COWLITZ COUNTY, Wash. - Recent stories on local and national levels concerning dog fighting has led to more publicity for dog competitions that do not include fighting.

Currently, NFL quarterback Michael Vick is under indictment on dog fighting charges, and former Portland Trail Blazer Quintel Woods also faced local charges involving dog fighting.

But a recent local story concerning noises that sounded like dog fighting led to a man who trains his pit bulls for formal strength and speed competitions.

KATU news showed video footage of one of the man's dogs in action on a treadmill to a member of the Oregon Humane Society, and she said she saw no wrongdoing in the footage.

"I'm not seeing fighting dogs, I'm seeing highly trained athletes," Sharon Harmon said, "and these dogs are having a pretty good time doing what they're doing"

While neighbors disagreed that the dog exercises were not harmful, the dogs' owner had no reluctance to show KATU his dogs, property and training equipment.

He said the canines, both of which are pit bulls, compete in All American Premier Breeds Administration competitions, which include feats of strength, speed and agility.

Amador Junior, who is a judge for the AAPBA, said the dogs are held to strict standards, wear muzzles and are kept apart during competitions to avoid fights.

But he did say that pit bulls are a favorite breed due to their strength and competitive spirit.

An animal control officer visited the home of the man whom neighbors had complained about and found no violations.