit the Dog Gone Smart booth to learn more about its many canine services.

For more information, visit Dog Gone Smart.