Listed as #1, #2, and #3 are the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepard, respectively.
Border Collies are VERY smart, but need LOTS of exercise.
Poodles are one of the most popular breeds and comes in three sizes, but requires a LOT of grooming.
German Shepards are classified as the third smartest breed and are the most popular breed for law enforcement and military. Don't let this defer you from having a Shepard as a family dog, this breed wants to please, but needs to be trained early NOT to bite. They will also be very protective of their family.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Trial Training
The best ways to get handler and doggy ready for a trial are to come to class and work hard, and then get your paws wet and participate in one! The mini-trial events we have are a good way to see where you are in regards to training and what you need to work on. If you feel confident (every team did well in mini trials and SHOULD feel great about their performance) you may be ready to start competing!
UKI trials are coming up in Draper on the 21st of July. You must be registered with UKI to participate. Registration is easy and you can do it online at http://www.ukagilityinternational.com/Members/RegistrationForm.aspx.
Handler online registration is only $10.50 for a 5 year handler membership. Your handler membership will allow you to:
Please contact Maria at maria.hansen@zoomdogagility.org if you are interested and would like more information.
Here are some great pictures from our most recent mini trials.
This post contributed by Maria.
UKI trials are coming up in Draper on the 21st of July. You must be registered with UKI to participate. Registration is easy and you can do it online at http://www.ukagilityinternational.com/Members/RegistrationForm.aspx.
Handler online registration is only $10.50 for a 5 year handler membership. Your handler membership will allow you to:
- enter and pay for any UKI show online
- track your dog’s level points from their results
Please contact Maria at maria.hansen@zoomdogagility.org if you are interested and would like more information.
Here are some great pictures from our most recent mini trials.
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This post contributed by Maria.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Smartest Breed
Have you ever looked at your dog and said "You're so smart," or "You're not very smart?" Have you ever wondered if one breed is smarter than another? What about researching the type of breed that fits best for you and your family?
For the next several posts, we'll take a look at "The Smartest Breeds." (Don't feel bad if your dog's breed isn't included, that doesn't mean she/he is not the smartest!)
This first video is from Canine psychologist Stanley Coren, who has measured the intelligence of more than100 dog breeds. Coren is the author of The Intelligence of Dogs a book on dog intelligence, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Coren defines three aspects of dog intelligence in the book: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence. Instinctive intelligence refers to a dog's ability to perform the tasks it was bred for, such as herding, pointing, fetching, guarding, or supplying companionship. Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog's ability to solve problems on its own. Working and obedience intelligence refers to a dog's ability to learn from humans.
For the next several posts, we'll take a look at "The Smartest Breeds." (Don't feel bad if your dog's breed isn't included, that doesn't mean she/he is not the smartest!)
This first video is from Canine psychologist Stanley Coren, who has measured the intelligence of more than100 dog breeds. Coren is the author of The Intelligence of Dogs a book on dog intelligence, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Coren defines three aspects of dog intelligence in the book: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence. Instinctive intelligence refers to a dog's ability to perform the tasks it was bred for, such as herding, pointing, fetching, guarding, or supplying companionship. Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog's ability to solve problems on its own. Working and obedience intelligence refers to a dog's ability to learn from humans.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Alphabet Drills
What about setting up a course of only jumps? Can we keep the dogs motivated and engaged on this type of a course?
Jumping drills (more specifically, Alphabet Drills) are a great way to become more imaginative when setting up practice drills and to help familiarize both handler and dog with common obstacle patterns seen on agility courses.
With alphabet drills, jumps are set up as different letters of the alphabet, where each letter focuses on specific handling skills or dog skills; and can be done using a minimal amount of space and a minimal number of jumps (five jumps is usually the average). Practicing jumps in this manner aids the handler in remembering each pattern of jumps, so that eventually they can associate the pattern of the letter with the associated drills.
Here is a YouTube video showing some alphabet drill practice.
Watch for news about upcoming Zoomdog Alphabet Drills classes.
Jumping drills (more specifically, Alphabet Drills) are a great way to become more imaginative when setting up practice drills and to help familiarize both handler and dog with common obstacle patterns seen on agility courses.
With alphabet drills, jumps are set up as different letters of the alphabet, where each letter focuses on specific handling skills or dog skills; and can be done using a minimal amount of space and a minimal number of jumps (five jumps is usually the average). Practicing jumps in this manner aids the handler in remembering each pattern of jumps, so that eventually they can associate the pattern of the letter with the associated drills.
Here is a YouTube video showing some alphabet drill practice.
Watch for news about upcoming Zoomdog Alphabet Drills classes.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Every Dog Wins at Trials!
June trials at Zoomdog were a windy hit! All of the participants (dogs and handlers) did very well. It was a first for some to be outside and run a course. For others, it was the first trial event. A HUGE thank you to all who participated in the trials and helped set up and break down. More pictures will be posted soon. Also, if you are interested in a picture CD, contact Maria at maria.hansen@zoomdogagility.org
Job well done!
Thank you to our professional photographer Stacey Moss!
Credit for this lovely post goes to: Maria
Monday, June 18, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Wagwear
Wagwear is a company that creats fashionable dog items. This little blurb is from their "about" section:
Dogs Rule.
In 1996, Amy Harlow adopted six week-old twin Shiba Inus, Lucy and Tonto, and quickly discovered how difficult it was to find cool, classic, quality apparel for dogs that were both fun and functional. With her education in fashion and a successful career in modeling, Amy brought her expertise from the catwalk to the dog park and the wagwear brand was born.
Founded in 1998, wagwear offers puppy chic in the latest colors with fully-functional details such as reflective tape in the leashes and coats, materials such as oil cloth, canvas and climbing rope, and overall classic design one might find on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard or the streets of Tribeca the same weekend.
In 2006, Amy opened her flagship store in the heart of Greenwich Village. All of wagwear's clothing and accessories are designed, fit and made right here in NYC! That makes for high quality dog gear and the unique ability to custom-tailor most garments, whether a Daschund or a Great Dane, to your dog's special shape or size .
Stop by her shop for a custom fit or call and be guided through some fairly simple measurements. "But Fido and I live in Paris?" Wagwear ships internationally, domestically, down the street, or under the boardwalk. Anywhere your pup goes, we go.
Our Department: Walk. Carry. Play. Wear. Sleep.
Some of my favorite items include:
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| Agility: Slip Lead (comes in 5 color combos) http://www.wagwear.com/catalog/detail.asp?id=cat65&x=3 |
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| Night out on the town: Toggle collar (they even have a human belt to match!) http://www.wagwear.com/catalog/detail.asp?id=cat34&x=6 |
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| Casual: Bandanna Bed http://www.wagwear.com/catalog/detail.asp?id=cat79&x=50 |
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| Camp out: Tee-pee Hound Lounge http://www.wagwear.com/catalog/detail.asp?id=cat30&x=52 |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Ready, Set, Trial!
Mini trials are right around the corner on June 19th at 6PM!
Here are a few tips to help you and your pooch get the most out of any trial you enter.
#1 Know where your dog’s nose is at all times.
No stealing treats or saying hello without permission!
#2 Know what the dog’s opposite end is doing.
Carry extra poop bags and alert the judge if your dog (accidentally) “goes” on the course.
#3 Take care of the trial site.
Don’t litter and don’t allow pups or people to dig up the area.
#4 Know and respect the judges and hosts.
Abide by leash rules and use only equipment that is allowed.
#5 Be considerate of other exhibitors.
Keep the course entrance clear and try not to distract teams that are running.
#6 Have fun with your dogs and enjoy your time together!
See you at trials!
Credit for this lovely article goes to: Maria
Monday, June 11, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bionic Toss-N-Tug
Supposedly the Bionic Toss-N-Tug is one of the best new toys on the market. Bionic Rubber is flexible yet strong. It floats, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and has no harmful materials, making it an ideal material for dog toys.
Interested? You can buy their products here. Also, if you already have experience with this product-please share!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Easy Listening
I often listen to this podcast while cleaning or doing other mundane necessities. It is a good review of basic dog obedience as well as many canine tips and tricks! You can download each short (4 to 8 minutes) show on iTunes or listen via the website at http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com. Although some of the information on the shows pertains to initial training, many of them feature suggestions all dog owners can use such as keeping your dog calm and travelling with your pet. Yes! After all, we are never really finished learning!
Credit for this lovely post goes to : Maria
Friday, June 1, 2012
Dog vs. Balloons
If only we could get our dogs to focus with this intensity and duration on the agility course!
Of course, you have to wonder about the mess left over from all the balloon casualties...but don't worry, this little terrier "helps" with that as well.
Of course, you have to wonder about the mess left over from all the balloon casualties...but don't worry, this little terrier "helps" with that as well.
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