http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/Agility.asp Articles about Agility en-us Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:04 EST Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:04 EST dogs@terrificpets.com Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1021765.asp Have you ever considered the idea of entering your Affenpinscher in competition, but the idea of having a "perfect" pet or having impeccable grooming techniques makes the idea overwhelming? Why not try agility competition? This sport is a great option for energetic Affenpinschers and is a great way for owners and their pets to exercise together and have fun while they're at it! In this article, we'll take a look at what agility competition is and why it might be a good idea for you and your Affenpinscher. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1021765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1021765.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022365.asp If you're looking for a fun, interactive way to exercise and compete with your Affenpinscher, obedience competition might be something for you to look into. For a long time, it was thought that Affenpinschers were not suitable for obedience competition because of their trademark stubbornness, but Affenpinschers are entering more and more in obedience and finding some success. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022365.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022865.asp An Affenpinschers is a fun-loving bundle of energy that comes in a small, compact package. He's an independent thinker that loves to please but has a tendency to be a dominant presence. This can avoided with training classes and a commitment to good training at home. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1022865.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1024365.asp In addition to its other roles of working dog, playmate, hunting dog and watchdog, the Airedale Terrier also makes a great show dog. They have come a long way since the days when they were bred just to hunt otters. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1024365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1024365.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027465.asp Everyone is saying that your pet Akita could win any dog show competition just by the way it looks, and you are thinking, "Well, why not?" http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027465.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1029765.asp Agility training is a great way for your dog to get good exercise for both his body and his mind and is also a great way for you and your dog to spend time together. Shelties are a naturally active and intelligent breed, so they are particularly well suited to agility activities. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1029765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1029765.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214765.asp Dog agility training is a sport that has not only become more popular over the last few years but American foxhounds and other active dogs do this happily. Along with the competitors, spectators find this sport very exciting and entertaining. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214765.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10216365.asp Whether its mental stimulation or physical, the American Eskimo is a breed that requires, as well as enjoys, a high level of activity. In nearly every picture of an Eskie, they are seen in an outdoor setting. They thoroughly take pleasure in being out and about, interacting and regularly expect to be included in daily household activites. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10216365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10216365.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10217865.asp The Australian Kelpie is a natural athlete with a strong hindquarter and muscular shoulders. In short, the Kelpie is truly a jack of all trades. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10217865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10217865.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10219665.asp Agility training and competitions are a wonderful activity and great sport for both Australian terriers and their owners. Because Australian terriers are so intelligent, quick learners and love to please, they make a very good dog for agility training. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10219665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10219665.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10220665.asp Miniature Schnauzers are a small breed of dog, and they make excellent show dogs. They are a dog that requires a lot of attention or affection or they get depressed, which affects their performance and behavior. They have a lot of energy and require an outlet to release some of this energy. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10220665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10220665.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp There are a number of dog breeds available that herd large groups of animals with great precision and ease. However, in the 1800's Australian cattle ranchers not only wanted but needed a resourceful dog with the moxie to withstand the country's harsh conditions. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221565.asp The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to have stamina. On top of this, they are highly intelligent. Any Cattle Dog that doesn't have a chance to exercise its mind as well as its body is likely to convey his frustration in less than favorable ways. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221565.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229465.asp Border Terriers are energetic, active little dogs that excel in a wide variety of events. Because of their breeding, they are naturally driven to excel in the field and love nothing more than working closely with their handlers. Today, Border Terriers and their handlers use these skills to compete in nearly every competition available to them. In order to honor those Border Terriers that take advantage of their wide variety of skills and to encourage their handlers to participate, the Border Terrier Club of America created the Versatility Award. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229665.asp Thanks to their energy and their desire to work with their handlers in the field, Border Terriers are naturals in a wide variety of events, including Agility. Agility allows Border Terriers to use their speed, dexterity and agility in timed setting, an event in which they excel. If you are interested in an event that not only provides exercise for you and your Border Terrier, but opens doors to a whole world of meeting other handlers and Border Terriers, Agility might be a good choice for you. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229665.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229965.asp Border Terriers are well loved for their energy, intelligence and even their touch of a clownish streak. But, like many terriers, Border Terriers are independent and have a tendency to run towards dominant personalities. Without the proper training, they can be stubborn, quick to chase, and not afraid to initiate a fight with any other creature that rubs him the wrong way. In order to ensure that our Border Terrier doesn't become the head of your household, proper training and plenty of exercise will be key to showing him who is in charge. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229965.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp Border Terriers enjoy a long history as working dogs going back at least two hundred years. They were originally developed by the Robson family in the middle of the 19th century to hunt fox, rabbit, and other small animals around the border between England and Scotland, which is how they earned their name. While Border Terriers are not the most popular hunting dog in the world, they certainly are still used to hunting both in North America and in England. In this article, we'll take a look at training and where hunting is available in the United States. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230665.asp The Bouvier des Flandres is a very talented working dog that competes in may canine events such as tracking, French ring, Mondio ring, IPO, Schutzhund, Obedience, Herding and Agility. For those unfamiliar with Mondioring, it is an entire group of exercises completed by the dog and the handler in obedience, agility and protection. Most of these are protection sports. The exercises go almost nonstop without interruption. The main purpose of the events is for the dog to compete with distractions. The dog must show control and willingness on and off the leash. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230665.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10231265.asp The Bouvier des Flandres is a dog that serves many purposes in the lives of the people who own them. They're highly regarded as a watchdog, guardian, and family pet, in addition to all they do as a working dog. They have also been used as a seeing eye dog to guide the blind. They are also used in Search & Rescue, an organization designed to help find missing people, and their assistance in police and military work has been invaluable. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10231265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10231265.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp Agility competitions are favorites among dog enthusiasts. Agility competition is a great way to keep your dog active and fit in body as well as keep his mind active and alert. It's also a great way to spend time and bond with your dog, since dog and owner work closely together when running agility courses. Agility courses are, simply put, an obstacle course for dogs. Each obstacle course will have several different sorts of obstacles, including hoops, "teeter-totter" type devices, dog walks (like a "catwalk"), A-frame obstacles and tunnels, along with other jumps and obstacles. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246765.asp If you're looking for a great way to exercise and spend time with your Cocker spaniel, there are several different competitions offered through various associations around the country that focus on ability instead of good looks. Cocker spaniels certainly have plenty of both, and while they may be better known for making dramatic entrances at conformation shows, they also excel in agility and obedience competitions. In this article, we'll take a look at both agility and obedience competitions and why the Cocker spaniel is a good competitor in both. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246765.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10252565.asp The Japanese Chin is a toy breed of dog that is adored as a family pet, lap dog and companion. There is much more to the Japanese Chin than just his role as a pet as we know him. Japanese Chin, the show dog, is another of his many roles and a role they do very well. The Chin has been displayed in shows for many years, since the very first show in 1882 in New York. This dog show had nine Japanese Spaniels, the name the Chin was called until it was changed in 1977. This is the same year the Japanese Chin Club of America was formed. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10252565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10252565.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10263365.asp The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is considered a working dog, and is more so a driving dog instead of a herding dog. Their lineage dates back hundreds of years, as being a dog that not only drives cattle but also geese, ducks and sheep. Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a companion more than a driving dog. In some countries, they do still use the Corgi for driving cattle, but in the United States, the dog is found as a lovable companion for families. Because of their keen sense, Corgis are used for people who are hearing-impaired. They let the owners know about certain sounds that are important to know about. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10263365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10263365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp The Anatolian Shepherd is a strong, fast and dog that has endurance, power and agility. The appearance of the dog reflects its ability to overpower and conquer any animal or person trying to enter its territory without permission. The Anatolian is a large breed that is all muscle and strength. The large build of the dog shows its tolerability to endure months of being in the mountains taking care of the flock protecting them from animals such as wolves. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271965.asp The Beauceron is a large dog and as such needs lots of exercise. He cannot be cooped up in small spaces without the opportunity to exercise. He truly needs a job to do and lots of space in which to express himself and use his energy. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272665.asp The Beauceron is a born athlete! It loves to move and to exercise with precision. It is dedicated to whichever sport it is participating in and will compete with a deep drive to succeed. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp The Beauceron is an interesting dog with many fun facts within its rich history. It is a noble and wonderful dog and there may be a few things that will surprise you about its past! http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp> Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274865.asp The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the most agile dogs in the world. This rare breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world and it is known for its energy and athleticism. A Xoloitzcuintli is a swift runner. It is light footed and it shows graceful movements as it runs and jumps. Because of its alertness, the Xolo is perfect as a watchdog, but not a guard dog because it is small in size. These characteristics make the Xoloitzcuintli a great companion that is ideal as a family pet, a therapy dog, as well as a competition dog. It can excel in Agility, Conformation, and Obedience competition events. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274865.asp> Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp The Wire Fox Terrier is a very intelligent dog that has been taught to do many things, with the first one being obedience. This is not to say that they eagerly look forward to obedience training. Quite the opposite, in fact. They are very smart dogs, but they don't understand why they need to do something just because you say so. There are capable and have the intelligence to learn anything, so long as it's something they feel they want to learn and do. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp> Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp The Wire Fox Terrier is a dog of many talents, but their original and first job was as a hunting dog. They were originally bred for fox-hunting. There were fox-hunting hounds that were bred to chase foxes until they got to a hole in the ground. The hound would stop and the chase was over. When the Wire Fox Terrier was developed, their ability to hunt extended beyond just chasing the fox. With their agility, prey, and hunting drive, they would chase the fox until it ran in the hole and then climb in the hole after the fox. Their short docked tails came in handy with the hunters, who were able to pull the terrier out of the hole if the fox wouldn't come out on its own. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10282065.asp The lineage of the Toy Manchester Terrier can be traced back to Manchester, England where someone bred a Whippet with a Terrier known for killing rats to create an entirely new type of dog. This new breed of dog has the slightly bowed back of a Whippet but with black and tan markings. This is the dog we know today as the Manchester Terrier. Soon, people were breeding these terriers to a smaller toy size to better get into tight spaces to catch rats. In fact, the Toy Manchester Terrier's body is sleek and sturdy with excellent musculature, all stuffed into a condensed package. The muscles on this Manchester Terrier provides him great speed, power and agility - all qualities perfect for a ratter. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10282065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10282065.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10293765.asp The Keeshond is mostly fond of being with its family. They do like to play, take walks, sleep and follow you around. They are great in agility shows as long as they do not pull any little tricks on you and cause an embarrassing scene. Many dog handlers have stories of a perfectly well trained dog upstaging the entire show with a few antics of their own. These are just more stories that attract people to the breed itself. They are clowns at some times and can make you laugh. That is why they are so good for family living. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10293765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10293765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298165.asp The Flat Coated Retriever is a very confident dog. It has an outgoing attitude and maintains a great desire to please people. The Flat Coated Retriever is also extremely athletic, and is more than happy to get its dose of daily exercise like fetching, running and even swimming. Its playfulness and affectionate manner are signs that the Flat Coated Retriever thrives upon the lavish attention that its human handlers give it. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298165.asp> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108665.asp Depending on your climate, Standard Schnauzers are adaptive to both indoor and outdoor living. However, the Standard Schnauzer is a very athletic dog. He must receive lots of exercise and stimulation. He has a keen and sharp mind and high energy level. He must receive exercise regularly. A casual walk around the block won't cut it. They need to walk briskly, not short distance running and need it regularly. A Standard Schnauzer has a natural athletic ability and loves, if not craves to play games and other stimulating activities. They need and love a play session where they can just run freely. If you are currently out of shape, your Standard Schnauzer will help you get back into shape. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108665.asp> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112265.asp While it may be hard to believe, Poodles weren't bred just to be show dogs. They were originally developed as gun dogs, or retrievers. They have also excelled at a number of other different activities, such as hunting, tracking and herding. Many Poodle owners around the world still use their dogs in some of these traditional roles, though hunting activities in general have faded in importance over the years. Nonetheless, there are a still a variety of competitions in which dogs can show off the talents that characterize them as a breed and Poodles perform with success in many of these competitions. Some of the competitive events in which Poodles are seen include agility, tracking, herding and obedience. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp Before you invest in a Belgian Sheepdog, make sure you have both the time and room to exercise him. This highly intelligent breed requires a great deal of human interaction and exercise. They are not well-suited to apartment living unless you have a large area where you can exercise them frequently. This dog breed is not happy to sit around at your feet and be petted. They are herding dogs, and herding dogs always have to have something to do to keep them busy. If you don't use your Belgian Sheepdog for herding, you have to find activities to keep him busy so that he doesn't become bored. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133965.asp The Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers are an intelligent, outgoing, active dog that loves their human family, is patient, and easy to train. This breed is excellent in events such as agility, fly ball events, tracking, hunting trials, and obedience trials. Many clubs and organizations now offer dog agility competitions, which have continued to increase in popularity making it one of the fastest growing of all events or dog sports. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138665.asp The Irish Water Spaniel is quite the athlete in the dog world. It is active and it enjoys stretching its legs. There are many sports competitions in which the Irish Water Spaniel can showcase its talents and its skills. Among these are the more popular competitions such as conformation show, field trial, and flyball. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102142265.asp Miniature bull terriers are very active, funny, fearless, loyal dogs that love being with their family but they require both physical and mental exercise to keep them busy and out of trouble. They need extensive socialization and obedience training so they do not become unruly or aggressive. Most adult miniature bull terriers require suitable daily exercise such as long brisk walks and are great pets for older children that throw balls and play games with them. If you have a miniature bull terrier puppy, often a short playtime is sufficient exercise for him, often followed by a nap. Puppies bones need time to mature so never take your on a long or strenuous walk. Always talk to your veterinarian first to find out what is suitable for a young puppy. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102142265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102142265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp For an active miniature bull terrier that has done well in obedience training, possesses excellent social skills, and you want something fun and physical to do together with your pet, then competitions and events are a great way to spend quality time with your dog. This is also a great way to socialize and be with other miniature bull terrier lovers and their pets. Mini bulls love agility training because they get to jump, run, and burn off some of their excess energy. Events such as an agility training competitions are exciting and fun for you and your dog to compete in and just as enjoyable when watching the other dogs compete. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102148965.asp While Whippets may be best known for their participation in racing events, the truth is that they are very versatile dogs and can excel in a wide variety of events, including Agility trials. The best feature of Agility trials is that the handler and dog have to work together towards a common goal and appear together in the event. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what tasks are included in an Agility trial and how interested owners can learn more information about this exciting event. In an Agility trial, a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in which they are racing against the clock but are also judged on accuracy. Each obstacle course is different, as they are designed by the judge before each event, and no dog will run the same course twice. The courses are designed to be just difficult enough that a dog couldn't complete the course without the direction of the handler, and the handler's job is to study the course before an event begins to determine the safest and fastest route for his dog, which he must run off leash and without the aid of toys or treats. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102148965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102148965.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156465.asp The smooth fox terrier is a dog that is capable of many abilities as well as tasks, from hunting to show dog the smooth fox terrier can prove to be a loyal and capable companion. Depending on what type of performance the smooth fox terrier is required to do it is likely that it will be able to do what it is trained for; whether it be for dog shows or hunting. It is best if the smooth fox terrier is trained from when it is a pup to ensure that it will have the right qualities needed for various tasks. If you plan on having the smooth fox terrier entered in dog shows then you will want to prepare it from an early age by training it how to walk properly as well as sit, stand, and obey direct orders. If your smooth fox terrier will be used for hunting then you will also want to start it off from a pup, as it will grow and adapt to the required performance abilities of a hunting dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156965.asp Chinese Foos are inherently clever dogs that are devoted to their handlers and tend to learn new tasks rather quickly. While they are known as excellent guard dogs, their natural talents seem to make them excellent candidates for competitions like Obedience and Agility trials. Both of these activities are excellent ways to spend quality time with your Chinese Foo while working towards a common goal. In this article, we’ll take a look at both Obedience and Agility trials and how you can get involved. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163765.asp You've heard of the Lakeland terrier, the hunter, and you've probably heard of the Lakeland terrier, the family pet. Now you'll hear and read about the Lakeland terrier show dog. This is a role the Lakeland terrier has done for many years and has done well. There are many groups and organizations just for the Lakeland terrier dog shows and competitions. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167765.asp Over the past 30 years, the have been many agility-based sports invented and organized throughout the United States and the world. One of those sports, Flyball, is an exciting, fast-paced event that draws thousands of competitors and fans every year. All dogs are welcome to participate in sanctioned Flyball events, and the Miniature Australian Shepherd excels in this event. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168065.asp Bred to be a working dog, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is an athletic, agile dog that loves to be active. To that end, the Miniature Australian Shepherd excels in the sport of Dog Agility. Possibly the most recognizable sport for dogs, Dog Agility competitions are often shown on cable television. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168465.asp Bred to be a working dog, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is an athletic, agile dog that loves to be active. To that end, the Miniature Australian Shepherd excels in the sport of Dog Agility. Possibly the most recognizable sport for dogs, Dog Agility competitions are often shown on cable television. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp The Otterhound, referred to as a scent dog, was interbred with bloodhounds and Southern hounds for the specific purpose of tracking Otters in the United Kingdom. Though no longer used for this purpose, Otterhounds still enjoy hunting as an activity and hunt Mink in the U.K. They serve as a means to rid the farmer of these dreaded pests. In North America, they are used to hunt raccoons, bears and even mountain lions. Of course since these scent hounds love hunting they would no doubt love agility training. Agility training originated in England around 1978; this sport for canines was borrowed from horse steeplechases, a jumping activity. Today this sport is very popular and is growing in leaps and bounds. Both large and small dogs can participate in the fun. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171865.asp Dog owners are always on the lookout for new sporting events in which to register their canine friends; many are looking for outlets to help the dogs work off the energy that comes with being bred for a specific purpose. There are a variety of canine competitive events in which dogs can participate; it’s just a question of finding which one or ones best suit your breed. Amstaff owners are no different and love to show off the skills of their amazing, yet poorly understood, breed. One of the events in which Amstaffs often participate and at which they often excel is French Ring Sport. This sport originally hails from France and was originally developed about one hundred years ago for the purpose of testing breeding stock for their ability to be good protection dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp By virtue of its very nature, the bearded collie is a working dog. That doesn't mean, however, that you cannot transform it into a family pet, but you have to remember it will not be content to sit at your feet or be confined to the backyard. They require a great deal of exercise, and are happiest when they are doing something. In spite of their need to have frequent exercise, they prefer to be indoors with their families when they are not working or exercising. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp While your bearded collie is still a puppy it's important for you to learn how to take care of him. One of the most important things to know is that the bearded collie has an abundance of energy. If you are going to use him as a working dog to herd sheep or cattle, he will get plenty of exercise in the performance of his duties. On the other hand, if you are planning to use him as a family pet, it's important to understand the amount of energy he possesses so that you can make certain you make accommodations for exercising him on a daily basis. One important thing for those with children is the bearded collie is very good with children. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178165.asp As mentioned many times elsewhere, all dogs were bred for a purpose. Today’s society is more technologically advanced than the society in which many dog breeds came into being, and many things have changed; quite a number of the old canine job opportunities are no longer available. Furthermore, more and more people own dogs, choosing breeds not based directly on the type of work they do, but based on their looks and their temperament. This has led to many dogs finding themselves in situations which they were not bred for and with no natural outlet for their inbred instincts. The answer to this is a canine competitive event. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp Because of the small size of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, they are quite capable of being successful in underground earthdog testing. The tests are conducted as non-competitive trials in order to assess the hunting ability of an individual dog during the performance of an underground hunting expedition. Owners don't have to be concerned with their dogs being in danger as the encounters are controlled. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp> Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184965.asp Rottweilers are an active, intelligent breed which loves nothing more than to be kept busy doing something fun and challenging. There are a number of activities which you can take part in with the breed including agility, tracking and carting, but a new type of dog sport is also proving to be a big hit too. Dog Rally is a new, extremely fun sport for dogs. It is mainly a sport which is undertaken in America and it involves obedience, agility and it has taken its inspiration from sports car driving. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184965.asp> Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102185065.asp The Rottweiler is often seen as a powerful and bulky dog. More recognised for its guarding ability, most people assume that the breed is not really overly active. However, if you look into the history of the Rottweiler then you will see that it has always been a working breed. This means that it has plenty of energy and if that energy is not used up then it could potentially cause behaviour problems in the dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102185065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102185065.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189665.asp Agility is a fun dog sport that many dog owners and dogs enjoy immensely; it is probably the most popular fun dog sport at the moment, with owners having their dogs participate both for simple exercise and for competition. Agility began at the end of the 1970s, in England, at the prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show. Originally, there were two main attractions at Cruft’s: the obedience championship and the group judging. There was nothing interesting going on in between these two events and so the Show Committee wanted something to entertain spectators between one exhibition and the next. John Varley was the Committee member that was asked to invent the entertainment. Fortunately for modern agility enthusiasts, Mr. Varley was much more interested in horses than in dogs and so thought up the dog version of horse-show jumping, essentially a fancy dog obstacle course. In 1978, the obstacle course was shown to the public, with two canine teams in competition with each other. It was an enormous success and continues to be an enormous success, all around the world. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189665.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189865.asp If you were to take just a glance at a dog of the Papillon persuasion, their delicate features, the large, butterfly shaped ears, the fluffy coat, and the large eyes, you might assume that the Papillon is something of a dainty breed of dog. While this is certainly understandable, nothing could be further from the truth. The appearance may suggest a dog afraid of getting their paws dirty or putting much effort into anything, but nothing could be further from the truth. As anyone might expect, the breed are amongst the most intelligent and agile, but some people might be surprised to find the Papillon to also be incredibly resilient, confident, relatively strong and, should the occasion call for such an attitude, willful and stubborn in dealing with larger dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102189865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196865.asp If you’d like to pursue some form of dog competition with your Irish terrier, obedience competitions and agility competitions are great choices. Irish terriers are athletic and intelligent, giving them the ability to excel in either filed of competition. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196865.asp> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102201165.asp The Italian Greyhound is a very active and talented dog that performs with excellence in the show ring. The different events the Italian Greyhound competes in is conformation, obedience, agility, lurecoursing and racing. Conformation is one of the first show events the Italian Greyhound competes in. Conformation involves how the dog looks in comparison to how the breed standards feel she should look. They have to stay with in the colors that are customary for the Italian Greyhound and their bodies need to be proportioned exactly as the standard. They also compete in the obedience. Although obedience is an event in itself, it works alongside of the conformance because the dog has to behave well for the judge or he will be disqualified. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102201165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102201165.asp> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202765.asp In their early history, the Laekenois was used for guarding property and herding sheep and cattle. As they were depended on to do a job without much instruction, dogs developed for this intention are known to have a bit of an independent streak in their temperament. At times this can make the Laekenois seem aloof or rather standoffish. Nonetheless, they greatly depend on regular contact with owners to stay healthy. The breed is steadfastly loyal and their human family is considered their pack. Many who own the breed report it is not uncommon for the dog to attach to one particular individual in the family. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202765.asp> Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102212765.asp Agility training is a wonderful opportunity for dogs and owners to learn how to work together, get lots of exercise, and become more in synch with each other. Dogs that compete in agility events must be intelligent, athletic as well as very attentive to the handler. They must be able to block out distractions such as crowd noise, other dogs and even movement and activity on the sidelines. Agility training involves teaching a dog to go through a set of obstacles in a specific sequence within a set time frame. Agility competitions were first exhibited at the Cruft's International Dog Show in Birmingham, England in 1979 and continues to be one of the most popular events from a spectator and competitor point of view. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102212765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102212765.asp>