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Updated often.....
Please note: Roman Reign is working hard on her
dissertation. Availability is limited. Please be patient during the
2008-2009 season.
It has come to my
attention that dog pulling was discussed on Austin's 101.5 KROX Jason and Deb
show on Dec. 19, 2008. There was some misinformation discussed.
Though I did not listen to the segment, I wrote Deb an email. Dog sports
require proper training. Please do not hook up your dog to objects without
prior training.
Deb,
I was informed on the radio that there was discussion about weight pulling and
having dogs pull people around on skateboards. I would highly discourage
allowing dogs to pull you on a skateboard unless the dog was properly trained
and the correct equipment was used. While, I don't have to discuss why
obedience is critical for any activity, using a regular collar (any type) can
seriously injure your dog. You can pull your dog's neck muscle or cause a
misaligned vertebrate. A freight/weight siwash style harness is constructed so
that there is NO weight on the dog's back. The weight and pull power all come
from the dog's lower neck and chest. This is why when dogs pull, then naturally
hunch down low. This is also why if your dog's collar rests on the base of the
neck of your dog, you have little control of your dog. If you keep the collar
high right below the chin, you'll have total control. This is how handlers on
televised dog shows are able to easily handle 250 lb mastiffs on tiny collars
and leads.
Also, weight pull is a sport that grew out of historical functions of pulling
breeds. Modern day competitions test the amount of weight the dog can pull over
16 feet. The advantages of the sport is that it is an activity that any dog can
participate in and earn a title. Dogs should have basic obedience before
beginning this sport, and many dogs do have to be trained to do this. This
sport encourages handler and dog bonding and teamwork. This is one of the few
sports besides agility that allows mixed breed dogs to participate.
Drafting/Carting is another pulling activitiy that is based on handler control
and ability to manuerver a cart. The emphasis of drafting is not about the
amount of weight a dog can pull. Drafting requires intensive training and a
strong foundation in obedience prior to draft training. Drafting is not an
activity that any dog can learn quickly. It takes a minimun of several months
to train a dog to a beginner level. You can learn more about these activities
by visiting my website (www.romanreign.com)
or by visiting IWPA.net.
As a trainer, handler, and judge, I have many mantras. Fit dogs are healthy
dogs. Tired dogs are well-behaved dogs. Most behavioral problems I see in dogs
can be prevented with exercise. Many health problems can be prevented with
exercise. Dog sports can provide many advantages such as physical activity,
obedience training, handling skills, and mental stimulation. They bring people
and their dogs together.
Thanks for your time.
"A well-built dog can do anything." - Pat Hastings - Because
we believe that any physically sound dog should be able to enjoy dog sports.
and for those who compete with small dogs (or even big ones) -
"A well-conditioned and well-built performance dog makes the best toy!"
See Mouse IS a toy after all!
Recommended Readings:
- Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
- Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor - I use this book in my Intro to
Psychology Class
- Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan
- Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
- The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
- Water Work, Water Play by Judi Adler - water rescue
- Competitive
Training for the Small Dog by Barbara Cecil and Gerianne Darnell -
competitive obedience
- SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever Have! by Peter J.
Vollmer
- New Link - Great Resource for those training -
DragonFly
We will have a list of upcoming activities currently
available at SouthWest Working Dog yahoo group.
Loaner harnesses and
equipment now available. We have also given rides at picnics,
celebrations, dog shows, carnivals, and parties. Book us to give rides at
your next event! Email for
more info. If you don't get a reply within 24 hours, then your email
got lost in cyberspace. Don't hesitate to call or email. :o)
Upcoming events 2008- 2009 Season -
Tentative (activities subject to change at anytime):
Please email to confirm.
Walnut Creek Park - 12138 North Lamar Blvd - Austin, TX
Old Settler's Park - 2800 East Palm Valley Blvd - Round Rock, TX
Northeast Metro Park - 2703 Pecan Street East - Pflugerville, TX
Austin's Colony Park - 2500 Austin's Colony Parkway - Bryan, TX - behind the
school
Sept:
Last weekend Sept - Old West Newfie Club test, Lake Kiowa, TX - Water
Rescue
Oct:
11
18
25
Nov:
1 - Drafting at with Ron and Pam Capelli @
pamcapelli@prodigy.net
Driving with Jennie Chen (humans in cars 4:00 pm at Torchy's
Taco's, 1207 South 1st Street, Austin, TX)
8
15
22
29 & 30 - Fun
Match Weight
Pull www.iwpa.net
Dec:
6
13
20
27
Jan:
3
10 -11 Weight Pull
www.iwpa.net
17
24
Feb:
7
14
21 & 22 - Lone Star Berner Draft Test,
Wimberley, TX
29 - Old West Newfie
Club Draft Test, Belton, TX
Mar:
1- Old West Newfie
Club Draft Test, Belton, TX
7-8 - Weight pull
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
Sept:
Obedience : Remember to check www.AKC.org
and www.onofrio.com
Around the tree!
HANC 2006 pics taken by Ashley.
Biel (Capelli), Mouse, and Eiger (Capelli) taking a break from hiking at Pace Bend
Mouse and his bumper
Mouse giving some goats a run for their money
Look at those ears go!
Copyright ©2002-2010 Jennie Chen, M. S. All images and
articles are copyrighted.
Unauthorized use is strictly Prohibited.
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