Sports with dogs
Tracking education (Fährtenausbildung)
The training to become a tracking dog took place once a week in 2002 and
2003, whereas some tracking-seminars were attended and successfully completed.
Since the tracking education is very time intensive, I postponed it until
further notice.
Protective service (schutzdienst)
When Tara was two years old I started to attend the protective service with her. Tara acted exemplary flourished when we were on the drill ground twice a week, regardless whether it was sunny, rained or snowed. Unfortunately I had to quit after two years because of the lack of time.
Agility
I regularly attend the agility group of a German Shepard Club. I attended further trainings with Tara in 2002/2003 and 2004. (have a look at the pictures)
What is agility?
Agility is a sport where human and dog work together as a team. This sport finds more an more devotees.
Purpose of the agility training is that the dog runs through a parcour with about 15-20 different hindrances within a given time, trying to make as little mistakes as possible. The dog handler is always running next to the dogs side, while showing the dog through shouts and hand signs, which hindrance he has to take next.
The equipment on the parcour is jumping equipment as wattles, tires or long jump and contact zone equipment (teeterboards, A-wall, footbridge). The dog has to touch the red colored areas in order not to receive point deductions. In addition there are exercises in a tunnel, on a table and they also have to do the slalom. That is probably the most difficult exercise to learn for every agility-team. If they do a mistake, they receive penalty points or even get disqualified.
The challenge is not only to cope with the different apparatus, but to prepare for new situations, as the equipment on the parcour is rearranged from time to time. Therefore, a tight bond between the dog and the dog handler and a perfect communication is necessary. It doesnt matter how they communicate, whether through voice, eye-contact, posture or through gesticulating. The dog has to understand immediately what the dog handler wants him to do and carry out the orders in absolute trustfulness.
The dog handler needs to be able to motivate his dog, in order to make a sports dog out of the agility-rookie. So that he can hardly await being on the drill ground.
The sense of achievement, ebullient commendations, dog cookies or toys as a reward are the best means to motivate the dog. Young dogs should make this experience from the beginning, when doing their first agility-trials. Having fun and enjoying this sport is essential for a good and successful agility-team.