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Pondering an idea..

SimmSimm
edited April 2011 in General Discussion
I'm heading north soon where my dalmatian is, she is nearly four and I've been thinking about getting her into some form of competing sport, because her only animal companion is her best friend, aka, L'e the cat.<br>There isn't a dog park around where we live, so I would have to drive to one, but she can be pretty rough with excitement, especially around little dogs.<br><br>I was thinking about obedience, agility or flyball. (if anyone has anymore suggestions, let me know!)<br>But Simmies one downside is that is so over-excited to see and be right next to you, she doesn't play fetch. She will chase things, but either:<br>- gets half way to the object and then runs back to you.<br>- pounces on the object and stands over it and waits for you to come and get it off her, then she picks it up and runs away, or<br>- very rarely brings it back to you.<br><br>So that kinda puts Flyball out of the question because the prize is a ball. (if it was a liver treat then Sim would be all over that sport)<br>Obedience I have never looked into, competing wise, to me it sounds dull and I want to be able to have fun with her.<br>That gets us to Agility.<br>I have a big enough backyard (and a handy parent who will help me build things) to set up a course, so space isn't a problem.<br>Pro's and Con's of agility? Know any good sites about the sport itself and how to build your own course and/or train your own dog?<br>I want to know all I can before I really get into it. <br>BTW. I am Australian, so I don't know if there is a difference with rules and regulations of agility courses/competitions, between Aussies and the US. (or anywhere else overseas for that matter)<br><br>Also, 3 out of 4 fences surrounding the house are only a metre or so tall, would this be a problem if she learnt to jump agility jumps??<br><br>Any tips about the sport, etc that you may have. <br>Please post and let me know, as I really want to get into a dog sport!<br><br>Anywho, off to eat my dinner.<br><br>- simm.
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Comments

  • JellybeanjoeJellybeanjoe
    115.70.103.87
    I would highly suggest seeing if there's a dog club near you, and attending it.<br><br>My boss (family friend xD) breeds Basenjis, and imported a Norwegian stud dog, who is way to cluey for his own good. He LOVES agility. If a Basenji can focus and love it, I'm sure a spotty dog won't have a problem with it :P<br><br>Even if you just ask and go watch a session, you'll probably decide then if you love it or hate it, and if there's any questions, you'd probably find the dog owners more than happy to answer.<br><br>I'd love to do agility with my Cav, but he's more Mum's dog than mine. I'm the sister who is lovingly ignored :lol:
  • KazukoKazuko
    71.226.105.86
    Okay, I know there are some people on VP who are... weirdly ridiculously against this activity (thought I... can't understand why) but maybe try free-style dancing? It means she'll learn tricks, do something active, and stay right by your side. xD Or maybe frisbees? I know you said she's not interested in toy rewards, but I'm sure if you praised her every time she showed interest in a frisbee, she'd start to go after them.
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  • SimmSimm
    121.217.216.18
    Free-Style Dancing? That'd be.. interesting.<br>Although I can't see myself or Sim doing it, thank you for telling me about it though. (might look into it)<br>I'd really love (and so would my dad) if she would bring a ball or frisbee back, but she is more of a people person which is why I think Agility would work best, because you have to work as a team.. Again thank you for the idea. (:<br><br>Jelly; I know there is an agility club where I am moving too so I will definitely have to give them a call and see if I can sit in on one of their meetings or training sessions (whatever they call it). <br>Thanks. (:
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