Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I am new, and you might have seen my other message on "west highland terrier." We are tring to get her fit for the summer, so she can do some spring/summer shows. She has never been very enthusiastic in agility, but now she is on a new routine which will hopefully help her get fit, should I try again? how shall I start over? She loves to please and I would love to see the look on the neighbours faces if they see "the grubby fat thing" doing agility! How big should I start? Thank you very much for your help
regards,
pheebs

>>Hi I am new, and you might have seen my other message on "west highland terrier." We are tring to get her fit for the summer, so she can do some spring/summer shows. She has never been very enthusiastic in agility, but now she is on a new routine which will hopefully help her get fit, should I try again? how shall I start over? She loves to please and I would love to see the look on the neighbours faces if they see "the grubby fat thing" doing agility! How big should I start? Thank you very much for your help
>>regards,
>>pheebs

>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'd suggest Canine Freestyle instead of agility. It won't harm her body as agility might, and dogs love it.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Wow, thankyou! what is canine free style though? I would love to buy your book, whats it aimed at? thankyou very much for the advice!

Canine freestyle is "dancing" with your dog. Many schools are now offering it as classes beyond regular obedience. I don't know of any books, but I bet they are out there. Check www.dogwise.com.

The dog has to focus quite a bit and it's very fun to get the correct sequences together. It also looks incredibly impressive even if the human companion has two left feet.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

>>Wow, thankyou! what is canine free style though? I would love to buy your book, whats it aimed at? thankyou very much for the advice!

>>>>>>>>>>>

Canine Freestyle is dancing with your dog.

My book is about taking your dog on volunteer visits to provide emotional benefits to people in situations such as health care facilities.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Until you can get her down in weight to fairly close to ideal weight for her, agility is not advised. It puts a TON of stress on joints. I'd hate to see her hurt.

Try rally obedience or freesyle dance as Kathy suggested. They are fun dog sports and don't put as much stress on the body.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Thankyou! What do these alternatives involve? she is a very easy going dog, who is shy around lots of dogs especially ones bigger than her! They sound fun, but I live in london are there any places in london which do fun training sessions for rally obedience or that sort??? cheers!

>>Thankyou! What do these alternatives involve? she is a very easy going dog, who is shy around lots of dogs especially ones bigger than her! They sound fun, but I live in london are there any places in london which do fun training sessions for rally obedience or that sort??? cheers!

>>>>>>>>>>>

Try asking your veterinarian, your breeder, your dog groomer and other dog owners around you. Also try looking online for contact information on clubs connected with the Kennel Club. I expect Canine Freestyle is happening there, but you'll just need to find the local people who know. You can also call all the local dog trainers.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I don't know anything international. Yet, I'm sure there are schools in Europe that have both Rally Obedience and Freestyle dance.

Rally obedience is an "obsticle course of obedience moves." You go into a ring and perform obedience moves at stations around the ring. Check out the AKC's website for the signs and you can do an Internet search for "Rally-O" and find out tons about it. Your dog not enjoying being around other dogs might hinder what you are able to do, but many times the best thing for these types of dogs is to get out and be around other dogs. No, don't let the bigger dogs get in their face and intimidate them, but be in a working enviornment with other dogs around that are under the control of their owners might help your timid dog out.

Again, agility would be tough for this type of dog. Too many hyper loose dogs in classes barrelling into the other dogs during practive. Sensitive dogs have a hard time with the lack of structure.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles