// API callback
related_results_labels_thumbs({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298"},"updated":{"$t":"2024-01-04T00:36:37.183+11:00"},"category":[{"term":"PAST EVENTS"},{"term":"NEWS"},{"term":"WHAT'S NEW"},{"term":"RESCUE"},{"term":"PREVENTION"},{"term":"LIFESTYLE"},{"term":"HEALTH AND WELLNESS"},{"term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"term":"ILLNESS"},{"term":"COMPETITIONS"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFARE"},{"term":"REVIEWS"},{"term":"LIVING WITH DOGS"},{"term":"BOOK CLUB"},{"term":"DOG EVENTS"},{"term":"BEHAVIOUR"},{"term":"TRAINING"},{"term":"BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING"},{"term":"DOG FESTIVALS"},{"term":"VETERINARY"},{"term":"UPCOMING EVENTS"},{"term":"NUTRITION"},{"term":"TRAVEL"},{"term":"HOLIDAYS"},{"term":"HOT PRODUCTS"},{"term":"KNOW YOUR BREED"},{"term":"GIFT GUIDES"},{"term":"HEALTH"},{"term":"GUIDE DOGS"},{"term":"MOVIES"},{"term":"DOG BREED A to K"},{"term":"KIDS"},{"term":"WORKING DOGS"},{"term":"CHARITY"},{"term":"DOG NUTRITION"},{"term":"PET INSURANCE"},{"term":"ADVOCACY"},{"term":"COVID-19"},{"term":"DOG TREATS"},{"term":"FUNDRAISER"},{"term":"PET TECH"},{"term":"PUPPY"},{"term":"ECO-FRIENDLY"},{"term":"DOG BREED L to Z"},{"term":"PET PHOTOGRAPHY"},{"term":"SUMMER"},{"term":"WINTER"},{"term":"AGED CARE"},{"term":"CANCER"},{"term":"PET LOSS"},{"term":"ASSISTANCE DOGS"},{"term":"DOG-FRIENDLY VENUES"},{"term":"SPRING"},{"term":"TECHNOLOGY"},{"term":"DOG STORIES"},{"term":"GROOMING"},{"term":"PET-FRIENDLY PLACES"},{"term":"CHRISTMAS"},{"term":"GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS"},{"term":"GREYHOUNDS"},{"term":"THERAPY DOGS"},{"term":"ACCESSORIES"},{"term":"DOG ACCESSORIES"},{"term":"GREYHOUND"},{"term":"MENTAL HEALTH"},{"term":"WAR DOG HEROES"},{"term":"AWARDS"},{"term":"PET-FRIENDLY RENTALS"},{"term":"POISONS"},{"term":"RETAIL"},{"term":"SUBSCRIPTION BOX"},{"term":"BOREDOM BUSTERS"},{"term":"DRY FOOD"},{"term":"POUND PAWS"},{"term":"RAW FOOD"},{"term":"SENIOR DOGS"},{"term":"ALLERGIES"},{"term":"COURSES"},{"term":"DENTAL CARE"},{"term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"term":"EASTER"},{"term":"EMERGENCY"},{"term":"FAVOURITE FINDS"},{"term":"INSURANCE"},{"term":"NATIONAL HOLISTIC PET DAY"},{"term":"PET APP"},{"term":"PET CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"},{"term":"PET THERAPY"},{"term":"TRAINING AND BEHAVIOUR"},{"term":"LOST PETS"},{"term":"MOTHER'S DAY"},{"term":"PET OWNERS"},{"term":"RESPONSIBLE ANIMAL GUARDIAN MONTH"},{"term":"VALENTINE'S DAY"},{"term":"WALKS"},{"term":"DOG FOOD"},{"term":"DOG MARKETS"},{"term":"DOG SUPPLEMENTS"},{"term":"HERDING"},{"term":"PET WELLNESS MONTH"},{"term":"SENIORS"},{"term":"SEPARATION ANXIETY"},{"term":"SPRING CLEANING"},{"term":"THE GREAT OUTDOORS"},{"term":"TV SERIES"},{"term":"ANIMAL PAIN AWARENESS MONTH"},{"term":"ANXIETY"},{"term":"ART"},{"term":"COOKED MEALS"},{"term":"DOG DAY CARE"},{"term":"DOG FASHION"},{"term":"DOG TOYS"},{"term":"ENRICHMENT"},{"term":"FATHER'S DAY GIFTS"},{"term":"PLANTS \u0026 PETS"},{"term":"WEIGHT LOSS AWARENESS"},{"term":"BOOK RELEASE"},{"term":"BUSHFIRES"},{"term":"CAMPING"},{"term":"CAREERS"},{"term":"DOG HEALTH"},{"term":"DOG SEMINARS"},{"term":"DOG TRAINING"},{"term":"FOSTER"},{"term":"HALLOWEEN"},{"term":"HEAT STRESS"},{"term":"HOLISTIC DOG TRAINING"},{"term":"INJURY"},{"term":"LEGAL"},{"term":"PET DENTAL MONTH"},{"term":"PET INDUSTRY NEWS"},{"term":"PET SITTING"},{"term":"RAWGUST"},{"term":"TICKS"},{"term":"WELLNESS"},{"term":"AMRRIC"},{"term":"CANINE EPILEPSY"},{"term":"DOG BREEDS"},{"term":"DOG PARKS"},{"term":"DRY DOG FOOD"},{"term":"EHRLICHIOSIS"},{"term":"GUT HEALTH"},{"term":"NATIONAL PET MEMORIAL MONTH"},{"term":"NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK"},{"term":"PET FUNERALS"},{"term":"SAFETY"},{"term":"SNAKES"},{"term":"TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY"},{"term":"VACCINATIONS"},{"term":"WORLD SPAY DAY"},{"term":"AWL NSW"},{"term":"BEACH"},{"term":"BIRTHDAY PARTY"},{"term":"CBD"},{"term":"CLEANING SOLUTIONS"},{"term":"DETECTOR DOGS"},{"term":"DOG AGILITY"},{"term":"DOG BIRTHDAY"},{"term":"DOG BISCUITS"},{"term":"DOGGY DAYCARE"},{"term":"DOGUE"},{"term":"GAMES"},{"term":"MUZZLES"},{"term":"NSW FLOODS"},{"term":"PAWGUST"},{"term":"PAWS AT THE PARK"},{"term":"PET FASHION"},{"term":"PET FURNITURE"},{"term":"PET RETAIL"},{"term":"PET SUPPLEMENTS"},{"term":"PET TRANSPORT"},{"term":"PETS AT WEDDINGS"},{"term":"PRODUCT SHOWCASE"},{"term":"RSPCA"},{"term":"SUSTAINABLE"},{"term":"WEIGHT MANAGEMENT"},{"term":"WORMS"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE"},{"term":"AUSTRALIA DAY"},{"term":"AUTUMN"},{"term":"BACK-TO-SCHOOL"},{"term":"CONSERVATION DOGS"},{"term":"CORINNE FENTON"},{"term":"DATING WITH DOGS"},{"term":"DIABETES"},{"term":"DOG MASSAGE"},{"term":"DOG WALKS"},{"term":"DOG WASTE"},{"term":"DOGS \u0026 KIDS"},{"term":"EDUCATION"},{"term":"ENVIRONMENT"},{"term":"FLEAS"},{"term":"FURBO"},{"term":"GIFTS"},{"term":"NATIONAL PUPPY DAY"},{"term":"NEW"},{"term":"NOISE PHOBIA"},{"term":"OIL GARDEN"},{"term":"OLD PRODUCTS"},{"term":"PALLIATIVE CARE"},{"term":"PET FIRST AID"},{"term":"PET HAIR"},{"term":"PHYSIOTHERAPY"},{"term":"RAW MEAT"},{"term":"SNOOPY"},{"term":"WET DOG FOOD"},{"term":"ACUPUNCTURE"},{"term":"AGGRESSION"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFARE. RESCUE"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFATRE"},{"term":"AUSTRALIAN MADE WEEK"},{"term":"BEST OF"},{"term":"BLIND DOGS"},{"term":"BOXER"},{"term":"BRACHYCEPHALIC"},{"term":"CAMPLIFY"},{"term":"CANCELLED EVENTS"},{"term":"CANINE LYMPHONA"},{"term":"CHRISTMAS BOX"},{"term":"COBBER CHALLENGE"},{"term":"COST OF LIVING"},{"term":"DACHSHUND"},{"term":"DINGO"},{"term":"DOG ACTORS"},{"term":"DOG COSTUMES"},{"term":"DOG MOTION SICKNESS"},{"term":"DOG SUBSCRIPTION BOX"},{"term":"DOG WALKERS"},{"term":"EXHIBITION"},{"term":"FARM DOGS"},{"term":"FITPAWS"},{"term":"GENETICS"},{"term":"GIFT GUIDE"},{"term":"HEART DISEASE"},{"term":"HEARTWORM"},{"term":"HERO STORIES"},{"term":"HOMELESS"},{"term":"MELBOURNE"},{"term":"MOST POPULAR"},{"term":"MUSIC THERAPY"},{"term":"MUSICAL"},{"term":"NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH"},{"term":"OLD EVENTS"},{"term":"OLD REVIEWS"},{"term":"ORGANIC"},{"term":"PET BOARDING"},{"term":"PET EXPOS"},{"term":"PET MINDING"},{"term":"PET STROLLERS"},{"term":"PETS \u0026 PLANTS"},{"term":"PETSTOCK PAST EVENTS"},{"term":"REACTIVITY"},{"term":"REGULATIONS"},{"term":"REHABILITATION"},{"term":"RESCUE DOGS"},{"term":"SASH"},{"term":"SEEING EYE DOGS"},{"term":"STANDARDS"},{"term":"STORY DOGS"},{"term":"SURVEY"},{"term":"TELEHEALTH"},{"term":"TOILET TRAINING"},{"term":"TREATS"},{"term":"TRENDS"},{"term":"US APP"},{"term":"WET FOOD"},{"term":"WILLS"},{"term":"WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Australian Dog Lover is the No.1 digital monthly magazine and website for dog lovers everywhere. We cover Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Dog Behaviour; Dog Training Advice, Dog Events, the latest Dog Products and Services in Australia, Dog Product Reviews, Lifestyle, Gift Guides, Rescue Dog Stories, Dog Lovers Book Club etc."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/DOG+SPORTS?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/search\/label\/DOG%20SPORTS"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/DOG+SPORTS\/-\/DOG+SPORTS?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"9"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-7866342416895876821"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-27T15:53:00.004+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-12T15:24:03.720+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"TRAINING"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Dances with Dogs and Canine Freestyle"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IJba2WCjuJM\/XHYJtEamwkI\/AAAAAAAAZwM\/gd5uKbJWse44yOq2Q2ddMoDpX2jIssidQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel-jumping-through-hoops-with-owner-Janette-Wilson.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1063\" data-original-width=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IJba2WCjuJM\/XHYJtEamwkI\/AAAAAAAAZwM\/gd5uKbJWse44yOq2Q2ddMoDpX2jIssidQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel-jumping-through-hoops-with-owner-Janette-Wilson.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe've all marvelled at the flawless teamwork displayed by people in costumes performing elaborate dance routines with their dogs at international events such as the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWestminster Dog Show \u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003Eand \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECrufts\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EBut how do you end up dancing with your dog on the world stage?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe spoke to \u003Cb\u003EJanette Wilson\u003C\/b\u003E, Secretary of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.melbournedwdclub.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EMelbourne \u0026amp; District Dances with Dogs Club\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to learn more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E'I took it up as a bit of fun eight years ago and also to entertain the residents in the nursing homes that I visit as a Pet Therapist' says Janette. 'I quickly realised that it was an awesome dog sport, and now with my second dog we are competing at very high levels in both \u003Cb\u003EHeel to Music\u003C\/b\u003E and \u003Cb\u003EFreestyle\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat is Dances with Dogs?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHave you ever felt like turning up the music and dancing with your dog? Does it make you feel great to have fun with your dog?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr style=\"font-size: large;\" \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWell, did you know that there is now an \u003Cb\u003Eofficial sport that encompasses moves and tricks to music\u003C\/b\u003E?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDances with Dogs (DWD) \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eis a relatively new canine sport which became popular in Canada and the UK in the early 1990s.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EApproved in 2009 as an official sport by the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/ankc.org.au\/Home\" rel=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian National Kennel Council\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E(ANKC), dogs can now compete and gain titles to be added to their registered names. However, many people have taken up this sport simply to have fun with their dogs!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UWHgKzNpm58\/XHYKeNBw2wI\/AAAAAAAAZwU\/eyA6E6Tl034DfRO-x_crq6QSxEEcvTTuACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-and-Canine-Freestyle-Gaye-and-Holly-German-shorthaired-Pointer.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1022\" data-original-width=\"799\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UWHgKzNpm58\/XHYKeNBw2wI\/AAAAAAAAZwU\/eyA6E6Tl034DfRO-x_crq6QSxEEcvTTuACLcBGAs\/s400\/Dances-with-Dogs-and-Canine-Freestyle-Gaye-and-Holly-German-shorthaired-Pointer.jpg\" width=\"312\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;trebuchet ms\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EGaye with German short-haired Pointer Holly\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWith a \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Efusion of obedience, creativity, focus and teamwork\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E, a DWD routine gives the illusion of a dance with a skilful choreographed routine performed to music.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIn competitions, the \u003Cb\u003Eroutines are between one and four minutes\u003C\/b\u003E.  Competitors earn points for:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium;\"\u003E✔️\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Etechnical accuracy\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E✔️\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Emusical interpretation and\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E✔️\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eartistic expression\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ESo what appears to be a simple sport is actually a \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Every complex mix of techniques\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EBut DWD is not just a sport for competitors: many people are finding the joy of doing \u003Cb\u003Eclasses just for fun and fitness\u003C\/b\u003E with their dogs, and love showing off their moves to family and friends!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EI can’t dance, can I still do DWD with my dog? \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EDo you “have two left feet”, and you can’t dance like Fred Astaire?  Don’t worry!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EDWD does not require you to be a fantastic dancer! And it doesn’t require your dog to do a quick-step, a twirl or a waltz. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-YmJ62KGVkaQ\/XHYL5QrHBfI\/AAAAAAAAZwc\/HAlgKfjDt7UI0pdUYAqyGhT6gWOSHxziQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Sue-and-Kai-performing-routine.jpg\" style=\"font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"512\" data-original-width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-YmJ62KGVkaQ\/XHYL5QrHBfI\/AAAAAAAAZwc\/HAlgKfjDt7UI0pdUYAqyGhT6gWOSHxziQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Sue-and-Kai-performing-routine.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIf you and your dog can walk together and you enjoy having fun together, then you can do Dances with Dogs.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EThe aim for each team is to \u003Cb\u003Emake their routine look flowing, simple and interesting\u003C\/b\u003E.  By \u003Cb\u003Echoosing the right music\u003C\/b\u003E that suits your dog’s pace, style and natural rhythm you can create a routine that will wow the spectators.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EWhile the \u003Cb\u003Eroutines move in time to your favourite music, they often also tell a story\u003C\/b\u003E. The style of dance and music varies greatly from team to team and is only limited by your imagination. Each routine showcases the unique abilities and relationship between handler and dog.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EOf course we all know how much training goes on behind the scenes to make a routine look easy! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAll DWD training is achieved by using positive and motivational methods\u003C\/b\u003E, and that is why dogs are so happy doing this sport.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xC14c3PnAVE\/XHYMjSs13pI\/AAAAAAAAZwk\/b1npmcFaBRI918Xo3lg7DPtjwAE0iw_PgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Janette-Wilson-training-with-dog-Scarlette.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"957\" data-original-width=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xC14c3PnAVE\/XHYMjSs13pI\/AAAAAAAAZwk\/b1npmcFaBRI918Xo3lg7DPtjwAE0iw_PgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Janette-Wilson-training-with-dog-Scarlette.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;trebuchet ms\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EJanette Wilson training with her dog Scarlette\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cb style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003EIs DWD a sport just for the most athletic dogs and handlers?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EAre you and your dog a “little less athletic”? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EWhile many of the more experienced competitors develop extremely athletic and complex routines, many others create routines that are more suitable to the ability of themselves and their own dogs.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EDWD is a sport that is \u003Cb\u003Esuitable for handlers of all ages and abilities\u003C\/b\u003E.  It is also \u003Cb\u003Esuitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and abilities\u003C\/b\u003E.  We even have members with deaf or blind dogs! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EThe sport is suitable for all breeds, not just the usual athletic breeds. We see Löwchens, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel.html\" rel=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECavalier King Charles Spaniels\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/09\/border-collie.html\" rel=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EBorder Collies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Pomeranians, German Short-haired Pointers, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/german-shepherd.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EGerman Shepherd Dogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/australian-cattle-dog.html\" rel=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Cattle Dogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Papillons, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/schnauzer-breed-profile.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ESchnauzers\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/poodle.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EPoodles\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and of course dogs of mixed breeds.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;verdana\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EDo I have to do obedience first? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIn general there are \u003Cb\u003Eno formal training pre-requisites for you and your dog\u003C\/b\u003E to take up this sport.   However remember that DWD is entirely performed off-lead, so \u003Cb\u003Ea basic level of obedience is desirable\u003C\/b\u003E before joining classes.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIf you are already a competitor in Rally O, Obedience or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/04\/dog-agility-ultimate-of-dog-sports.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAgility\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, then you will be very surprised at the added skills that you can learn in DWD.  As DWD \u003Cb\u003Edevelops your dog’s focus and teamwork\u003C\/b\u003E as well as \u003Cb\u003Egently improving fitness and body awareness\u003C\/b\u003E, it is very common to see DWD titles on dogs competing at high levels of other dog sports.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EBut no matter what your reason for taking up the sport, it is guaranteed that you and your dog will develop your skills and fitness, while creating a fantastic positive training relationship. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDWD is not just one sport.  It is actually two sports! \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EDWD encompasses two distinct divisions:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003EFreestyle\u003C\/b\u003E, and \u003Cb\u003EHeelwork to Music\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;with competitions held in these two divisions. While Freestyle is “free flowing, flashy and tricky”, Heelwork to Music requires precision and very technical heelwork.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/J5vwAox7Y4c\" width=\"560\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EObedience competitors know the amount of hard work that is required to achieve \u003Cb\u003Eprecision heelwork in one position (dog on the left) \u003C\/b\u003E– so imagine the work required to achieve this precision in eight positions!  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EDo I need to buy expensive equipment to do DWD? