• 15May

  Nippy dog at exit line

  Contests, Dog Agility Training 26 Comments

  Lorraine Moxham-Smith from Brandenton, FL emailed me a good question for the blog.  As I’m always looking for new contest ideas, I thought I’d open it up to our community to help her out!  She asked,

  “My sheltie has recently developed a problem.  He is so excited and high upon completion of his run, especially in a trial, that he jumps up and sometimes nips.  Any suggestions?”

  Please share your comments ….
  __________________________________________________________________

  FUSION CONTEST…
  This was a contest that Agility Fusion had to win a Gift Certificate.  It is now closed, but if you would like to be notified of everytime we have another contest (which is about once a month), please register.  You may still add your own story below for others to continue to read and comment on as well.

  
• 14May

  AKC will now welcome mixed breeds

  Interesting and Funny 49 Comments

  Have you heard the news?  That AKC will be allowing mixed breeds into certain venues?  Straight from the horses mouth, you can read about it here.   AKC says the primary reason they are doing this is for ‘legislation power’.  Basically the more dogs they have on their leash, the more clout they have to lawmakers. 

  The plan is that starting October 1st 2009 you will be able register your mixed breed with AKC.  Then in April 2010 you will be eligible to compete in mixed breed classes and “stand-alone” agility, obedience, and rally events.   Hmmmm….

  I have to admit, I have mixed feelings.  Not because I don’t want to see our All Americans participating and excelling in agility.  It’s just that I have always thought of the AKC as an organization whose philosphy is pure-bred dog ownership and overseeing the registration and title accomplishments of such.   Other organizations (such as USDAA and CPE) we respect for simply being agility event organizations  (without the same philosphy), and so we expect that these would allow mixed breeds.  I don’t know, maybe I’m odd, but whether I agree with philospophys or not,  I admire consistency of philosphy with actions.  Such clear voices and focused visions are refreshing in today’s complex world.    Many an organization has drifted from their original mission because they did not stick to it, and suddenly they find themselves a totally different entity before they even realize what happened. 

  Anyway….thoughts?  I’d like to hear from you.

  Are you a member of Agility Fusion?  If not, I suggest you join today!  Not only will you enjoy daily tips and news about agility, dog-ownership, and life in general, but EVERY FRIDAY you will receive a special morning email with a link to our weekly contest, where I invent some fun new way for you to win an obstacle or a gift certificate!  It’s fun, it’s new, and its the thing to do!

  

  Tags: agility changes, controversial

• 13May

  Using Wires with a Channel Weave Set?

  Dog Agility Equipment No Comments

  Someone recently asked me a question, about whether there was any reason to use wire guides along with their VersaWeaves. For those who don’t know about them, the VersaWeaves are a cross between channel weaves and 2 x 2’s, allowing for both training methods (which are similar in concept). They also are a full-fledged competition set when all the poles are in a straight line.

  Now, the channel method is, in my opinion, the best method for training dogs the weave poles. When it is slowly and methodically done, the wires aren’t necessary. However, it’s easy to rush the process, and you’ll discover this later on. You might have a dog who is doing a good job weaving with the poles in a straight line, and you think all is well. But alas, suddenly he begins to miss a pole here and there. You are  surprised. What happened? This is where the wires can come in handy. Instead of going backward in the channel method, and pulling the poles apart again, I personally think it is more beneficial to introduce the wires at this point. Just my opinion.  It seemed to work well for me.

  

  Tags: agility obstacles, weave poles

• 12May

  Play dead trick like you’ve never seen it!

  Dog Training (General), Interesting and Funny 6 Comments

  Thanks to Paul Ineson, of superdogagility.com, one of our dropshippers, who sent us this hilarious video from the David Letterman show.  I cracked up so much.  I just love fun dog tricks.  Do you know how he may have taught his dog to do this?  I have an idea, but want to check it out with all you dog trainers for your thoughts?

   

  Are you new to the Agility Fusion Blog? 

  If so, welcome!  Here you will enjoy DAILY tips and interesting news on the subject of agility, dog ownership, and life!  (click here for this week’s most current blogs).  Not only that, but EVERY FRIDAY I create a fun contest to win an obstacle or a gift certificate!  If you are not a member yet, I suggest you climb to the top of this page and click on the “Register” button.  Why?  This will not only allow you to participate every Friday in the contests, but I will send you an email every Friday morning to remind you about the contest!  How fun is that! J

  

  Tags: dog fame, dog tricks, videos

• 11May

  Agility Trivia Contest Winner

  Contests No Comments

  Happy Monday all.  And congratulations to “Sideway”, who was the first person to get all the questions right.  Now, I’m not sure technically that a “leg” is called a “point”, but I understood what was meant (and I could be wrong).  But it is a qualifying run, and I think a “point toward a title” is close enough (if not correct enough).  ANYWAY, moving on…. You can read all the answers by clicking on the “comments” area below.  Thank you to everyone who participated!  In this case, the early bird caught the worm!  (next time I may make it harder!)

  Check back on the blog tomorrow.  I have this HILARIOUS video to show you with a pet dog trick that you probably have never seen before.   You’re gonna love it!  And more agility training tips too, as well as some changes coming to AKC.   All on AgilityFusion!

  Meanwhile, here’s a funny pic for you to smile at today!  Hope it cheers up your Monday….

  

  

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