Never Give Up On Someone You Love, continued. Penny competing in Agility.
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS (ACD) end up at shelters as owner-surrenders after they’ve outgrown their ‘skills’ of being cute puppies. Like any herding breed, they are super smart
and require obedience training, lots of exercise, and mental stimulation through a “steady job.” You must be a leader yourself if you plan to share your life with an ACD.
Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States, with more than 1 million entries to the AKC’s Agility Program each year. Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog, or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives. Unlike behaviors such as Leave It or Come,
Dr. Marusak and Penny main-
tain a schedule of Agility lessons twice a week; traveling to and com- peting in two trials a month. There is even an Agility course in Dr. Marusak’s backyard just for Penny. “I had the pool built for her too,” adds Dr. Marusak. “She loves cool- ing down on the pool steps. Years ago I started with horses. All horses, lots of horses; working, training, competing. And, now I’m doing Agility with Penny. It’s been good for both of us.”
Agility is just for fun. There’s no need to stress over how quickly your dog learns these new skills. Set your dog up for success by starting small and raising your expectations slowly. Some dogs might be ready to move past the basics in a few weeks, but other dogs need a more patient approach. Remember to use lots of encouragement and
Sweet Pea
more grateful once they’re adopted and have gained some confidence that this is home. Put in a little work with your newly-adopted dog, take time and be patient. Look at Penny! Look at the potential a shelter dog has to offer.”
U
praise when your dog is successful. According to accomplished trainer and agility competitor Arlene Spooner, an AKC Executive Agility Field Representative, you should keep your early home training sessions short, no more than five or 10 minutes at a time. “Keep it fun and stop before your dog loses interest.” Terminology: CPE - Canine Performance Events C-ATCH - CPE Agility Trial Champion MACH - Master Agility Champion
CHECK IN WITH YOUR LOCAL DOG TRAINING CLUB FOR CLASSES AND COMPETITION SCHEDULES.
Penny and the newest member of the pack, Jack.
Penny still has her insecurities.
“She’s a very clingy, needy dog.” And the counter surfing? Well, Dr. Marusak is very careful about what she leaves on the counter. “No temptations,” she smiled. “You take the good with the
bad,” added Kim Innes, the vet tech. “Shelter dogs, to me, seem
26 THE NEW BARKER
Before: Penny, previously from Hernando Co. Animal Services.
Upper Suncoast Dog Training Club 727.238.7737 Dog Training Club of Tampa 813.931.7387 Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg 727.527.5568 Imperial Polk Obedience Club 863.644.1227 Orlando Dog Training Club 352.735.3910 Indian River Dog Training Club 321.722.1222 Dog Obedience Club of North Fort Myers 239.995.7110 Sarasota Obedience Training Club 941.377.5984 Obedience Club of Daytona 386.761.1095 K-9 Obedience Club, Jacksonville 904.651.5872 Marion-Alachua Dog Training Assoc. 352.369.5551 Greater Fort Myers Dog Club 239.945.2776 Treasure Coast Kennel Club 772.878.2211 Greater Naples Dog Club 239.594.0352
www.TheNewBarker.com
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