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;verdana\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C_D6igZaF6I\/XHYPazwkSNI\/AAAAAAAAZws\/tgRtxGZE5_UkY9XUuP5dV-c9BgQEWvkMACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Gaye-and-Holly-Pirate-routine.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1097\" data-original-width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C_D6igZaF6I\/XHYPazwkSNI\/AAAAAAAAZws\/tgRtxGZE5_UkY9XUuP5dV-c9BgQEWvkMACLcBGAs\/s400\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Gaye-and-Holly-Pirate-routine.jpg\" width=\"291\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;trebuchet ms\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EGaye and Holly\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003ENo special equipment is required although \u003Cb\u003Esome teams use clever props \u003C\/b\u003Eto enhance their routines and add to the spectator appeal.   \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIf you don’t have a lot of space for training, you can even teach many of the DWD moves in your own living room! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EWhile the human competitors might choose to wear costumes that enhance the story telling, the safety and dignity of our dogs is paramount.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECompeting dogs are not permitted to wear costumes of any type\u003C\/b\u003E, but are permitted to wear a bandana or flat collar.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EAnd of course, no dangerous moves are permitted.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe fun is growing, and you are welcome to join in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EEvery year since its introduction, the number of people involved in the sport in every state has been growing. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIn 2018, Victoria held its very first Top Dog Competition where the top teams were invited to perform their \u003Cb\u003EFreestyle and Heelwork to Music\u003C\/b\u003E routines for the accolades of being the Victorian Top Dogs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2018 Top Dog (Heelwork to Music) is A \u0026amp; G Penny\u003C\/b\u003E and HTM.CH FS.CH Abtei Great Expectations CDX RN.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EGaye and Holly showed amazing heelwork precision, performing to\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EVariations 1-4 (Live)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;by Andrew Lloyd Webber.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2018 Top Dog (Freestyle) is Deb Harvey\u003C\/b\u003E and CH FS.CH Dymatan Denim N Diamonds ADX ET GD JDM RN SD.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YJC3meSlkmc\/XHYRFyAgI5I\/AAAAAAAAZw0\/AVI5_P-I6HUXan9xROChzyWJWZppLyAvgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Deb-and-Tia-performing-routine.jpg\" style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"690\" data-original-width=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YJC3meSlkmc\/XHYRFyAgI5I\/AAAAAAAAZw0\/AVI5_P-I6HUXan9xROChzyWJWZppLyAvgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Deb-and-Tia-performing-routine.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDeb and Tia\u003C\/b\u003E (above) dazzled us with their rendition of \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAll That Jazz\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E by Glee Cast FT Kate Hudson.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EWe are all excited to watch the 2019 Victorian Top Dog Competition to be held in July.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EIn addition to the regular competitions held by each club and each state DWD committee, there will be a very exciting \u003Cb\u003ENational Competition on 29 June 2019 at Durack\u003C\/b\u003E in Queensland.  This will be followed by the \u003Cb\u003EQueensland State Competition on 30 June\u003C\/b\u003E.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003ECheck out the links at the end if you would like to come along and watch these amazing teams.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;verdana\u0026quot; , sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhere can I find out more about Dances with Dogs?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you are looking for a sport that is a little bit different, \u003Cb\u003Edevelops your rapport with your dog and only uses positive and motivating training methods\u003C\/b\u003E – then this could be the sport for you! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fu_rLIq7-5o\" width=\"560\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EItaly's Lusy Imbergerova \u0026amp; Deril amaze crowds at Crufts 2017 with their incredible freestyle\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;roboto\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EThere are several DWD clubs throughout Australia that host competitions regularly in each State, so check out the links below for the schedules.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESpectators are also very welcome\u003C\/b\u003E at all the competitions, so come along and join in the fun of Dances with Dogs. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVictoria\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/dogsvictoria.org.au\/family-pet\/get-involved\/breed-clubs-directory\/dances-with-dogs.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Edogsvictoria.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENSW\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dogsnsw.org.au\/events\/dances-with-dogs\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.dogsnsw.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EQueensland\u003C\/b\u003E: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dogsqueensland.org.au\/Committee\/?subId=1510\u0026amp;id=1489\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.dogsqueensland.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWestern Australia\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dogswest.com\/dogswest\/Activities-Dances_With_Dogs.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.dogswest.com\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EACT\u003C\/b\u003E: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.actcdc.org.au\/dances-with-dogs.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.actcdc.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESouth Australia\u003C\/b\u003E: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dogssa.com.au\/?page_id=937\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.dogssa.com.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/7866342416895876821\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2019\/02\/dances-with-dogs-and-canine-freestyle.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/7866342416895876821"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/7866342416895876821"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2019\/02\/dances-with-dogs-and-canine-freestyle.html","title":"Dances with Dogs and Canine Freestyle"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IJba2WCjuJM\/XHYJtEamwkI\/AAAAAAAAZwM\/gd5uKbJWse44yOq2Q2ddMoDpX2jIssidQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Dances-with-Dogs-Canine-Freestyle-Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel-jumping-through-hoops-with-owner-Janette-Wilson.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-1064811875016582276"},"published":{"$t":"2018-02-19T15:08:00.006+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-21T13:26:39.253+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"UpDog Challenge - A Dog Sport for Everyone!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ATe2h_NTdC4\/WopRyQAV3AI\/AAAAAAAAS_w\/sC5OJl3imbMNbZ9ewpBGwe62WzZOz7tvQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder-Agility-Tunnel-Jumping-Obstactle-and-Disc-Throw.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"927\" data-original-width=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ATe2h_NTdC4\/WopRyQAV3AI\/AAAAAAAAS_w\/sC5OJl3imbMNbZ9ewpBGwe62WzZOz7tvQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder-Agility-Tunnel-Jumping-Obstactle-and-Disc-Throw.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECould your dog be a contender for the \u003Cb\u003EUpDog Challenge\u003C\/b\u003E?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you've never heard of it, this new international canine disc organisation is already extremely popular around the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn just its second year (2016)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.updogchallenge.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EUpDog Challenge\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E drew more than 5,000 teams from around the world to chase some plastic discs and conquer agility obstacles on grass fields and indoor turf.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ETo learn more, we spoke to Rodney Gooch who officially represents this new dog sport in Australia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESo what is the UpDog Challenge?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\"\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EUpDog is dedicated to expanding the awareness and \u003Cb\u003Eparticipation of people and dogs in athletic endeavour\u003C\/b\u003Es. We simply want more people and more dogs having fun, playing together.\" explains Rodney.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith this goal in mind, UpDog designed a number of fun games built around the \u003Cb\u003Eopportunity for every dog and human to work towards their own personal bests\u003C\/b\u003E. You will have fun (\u003Cb\u003EPlay\u003C\/b\u003E), you will earn achievements (\u003Cb\u003EAchieve\u003C\/b\u003E), and you and your dog will learn and grow (\u003Cb\u003EExpand\u003C\/b\u003E).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWho can take part in the UpDog Challenge?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444; font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUpDog Challenge \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003Eis a great sport as the games have multiple entry levels to suit everyone from human beginners and puppies, to elderly people and senior dogs - in fact any dog and human can play.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003EUpDog games will allow you to achieve at any level. Puppies are permitted to play “on the flat” (no jumping), as they're chasing rollers. Elderly dogs can also achieve by chasing a roller (a roller is a disc that “rolls” on its edge along a surface) and still gain achievements along the way as they compete in different challenges.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat sort of games would you play with your dog?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RZ70QIxmRus\/WopEXBlhVZI\/AAAAAAAAS-w\/gbcYVHjwu_okFu5gAymPJiStUWxWJbY_ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder-Dog-catches-orange-disc-Insta.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RZ70QIxmRus\/WopEXBlhVZI\/AAAAAAAAS-w\/gbcYVHjwu_okFu5gAymPJiStUWxWJbY_ACLcBGAs\/s400\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder-Dog-catches-orange-disc-Insta.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe most popular games are\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E4WayPlay\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFrizgility\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E. Both games allow teams to compete at a very high level with relatively short throws.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAll UpDog games are designed to develop foundation skills such\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eas \u003Cb\u003Eretrieve, wait, drop, proper leaping and attentiveness\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ETeams who have mastered the basics can then apply any number of other skills like \u003Cb\u003Espeed, strategy or consistency\u003C\/b\u003E to succeed\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E at the games, accomplish personal bests and earn achievements. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can review all the games at\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.updogchallenge.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ewww.updogchallenge.com\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eand teams can also create a free profile \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhere all scores, digital achievements and standings are stored and displayed.  Teams who activate ($5 annually) can review their achievements via their profile page and are also eligible to attend the International Finals.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the more astute trainer who also enjoys competing or training in \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/04\/dog-agility-ultimate-of-dog-sports.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAgility\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the UpDog games including \u003Cb\u003EFrizgility, 7 Up \u003C\/b\u003Eand\u003Cb\u003E Funkey\u003C\/b\u003E have key components of agility using bar jumps and agility tunnels.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-AxAgzObtLes\/WopQ_M0b7qI\/AAAAAAAAS_k\/GHFyKRavGSEhxbxShw4wjUUEnGKKIKjTQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-Games-Jack-Russell-Terrier-jumping-Agility-hurdle-before-catching-disc.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"693\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-AxAgzObtLes\/WopQ_M0b7qI\/AAAAAAAAS_k\/GHFyKRavGSEhxbxShw4wjUUEnGKKIKjTQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-Games-Jack-Russell-Terrier-jumping-Agility-hurdle-before-catching-disc.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAgility people and their dogs already have half of the skills needed for these games, they just need to develop their throwing skills and their dogs\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Ecatching skills to \u003Cb\u003EPlay, Achieve and Expand\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat sort of equipment do you need to train or compete?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther canine disc organisations only permit and approve certain competition style discs for use during their competitions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MP6H_IJa3go\/WopF2JBLLZI\/AAAAAAAAS_A\/jpeOrtivB08PPG2UnDpvF8d2UszEqUADgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-Hastings-April-2017-Kelpie-leaps-to-catch-disc.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MP6H_IJa3go\/WopF2JBLLZI\/AAAAAAAAS_A\/jpeOrtivB08PPG2UnDpvF8d2UszEqUADgCLcBGAs\/s400\/UpDog-Challenge-Hastings-April-2017-Kelpie-leaps-to-catch-disc.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003EUpDog Challenge\u003C\/b\u003E is unique in that they will allow a \u003Cb\u003Elarger range of discs to be used\u003C\/b\u003E, e.g. material ones, a floppy rubber type like the \u003Cspan\u003EKONG\u003Ci\u003E Flyer\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci\u003E \u003C\/i\u003Eor the Aussie Dog Products \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFly It disc\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E (Blue or Red) with its unique centre hub or pimple. All have been approved for use at \u003Cb\u003EUpDog Challenge\u003C\/b\u003E competitions worldwide.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESome dogs are not ready to use the harder discs or availability can be an issue (all competition standard discs are manufactured overseas). So almost any type of disc can be used at an UpDog competition, anywhere in the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe only disc not permitted is a disc with a hole in the middle. Your disc selection is a matter of personal choice but there are many things to consider: your dog’s skill level is the first priority. \"For new dogs, I like to \u003Cb\u003Estart with something soft like a material disc \u003C\/b\u003Eas going directly to a hard disc may turn you dog off a disc from the start.\" advises Rodney.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor puppies, things are kept low key and low to the ground as \u003Cb\u003Eyou don’t want them jumping in the air\u003C\/b\u003E, so games involving tugging, rollers and sliders are the priority for them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EChoosing a\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003En \u003Cb\u003Eappropriate size\u003C\/b\u003E is important and smaller discs are available for smaller dog breeds and puppies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWatch out also for their quality \u003C\/b\u003Eas pet specialist retail stores in Australia don’t stock competition discs. Cheaper alternatives that become brittle through UV exposure can cause damage to your dog’s mouth.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing a soft disc (made of material\/rubber) will give your dog the opportunity to engage with you in some \u003Cb\u003Ekey aspects of disc like tugging, throwing rollers or sliders\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow to get started on your UpDog training\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kqxny4dI3bQ\/WopGgdOLZxI\/AAAAAAAAS_I\/D2C3fOfIPHQlTOTOaAXv5CbBZvDwBwNHQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-Hastings-April-2017-Border-Collie-leaps-to-catch-disc.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kqxny4dI3bQ\/WopGgdOLZxI\/AAAAAAAAS_I\/D2C3fOfIPHQlTOTOaAXv5CbBZvDwBwNHQCLcBGAs\/s320\/UpDog-Challenge-Hastings-April-2017-Border-Collie-leaps-to-catch-disc.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ERodney adds that most of his dogs have been rescues with no particular skill sets for anything but\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003Ebeing patient and positive was the key to successful training\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe \u003Cb\u003Euse a verbal reward marker to mark behaviour (like clicker training)\u003C\/b\u003E: using a verbal marker with discs is much easier.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHis advice is\u003Cb\u003E to start with very simple moves\u003C\/b\u003E like tugging, sliders, or rollers. Making sure your dog brings it back to you to engage you for more fun is the key! You can then \u003Cb\u003Emove to “Takes” before moving on to \"Throws\"\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen you're not training your dog, it's a good idea to practice your throws without the dog.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ETeaching your dog to go around the back of your legs both ways helps develop your dog’s ability to \u003Cb\u003E“Catch”\u003C\/b\u003E discs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Js1PgaK_ghk\/WopG4aUIuUI\/AAAAAAAAS_M\/CCZyuIlUD0UMCJQTOpOp2RkL-98krnZdgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"315\" data-original-width=\"444\" height=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Js1PgaK_ghk\/WopG4aUIuUI\/AAAAAAAAS_M\/CCZyuIlUD0UMCJQTOpOp2RkL-98krnZdgCLcBGAs\/s320\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHere in Australia, UpDog is just taking root and taking off with a variety of demonstration days and fun matches.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn April 2017, the first official\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUpDog DownUnder\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;competition was attended by H\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eead Judge from the States and UpDog founder, Jason Rigler.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\"With further competitions planned for 2018 in ACT, NSW, Victoria and QLD,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003EUpDog Challenge\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;is spreading fast and our goal is to have the most fun possible as we expand our skills on the field.