Dogs
For more information on dog activities and how to find them in your area, visit All Things Dog Blog's Dog Activities Locater page.
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Teaching Kids Proper Dog Greetings
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, CPDT-KA Dear Terry, I have 3 young children. We often visit families with dogs. I would like to hear from a trainer what the best way is to teach my kids to greet the dogs properly. Can you tell me...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Introducing Your Dog To A Fearful Visitor
Terry Cuyler APDT, CPDT-KA © Kim. L., reader copyright on file Skye Burns Excess Energy on the Agility Course Dear Terry: Any advice for introducing a rambunctious Aussie to a sister-in-law who is scared of dogs??? Jess the Dog Shopper ...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuylerwhy Is My Dog Restless?
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © Carrie Boyko Fetch Training is Good Physical and Mental Exercise Dear Trainer: Why is my dog so restless? -------------------------------- Dear Restless, Many dogs who exhibit restlessness are young,...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Selecting A Train-it-yourself Assistance Dog
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © International Association of Assistance Dog Partners™ Dear Terry: I was on a waiting list for 5 years, and with so many problems I have to train my own assistance dog. I need a mobilty dog for the biggest...
- Is Your Border Collie Bored? Rent Some Sheep!
By Linda Cole A Border Collie is a great dog to share your home with, as long as you can keep up with them. Because they are so smart, it's easy for them to dream up things that get them into trouble. They also need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation....
Dogs
Ask the Dog Trainer:Good Sports for Border Collies
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA
Dear Terry,
My Border Collie is a bundle of energy. I've been told and have read that he needs a job. I'm considering herding and agility, but am worried about him getting hurt in agility. Can you give me some tips on safe agility training?
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| © K.L., reader copyright on file Rose Runs an Agility Course |
Dear Terry,
My Border Collie is a bundle of energy. I've been told and have read that he needs a job. I'm considering herding and agility, but am worried about him getting hurt in agility. Can you give me some tips on safe agility training?
And what about me; will I need to be in great shape to run around with him, or will I just give the orders? I am able to run and be active, but am not familiar with how much physical fitness I will need. I would like your ideas for both of us on staying safe and not getting hurt would be a big help.
Chitiqua M.
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Dear Chitiqua,
I agree that most dogs need a job, but especially a BC! Agility and herding are two wonderful activities and I love that you are concerned about injury to both you and your dog. Almost any active sport has the potential for injury.
Your dog will do most of the work, but it is a good workout for you as well. Conditioning will help both of you. Do not be a couch potato most of the week and then try to run Agility or Herding Trials on the weekend. Conditioning means aerobic exercise enough to get both your heart rates up and your muscles working hard.
Your dog will do most of the work, but it is a good workout for you as well. Conditioning will help both of you. Do not be a couch potato most of the week and then try to run Agility or Herding Trials on the weekend. Conditioning means aerobic exercise enough to get both your heart rates up and your muscles working hard.
Check out Christine Zink, DVM, PhD. Her books in print are available through Canine Sports. Building the Canine Athlete includes expert tips on preventing injury and rehabilitation. This book is shown below, but appears to be out of print. However, you may find this at your local library, as well at the more expensive one, The Agility Advantage.
In addition to Agility which is very popular and extremely fun, or herding, which does require something to herd, you might consider Flyball which is a relay race between two teams of four dogs. They race down an aisle with small hurdles, jump on a spring-loaded box to catch a ball, then race back to their owners so the next dog can go. Border Collies excel at Flyball. It is very fast and exciting. The really good teams have all four dogs up and back in l6 seconds. Whizzzz! Conditioning is important for Flyball athletes as well. But the handler does a little less work than in Agility. Check this link for more information.
The newest sport that might interest you is called Treiball. It was developed in Germany to give herding dogs an outlet without having to farm sheep J Instead of sheep they herd large balls down a field to goal posts. Here is a short video clip to give you an idea. Classes are springing up all over the USA now, so keep looking.
A sport for rainy days as well as sunny is K9 Nose Work. It is basically search and rescue for companion dogs. They are searching for a scent on half a Q-tip instead of having to search for missing people, but the dogs love it! It doesn’t require much physical stamina for either people or dogs. Puppies to seniors can participate and it can be practiced inside in your living room. Your dog’s nose is amazing and this is a way to celebrate it. Read more at the link.
I hope this post has started you thinking about the many things you can do with your wonderful dog to keep him healthy and engaged. Happy dog sports.
PawsProf
Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at [email protected]. For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof. A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.You can read more of Terry Lynn Cuyler's training questions at her Archives page.
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Teaching Kids Proper Dog Greetings
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, CPDT-KA Dear Terry, I have 3 young children. We often visit families with dogs. I would like to hear from a trainer what the best way is to teach my kids to greet the dogs properly. Can you tell me...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Introducing Your Dog To A Fearful Visitor
Terry Cuyler APDT, CPDT-KA © Kim. L., reader copyright on file Skye Burns Excess Energy on the Agility Course Dear Terry: Any advice for introducing a rambunctious Aussie to a sister-in-law who is scared of dogs??? Jess the Dog Shopper ...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuylerwhy Is My Dog Restless?
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © Carrie Boyko Fetch Training is Good Physical and Mental Exercise Dear Trainer: Why is my dog so restless? -------------------------------- Dear Restless, Many dogs who exhibit restlessness are young,...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Selecting A Train-it-yourself Assistance Dog
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © International Association of Assistance Dog Partners™ Dear Terry: I was on a waiting list for 5 years, and with so many problems I have to train my own assistance dog. I need a mobilty dog for the biggest...
- Is Your Border Collie Bored? Rent Some Sheep!
By Linda Cole A Border Collie is a great dog to share your home with, as long as you can keep up with them. Because they are so smart, it's easy for them to dream up things that get them into trouble. They also need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation....