• 20Jan

  Welcome Mat for Mutts at the AKC

  Dog Agility Competing 9 Comments

  Back in May we discussed the AKC allowing mixed breeds to compete with the purebreds.  There was a  lot of great feedback here at AgilityFusion, and elsewhere on the internet as well, apparently!  AKC has changed their stance on the Mixed Breed titling system and competing due to ‘compelling feedback’ from the community.

  AKC decided to allow mixed breeds to compete in any agility trial WITHIN the same classes. This is different than their previous ‘separate class’ distinction that was obviously not accepted as well and clubs thought too confusing.  This means the AKC can now really compete with USDAA and CPE in their agility offerings (and rally and obedience as well!).  This’ll begin April 1st (I know, really?) So your mixed breed dog can now compete head to head with the purebreds, and may the best dog win!

  Clubs have the choice not to enroll in the Mixed Breed program (called the AKC Canine Partners Program), but it is anticipated that all will. Why limit your clubs’ venue by not allowing registered mix breeds? there’s money to be made in it, after all!

  You can register your Mix here:http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/listing_benefits.cfm and you can find trials that allow mixes at  http://www.akc.org/events/search/index.cfm?action=refresh_index&active_tab_row=2&active_tab_col=3&fixed_tab=8&mxb_flag=Y  I think this will definitely make it easier to get competitions in areas that don’t have a lot of venue options.

  

  Tags: agility changes, agility competing, agility organizations, dog breeds, Events & News

• 24Nov

  Pilgrim Pooches

  Interesting and Funny No Comments

  Research confirms that pilgrims weren’t the only passengers aboard the Mayflower.  Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620.  This Thanksgiving, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) celebrates the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff, the two breeds who joined the pilgrims on their journey to the new world and who were the first to make dogs a part of everyday life for the earliest Western settlers. 

  The earliest mention of dogs in America appeared in a 17th century journal called “Mourt’s Relation” about the first years of life in the new world. According to this account, two dogs – an English Springer Spaniel and a Mastiff – were brought along by John Goodman. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore. 

  “This Thanksgiving we give special thanks to the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff who came to America to help the Pilgrims begin their life in the new world,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “While both breeds helped the settlers find and retrieve game, today, they were also trusted companions and it’s amazing to think our forebears enjoyed the same breeds as we do today.”

  The Mastiff is one of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club – some can even top 200 pounds.  The breed is a powerful and courageous, yet gentle and loyal companion.  Mastiffs were raised in Britain for more than 2,000 years and used as hunting dogs by nobility and watchdogs.  They like to be around people and bond closely with their owners.  Due to his large size and need for space, a Mastiff is best suited for country or suburban life and requires light exercise and minimal grooming.  Additional information on the Mastiff can be found online at www.akc.org.  

   

  The English Springer Spanielis a fun-loving dog adaptable to city or country life.  The word “Springer” comes from the breed’s inherent desire to hunt. Springers are prized for their eagerness and ability to find and scare up a large variety of game birds as well as rabbits.  In the field, they are light, lean and fast.  The breed is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats.  Additional information on the English Springer Spaniel can be found online at www.akc.org.  

  With Thanksgiving approaching the American Kennel Club^® offers safety tips for pet owners to make their Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday parties fido-friendly.  Among them:

  • Never give turkey bones to your dog; they pose a serious choking hazard for dogs.
  • Always keep an eye on the Thanksgiving table and secure leftovers and garbage to prevent your dog from going through holiday foods.
  • Don’t give your dog scraps from the holiday buffet. Stuffing, pies, cookies and fancy hors d’oeuvres are inappropriate foods for dogs and may make them sick.
  • Keep burning candles on high tables or mantels out of the way of your dog’s wagging tail.
  • Alcohol is toxic for dogs, even in small amounts.
  • If you host a party, remember that some guests may be uncomfortable around dogs. Your dog may, in turn, be uncomfortable or frightened around a large group of unfamiliar people. You may want to confine your dog to a crate or a room that will not be used by guests.
  • Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine. Try not to vary your dog’s feeding, walking and playtime schedule.

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  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 month we have a contest to win a gift certificate or an obstacle!  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 in the contests, but you will get priority status for blog and contest notifications!  How fun is that!

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  Tags: dog breeds, dog fame

• 31Oct

  “Ghost Dogs”

  Interesting and Funny No Comments

  In the spirit of the week, it seems a fitting time to highlight the Weimaraner.  Weimaraners are a high-energy, high-drive dog in the sporting category, and are known as ‘ghost dogs’ for both their silver-grey coats and blue eyes, and their truly eerie howl.  Weimaraners do well in agility, and are very sensitive to their trainers, and need positive reinforcement. They’re reserved to all but their families.  

  

  Tags: dog breeds, videos

• 16Oct

  Agility in the Land Down Under

  Dog Agility Competing No Comments

  The land of Oz has some wizardly dogs! Two-thirds of Australian households have dogs. With that many dogs, of course you’ll want to do something with them! What better than agility? Australia has a very active Agility community- and trials are called ‘tests’.  There is also the Australian National Kennel Club.

  While the Australian Shepherd is actually an American mix, the Australian Cattle dog (AKA blue or red heelers) is all Aussie, and is a great agility worker, even if they are stockier than the shepherding types, which makes sense- they are bred for herding cows!   Keep in mind they are positive learners, and fast ones, too! Correcting them can lead to problem behaviour.  The Australian Cattle dog seems to respond best to short training sessions, and will often learn faster than the handler can teach!

  

  Tags: agility organizations, dog breeds

• 14Oct

  Agility in Japan

  Dog Agility Competing No Comments
  

  Bowen is companion to Colleen Sullivan of Sondaisa Akitas

  Japan has been open to trade to the West since 1854, thanks to Commodore Perry and his treaty, but their history and culture are still a mystery of the East.  Theirs was an insular culture, and that tendency is continuing today in Agility.  While there is agility in the country, and there are many title-holding dog and handler pairs, Japan announced it would no longer be participating in the international agility trials.  While individual handler and dog teams can presumably go to other countries to trial if they so desire, there will be no Japanese team.  Japanese dogs, such as the Shiba Inu and the Akita are not entirely uncommon in agility, as compact, high drive and muscular dogs.  Watch out, though! Neither dog is for the beginning trainer.

   

  

  Tags: dog breeds, dog fame

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