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe hope you will choose to Play, Achieve and Expand with UpDog\" concludes Rodney Gooch,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: Georgia, \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAustralian UpDog Challenge\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ERepresentative and Judge.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pXhdN85dHQ8\/Wot8KEjh-jI\/AAAAAAAATCE\/MLhcPGYOEbsY-qnh_mwSKGhudd4ZZ7_yQCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/UpDog-Challenge-Logo-small.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"500\" data-original-width=\"500\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pXhdN85dHQ8\/Wot8KEjh-jI\/AAAAAAAATCE\/MLhcPGYOEbsY-qnh_mwSKGhudd4ZZ7_yQCEwYBhgL\/s200\/UpDog-Challenge-Logo-small.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue; font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/299574220086093\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EFour Paws Sports\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;trains, competes and presents a variety of dog sports including, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/08\/splash-dock-dogs-are-diving-in.html\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ecanine dock jumping\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/05\/all-about-flyball-drag-racing-for-dogs.html\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EFlyball\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/canine-disc-growing-in-leaps-and-bounds.html\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECanine Disc\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E, and two types of dog high jumps.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThey travel around Australia doing live shows, compete locally and interstate and run casual classes on the Mornington Peninsula at Rosebud.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFor more information, please contact the K9 - Disc organisation in your State:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/1885903954989899\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc Vic\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #666666;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/495796793959158\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc ACT\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/248034865646646\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc QLD\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/206732246468643\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc NSW \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/248051392313497\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc SA\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/1913231505567445\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EK9 – Disc WA\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/1064811875016582276\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2018\/02\/updog-challenge-dog-sport-for-everyone.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1064811875016582276"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1064811875016582276"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2018\/02\/updog-challenge-dog-sport-for-everyone.html","title":"UpDog Challenge - A Dog Sport for Everyone!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ATe2h_NTdC4\/WopRyQAV3AI\/AAAAAAAAS_w\/sC5OJl3imbMNbZ9ewpBGwe62WzZOz7tvQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/UpDog-Challenge-DownUnder-Agility-Tunnel-Jumping-Obstactle-and-Disc-Throw.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-9063393441333990346"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-27T16:16:00.007+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-15T07:33:29.609+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"LIFESTYLE"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Dog Sports - Herding: the Joy of Working!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DiKQ--TDs0w\/WNxPUg7PB-I\/AAAAAAAAMPM\/rEHZ16jW2CAuZBXabSz8WbMDlEaxgS4cQCLcB\/s1600\/Koolie-Allambie-Snippetts-steers-sheep-in-right-direction.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DiKQ--TDs0w\/WNxPUg7PB-I\/AAAAAAAAMPM\/rEHZ16jW2CAuZBXabSz8WbMDlEaxgS4cQCLcB\/s1600\/Koolie-Allambie-Snippetts-steers-sheep-in-right-direction.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDiscover how the dog sport of herding delivers fun and fitness for both dogs and handlers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn the 19th century, farmers and farm workers in many countries developed a competitive sport based on the daily work of dogs on the farm.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHerding trials involve controlled \u003Cb\u003Emovement of stock around a standard course\u003C\/b\u003E that mimics situations which occur on a farm, e.g. gathering in stock grazing in a paddock and putting them through a narrow laneway or into a pen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHerding is different from other dog sports because it is not just about the handler and the dog\u003C\/b\u003E: there is an equally important third party—the stock! The handler must watch the stock as well as the dog, and develop an understanding of their behaviour.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EThe dog may have an instinctive knowledge of stock behaviour, but it has to grow in confidence and effectiveness while learning to respond to commands. The reward is that, if the dog has a strong herding instinct, it will love herding more than anything in the world!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EThe First Trials\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ow5uzHM7FCc\/WNhf4QV86eI\/AAAAAAAAMH8\/PcJNBYWsAawozswpn3KnPWsrdzqJ7GGPgCLcB\/s1600\/P9trial%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bdog%2Bsociety%2527s%2B%2Bprizes%2B1883.jpeg\" style=\"clear: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ow5uzHM7FCc\/WNhf4QV86eI\/AAAAAAAAMH8\/PcJNBYWsAawozswpn3KnPWsrdzqJ7GGPgCLcB\/s400\/P9trial%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bdog%2Bsociety%2527s%2B%2Bprizes%2B1883.jpeg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESheep Dog Trials for the Dog Society's Prizes\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;(Elsternwick, 1883)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe first herding trials took place in the southern hemisphere, \u003Cb\u003Ebeginning in New Zealand in 1867\u003C\/b\u003E, followed by Australia (the colony of New South Wales) in 1870 and the United Kingdom (Wales) in 1873. After this, the competitions spread rapidly through the sheep herding countries of the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ETrial courses and exercises reflect the agricultural practices of the countries where they originated. For this reason, continental Europe has developed a style of trial different from that of Australia, New Zealand and Britain.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFrom the beginning, trials have not only been an \u003Cb\u003Eenjoyable sport and social event\u003C\/b\u003E but have also showcased best practice in breeding, training and working stock dogs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWorking Dog Trials\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EAlthough there have been changes in the rules and governing bodies over the years, working dog trials have an unbroken history in Australia and remain popular in rural areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003ETrials and demonstrations at agricultural shows reach out to a wider audience, as do videos on television and the internet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P8ubo1-ka0Q\/WNhwjdosxxI\/AAAAAAAAMI8\/JLJLVctOTJgGJMdSLdZojKpC7mjAYi1LACLcB\/s1600\/P6Gillgrincows.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P8ubo1-ka0Q\/WNhwjdosxxI\/AAAAAAAAMI8\/JLJLVctOTJgGJMdSLdZojKpC7mjAYi1LACLcB\/s400\/P6Gillgrincows.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EKelpie Gillie enjoys cattle training \u003Cbr \/\u003EPhoto: Karen Edwards\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn addition to the traditional sheep trials, new forms of competition have been developed, including \u003Cb\u003Ecattle and duck work, yard dog trials\u003C\/b\u003E, and competition classes for less advanced handlers. Some rural competitions also offer classes for “city slickers”, that is, non-farm handlers and dogs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn Australia, the main organisations offering working dog trials are the \u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESheep Dog Workers’ Associations\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThese are found in every state, and are listed on the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/asdwa.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Sheep Dog Workers’ Association\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (ASDWA) website. The associations maintain registers of working dogs and seek to improve the quality of working bloodlines.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EEach state organisation runs a championship trial every year and the ASDWA runs the national championship, called the Supreme Championship, which is rotated among the states.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThere is also an annual competition with New Zealand called the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003ETrans Tasman Test\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xIL91NnWI2w\/WNhjCZcQ9KI\/AAAAAAAAMIQ\/DqjUaoKvFoIPW6_q2SQtDWYHzbYI6WZBwCLcB\/s1600\/Smooth%2Bthe%2BBorder%2BCollie%2Bsends%2Ba%2Bstray%2Bback%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bflock.png\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xIL91NnWI2w\/WNhjCZcQ9KI\/AAAAAAAAMIQ\/DqjUaoKvFoIPW6_q2SQtDWYHzbYI6WZBwCLcB\/s1600\/Smooth%2Bthe%2BBorder%2BCollie%2Bsends%2Ba%2Bstray%2Bback%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bflock.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EShelley Donald's Collie Smooth, Ren, sends a stray back to the flock\u003Cbr \/\u003EPhoto: Karen Edwards\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAbout 900 people are involved in \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/asdwa.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EASDWA herding\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E nationally, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Ewith another 200 associate members who compete at the lower level. There are also specialist herding associations, for yard dog and cattle trials, for example.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EA New Breed of Herding\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EThe latter part of the 19th century was a time of growing interest in dogs and dog sports. Around the time that herding trials started, dog shows and kennel clubs were developing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn \u003Cb\u003E1873, the (British) Kennel Club was founded\u003C\/b\u003E to register and oversee the breeding of ‘pure bred’ dogs from a growing number of recognised breeds. Similar organisations soon developed in Australia but were based in the colonies and after the Federation, the States.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EA federal body, the \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAustralian National Kennel Council\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E(ANKC)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E, was not formed until 1958 and\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;has since changed its name to \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/dogsaustralia.org.au\/about-dogs-australia\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EDogs Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe different priorities of the dog show and working dog communities began to affect the herding breeds by the 20th century. Some breeds remained working dogs exclusively, and were never recognised by the kennel control councils. Others became established as show dogs and were known for that and for their achievements in other fields, so that people forgot that they were originally bred to herd. In a third group of breeds, there were both working and show bloodlines and there began to be a clear and visible demarcation between the two.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HbxKLYew_rI\/WNhgjNqBIGI\/AAAAAAAAMII\/f-ImD6Dj5HI0ogWFSA_5zvJT5j0_lY8qwCEw\/s1600\/Smooth%2B-%2BCollie%2Btakes%2Bcharge%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bsheep.png\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HbxKLYew_rI\/WNhgjNqBIGI\/AAAAAAAAMII\/f-ImD6Dj5HI0ogWFSA_5zvJT5j0_lY8qwCEw\/s1600\/Smooth%2B-%2BCollie%2Btakes%2Bcharge%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bsheep.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EShelley Donald's Collie Smooth, Ren, takes charge of the sheep \u003Cbr \/\u003EPhoto: Karen Edwards\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFast forward to the late 1990s, when a group of Kennel Council members, from various states, but mainly Victoria, began to develop a form of competition designed to ”preserve the working instinct and ability of the (purebred) working breeds”. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EThe first set of ANKC herding rules was approved in 2000, and took effect on January 1, 2001. In 2002, the Victorian group set up the \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.victorianherdingassociation.com\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EVictorian Herding Association\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EThe Sport of Herding Today\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EToday, around\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E500 people are involved in the sport of herding nationally and there are herding competitions in all states\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E. There is a list of the state kennel councils or canine associations on the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/dogsaustralia.org.au\/about-dogs-australia\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EDogs Australia website\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;where you will also find\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E more information about herding generally.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EAs in other sports, there is a \u003Cb\u003Eseries of levels\u003C\/b\u003E to advance through. As well as advancing up the levels, competitors choose what type of course they want to compete on and whether they want to herd cattle, sheep and\/or ducks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IXK4gDxY17o\/WNt9aKXkHVI\/AAAAAAAAMOo\/Qg_XGIh3xHs631MQKmPFnKXnXoaoGc2QQCLcB\/s1600\/Rottweiler-herding-ducks.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IXK4gDxY17o\/WNt9aKXkHVI\/AAAAAAAAMOo\/Qg_XGIh3xHs631MQKmPFnKXnXoaoGc2QQCLcB\/s1600\/Rottweiler-herding-ducks.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMeg Lewis' Rottweiler Seven works ducks during a trial\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EOne interesting feature of ANKC herding is the\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E C Course competition\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E. A and B courses represent common farm situations which may be found in Britain or Australia, but C Course is based on the continental style of herding and is suited to breeds such as German Shepherds or Belgian Shepherds. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EState Trials are held every year in all states, with an \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalsheepdogtrials.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Eannual National Trial\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E rotating among the states.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhich Dog Breeds can take part in Herding?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EHerding is not for every breed, but the AKNC Herding Rules list about \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E40 eligible breeds and sub-breeds\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E and this list is likely to grow in the future.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ryxHMpeea2w\/WNhxZ-AdqWI\/AAAAAAAAMJE\/R8q6Ff63Szo5td93lofkrJFEc1uKDKqIACLcB\/s1600\/Samoyed-herding-catttle.png\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ryxHMpeea2w\/WNhxZ-AdqWI\/AAAAAAAAMJE\/R8q6Ff63Szo5td93lofkrJFEc1uKDKqIACLcB\/w400-h267\/Samoyed-herding-catttle.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMargarite Frost's Samoyed, Tai\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;easily controls cattle\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EBreeds include \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/australian-cattle-dog.html\" style=\"color: blue;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Cattle Dogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/australian-kelpie-breed-profile.html\" style=\"color: blue;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAustralian Kelpies\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/01\/australian-shepherd-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Shepherds\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Collies (Bearded, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/09\/border-collie.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EBorder\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Rough and Smooth), \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/german-shepherd.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EGerman Shepherds\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Belgian Shepherds, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/rottweiler-or-rottie.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ERottweilers\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/05\/samoyed-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ESamoyeds\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and many others. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECrossbred dogs which are “a mix or apparent mix of herding breeds” may be registered via the Associate Register of the ANKC but are required to be de-sexed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe ANKC also recognises dogs which are registered with an approved working dog organization, these dogs can be placed on the \u003Ci\u003ESporting Register of the ANKC\u003C\/i\u003E and are \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2018\/08\/why-and-when-should-you-desex-your-dog.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Enot required to be desexed\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000; font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAustralian Top Dogs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFor the top dogs in ANKC herding, there are \u003Cb\u003Efour championship titles available\u003C\/b\u003E and these are not awarded at single event, but are based on trial scores received in the period after the dog has won an Advanced title.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe titles are: \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EHerding Champion, Grand Herding Champion, Versatile Herding Champion \u003C\/i\u003Eand\u003Ci\u003E Versatile Herding Champion Excellent\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. There are specific and demanding criteria for each. \u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e6iXNpYKGAc\/WNhvlP4K2TI\/AAAAAAAAMIw\/vqU6LcfOd9A2z37YYsLd6EAxqUerw_2ewCLcB\/s1600\/Koolie-Allambie-Snippets-shows-her-skills.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"365\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e6iXNpYKGAc\/WNhvlP4K2TI\/AAAAAAAAMIw\/vqU6LcfOd9A2z37YYsLd6EAxqUerw_2ewCLcB\/s400\/Koolie-Allambie-Snippets-shows-her-skills.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EKoolie Snip shows off her skills - \u003Cbr \/\u003EPhoto (and top photo): Karen Edwards\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EOne of the champions is Margaret Widelock’s \u003Cb\u003EKoolie\u003C\/b\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003ETCH HCH Allambie Snippetts ADX JD SD SPD HXAs HXBd HIBs ET.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E(titles beginning with “H” refer to herding titles.) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003ESnip is both a Herding Champion and Tracking Champion and has won titles in a variety of other dog sports.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\"\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EI was asked to ‘take on’ this little unassuming dog when she was just under one year. The owner hoped I could ‘showcase’ a bobtail Koolie, demonstrating that they were as valuable as Koolies with full tails. Obviously, tails have no effect on performance!\" says Margaret.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAnother star is \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/01\/australian-shepherd-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Shepherd\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rozate.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ERozate Kennels\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E’ \u003Ci\u003ERozate Jackhammer\u003C\/i\u003E, who holds Herding Champion, Grand Herding Champion and Versatile Herding Champion titles, among others.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uzCSZrKu7y8\/WNxO3mLl_DI\/AAAAAAAAMPI\/iLZs_u2fm-g-zRofRLeZLHOZVPYYUm6qACLcB\/s1600\/Rozate-Australian-Shepherds-Thor-and-Sheep-Karen-Edwards.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uzCSZrKu7y8\/WNxO3mLl_DI\/AAAAAAAAMPI\/iLZs_u2fm-g-zRofRLeZLHOZVPYYUm6qACLcB\/s1600\/Rozate-Australian-Shepherds-Thor-and-Sheep-Karen-Edwards.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ERozate Kennels' Rozate Jackhammer (Thor) in action - Photo: Karen Edwards\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow can you get started?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EBefore you start herding, \u003Cb\u003Eteach your dog a stop \u003C\/b\u003Eand a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/how-to-avoid-ruining-your-dogs-recall.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Esolid recall\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (short distance off lead). The best \"stop\" to begin with is probably a drop, but you can use a sit or stand instead. Then you need to find someone who will let your dog work sheep or other stock. This may be a friend with a farm or a person who offers herding lessons.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EA good way to \u003Cb\u003Efind a teacher is through a breed club or organisation\u003C\/b\u003E. The teacher will provide the stock and the guidance you need. As with other training, some dogs 'switch on' straight away, others take longer. You will discover that it is not necessary to take food or toy rewards, praise and the joy of working are enough!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you're interested in \u003Cb\u003Elearning the definitions of command words and terms\u003C\/b\u003E used by shepherds, farmers and handlers when working or training dogs for herding, we found an excellent resource of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.herding-dog-training-border-collie-sheepdog-dvd.com\/sheepdog%20terminology\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Estock herding terms here\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHealth \u0026amp; Safety Precautions\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;\" \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHer\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eding trials are well regulated and supervised. The health and safety of people, dogs and livestock are top priorities.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFinally, \u003Cb\u003Eherding is a great spectator sport\u003C\/b\u003E, so even if you are not ready to participate, please come and watch these amazing dogs in action!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe extend our thanks to \u003Cb\u003EJocelyn Clarke\u003C\/b\u003E and the members of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.victorianherdingassociation.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EVictorian Herding Association\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E for their contribution to this story.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESuggestions for Further Reading\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E* Vergil S. Holland, \u003Cb\u003EHerding Dogs: Progressive Training\u003C\/b\u003E, Howell Book House, 1994.\u003Cbr \/\u003E*\u0026nbsp;Scott Lithgow, \u003Cb\u003ETraining and Working Dogs For Quiet Confident Control Of Stock\u003C\/b\u003E, University of Queensland Press, 1987.\u003Cbr \/\u003E* Bob Vest with Kathleen Freeman Kelly, \u003Cb\u003EThe Travelling Herding Teacher\u003C\/b\u003E, Rowe Publishing, 2014.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/9063393441333990346\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/03\/dog-sports-herding-joy-of-working.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/9063393441333990346"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/9063393441333990346"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/03\/dog-sports-herding-joy-of-working.html","title":"Dog Sports - Herding: the Joy of Working!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DiKQ--TDs0w\/WNxPUg7PB-I\/AAAAAAAAMPM\/rEHZ16jW2CAuZBXabSz8WbMDlEaxgS4cQCLcB\/s72-c\/Koolie-Allambie-Snippetts-steers-sheep-in-right-direction.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-6790653458732531932"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-03T15:31:00.003+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-15T07:15:01.697+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"LIFESTYLE"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"LIVING WITH DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Splash! The Dock Dogs are diving in!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oMwGF3qvZwQ\/V74d5odNJII\/AAAAAAAAHmI\/vzQsioI5MuYFemVLwf8R02l-JuWCep8PQCLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Sydney_Dog_Lovers_Show_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oMwGF3qvZwQ\/V74d5odNJII\/AAAAAAAAHmI\/vzQsioI5MuYFemVLwf8R02l-JuWCep8PQCLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Sydney_Dog_Lovers_Show_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDockDogs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E® is mostly\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;a Spring and Summer dog sport with the official season starting in September through to March-April as a general rule. All it requires is enthusiasm and a love of water so this sounds like the perfect sport for Australians!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOfficially fifteen years old, this sport\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;began as a filler event\u0026nbsp;in the 2000 \u003Ci\u003EESPN Great Outdoor Games\u003C\/i\u003E held in Lake Placid (New York). Back then, there were only 20 to 30 teams compared to around 18,000 teams now on the DockDogs® database, which compete with Australian teams across four continents.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-YSRWl_FbLM0\/V6Fq5FnukmI\/AAAAAAAAHHI\/8cw1HApgfgE0WxixMqPVGRTONAqmrHZ2wCLcB\/s1600\/2005-mike-jackson-little-morgan-hall-of-fame.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-YSRWl_FbLM0\/V6Fq5FnukmI\/AAAAAAAAHHI\/8cw1HApgfgE0WxixMqPVGRTONAqmrHZ2wCLcB\/s400\/2005-mike-jackson-little-morgan-hall-of-fame.jpg\" width=\"302\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe Outdoor World Record at the end of DockDogs® first official season (2001) was 22’4”.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDuring 2003, a 54lb. Black Labrador Shakopee named “Little Morgan” and his handler Mike Jackson tied the World Record of 23’1” at their very first event.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn 2004, the Outdoor World Record was broken and re-set again by “Little Morgan” at 26'06\".\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E“Little Morgan” held that world record for the next 3.5 years. Though he passed away in early 2012, \u0026nbsp;\"Little Morgan\" has now entered the Hall of Fame and continues to be highly regarded in DockDogs® worldwide.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHe was\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Ewas such a graceful jumper that his silhouette was used to design the DOCKDOGS® logo.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe current overall\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003EBig Air® Outdoor World Record is 31’ \u003C\/b\u003E-\u0026nbsp;set at Clark County Fair in Ridgefield, WA on 4 August 2012, is\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eheld by Diane Salts\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eand her \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/05\/whippet-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EWhippet\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E Cochiti.\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis same Whippet is a former Lure course champion who got into DockDogs to gain strength in training for Lure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDiane soon discovered that Cochiti was far more suited to flying than running.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn 2013, Cochiti skimmed right out of the pool in order to get the toy!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis jump wasn’t recorded due to the fact that she didn’t land in the water. Two competing pools had to be changed to a length of fifty feet to accommodate this light-weight skimmer dog...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nzs_lP6cahk\/V6FslVPlyAI\/AAAAAAAAHHU\/RAZVzzg8ceM_TxKAIU9QC-ctBNOyNcYJQCLcB\/s1600\/Cochiti_Whippet_DockDogs_record_holder.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nzs_lP6cahk\/V6FslVPlyAI\/AAAAAAAAHHU\/RAZVzzg8ceM_TxKAIU9QC-ctBNOyNcYJQCLcB\/s1600\/Cochiti_Whippet_DockDogs_record_holder.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECochiti, the Whippet -\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003EBig Air® Outdoor World Record - Photo: Julie Ward\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOver the years, DockDogs Worldwide began jumping at indoor events and decided to create an indoor World Record for BIG AIR® as we noticed a considerable difference in the dogs jumping abilities outdoor vs. indoor. With the difference in lighting, sound reflecting off the walls and noise being contained indoors, it made sense to have two separate records.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe first indoor event was held at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport \u0026amp; Travel Show in 2002 and was won by none other than “Little Morgan” and his handler Mike Jackson!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe current Big Air® Indoor World Record overall is 30’ 3”\u003C\/b\u003E held by Yayohi (Belgian Malinois) and her handler\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Crystal McClaren. It was\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eset at the 2015 DockDogs World Championships in Dubuque Iowa.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HK9kiq8M-vs\/V6F6VuqGakI\/AAAAAAAAHII\/1vo3C4qcFRE_DzEchVDBXAA4kNnrK8zrQCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_Malinois_Long_Jump.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HK9kiq8M-vs\/V6F6VuqGakI\/AAAAAAAAHII\/1vo3C4qcFRE_DzEchVDBXAA4kNnrK8zrQCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_Malinois_Long_Jump.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cb style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003EHow popular is DockDogs in Australia?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn Australia, DockDogs premiered at the World Dog Games held at Homebush in October 2009. David Graham was the MC for the event and fell in love with the sport. David could see the great potential for the dogs of this country and has since endeavoured to create a DockDog community here. Then known as \u003Cb\u003EThe Australian Canine Sports \u0026amp; Training Centre\u003C\/b\u003E,\u0026nbsp;he became the owner of the pool and now has the only sanctioned facility in this country at \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.farmerdave.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EThe Farmer Dave Dog Centre\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(sadly closed in 2017 due to Sydney's massive urban development).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_I825G6h9xc\/V74eFzeeT_I\/AAAAAAAAHmM\/ACbq5anEGJk-dbikh0FWeUnd5ayn0dv6ACLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_I825G6h9xc\/V74eFzeeT_I\/AAAAAAAAHmM\/ACbq5anEGJk-dbikh0FWeUnd5ayn0dv6ACLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECanberra Royal\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E saw a special visitor to watch the dogs flying: former Governor General Quentin Bryce was watching in the splash zone when Nadia the Pitbull jumped so far that the Governor got drenched. She laughed and seemed to enjoy the splash even though this turned her lovely pink suit in a fuchsia colour!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-q6hwCWy9_3Q\/V74fPlviXKI\/AAAAAAAAHmc\/AVPIg5o4pnYi77eeb_zEbCWt2c7K0osMQCLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Winner_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-q6hwCWy9_3Q\/V74fPlviXKI\/AAAAAAAAHmc\/AVPIg5o4pnYi77eeb_zEbCWt2c7K0osMQCLcB\/s400\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Winner_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPhoto Credit: Roger Bishop\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDockDogs is popular all over Australia with clubs operating in Sydney, Canberra, Queensland and Perth with new clubs starting soon in Melbourne.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are currently 100 members nationally and the teams keep growing each year.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe have seen some great achievements in local competitions with Blaze - a four-year old \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/australian-kelpie-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EKelpie\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E mix owned by Alleigh, \u0026nbsp;jumping a whopping 27'7\" to come the new Australian champion!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESo how can your dog become one of these DockDogs high-jumping heroes?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAs long as your dog has a toy drive and is comfortable in and around the water, then he can become a Dock Dog!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ESimply get in touch with your local club and arrange a time to come down to their training pool for a “Try-Out”. If both your dog and yourself fall in love with this sport then you can join the club and start training for fun or competitions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDockDogs® is unlike any other canine competition as there is a \u003Cb\u003Ezero discrimination policy\u003C\/b\u003E: i.e. dogs competing in the worldwide rankings can be any breed, any mix, any size and any colour providing they are over 6 months of age or older.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDockDogs is a great sport to keep your dog fit and healthy. It is a \u003Cb\u003Elow impact sport\u003C\/b\u003E with no injuries recorded from the sport. A lot of dogs who join the sport have existing injuries from other activities, however DockDogs seems to benefit them as there is a lot of gentle swimming involved. Please note that dogs that show signs of existing injuries are not allowed to compete.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat disciplines can your dogs compete in?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis dog sport is centered around three disciplines – \u003Cb\u003EBig Air \u003C\/b\u003E(long jump), \u003Cb\u003EExtreme Vertical \u003C\/b\u003E(high jump) and \u003Cb\u003ESpeed + Retrieve\u003C\/b\u003E (sprint).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#1. Big Air\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe main event ‘Big Air’ is equivalent to a long jump for dogs, off a sanctioned 40ft dock into a 40ft pool of water. Each dog and their handler are a competition team and each team competes head to head against other teams to see who can jump the furthest distance. Each team is allotted 60 seconds to get their dog down the dock and into the water.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-phvsHXyoOXk\/V6F6H1dm_YI\/AAAAAAAAHIE\/lYapGA4NXTQshZm-sLxHA8Gj_cLSKFdtwCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_BigAir_Catch.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-phvsHXyoOXk\/V6F6H1dm_YI\/AAAAAAAAHIE\/lYapGA4NXTQshZm-sLxHA8Gj_cLSKFdtwCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_BigAir_Catch.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOver the week-end, teams will jump in ‘waves’ or heats and their results slot them into divisions. During the finals, they all compete against dogs in their own division, meaning there are winners across all sections of the jump spectrum. Internationally accredited judges will evaluate all jumps either manually or for the Nationals competition, electronically - using imported digital 90 frames per second video stop-action.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe distance is measured from the end of the dock to the part of the dog where the ‘tail meets the body’ when it enters the water. The current Australian record stands at a whopping 27’4” at the big end and 2” at the shorter end... yes a fat Labrador just fell in awkwardly. Measurements are based on the US standard of feet and inches, which make the records sound all the more impressive!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#2. Extreme Vertical  \u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe second event is ‘Extreme Vertical’ and it is an all-ages crowd favourite! This is a ‘high jump’ for dogs with an apparatus jib hanging out over and above the pool with a bumper toy hanging down, which the dogs leap skyward to grab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHIK7AZaaiY\/V74egwIOGEI\/AAAAAAAAHmQ\/SN-zDxNgNG4P_JmX3ms3WAVa3LntxfxfACLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Extreme_Vertical_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHIK7AZaaiY\/V74egwIOGEI\/AAAAAAAAHmQ\/SN-zDxNgNG4P_JmX3ms3WAVa3LntxfxfACLcB\/s1600\/Dock_Dogs_Competition_Extreme_Vertical_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDogs have two non-grab attempts overall, which adds ‘an edge of your seat’ element. With time between the heights going up and the re-set of the bumper, the announcer takes the audience on a journey of each dog’s history with brand messaging, allowing a buy-in from the audience which all adds to the crowd's involvement.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E#3. Speed + Retrieve\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis event is like drag racing for dogs, or Flyball on water!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvnGptjuhYU\/V6F1ovrqa7I\/AAAAAAAAHH4\/WyW85q0XwkUS1dTHxzY5VWaDtswVXmhdwCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_BigAir_GoPro_Mountain_Games.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvnGptjuhYU\/V6F1ovrqa7I\/AAAAAAAAHH4\/WyW85q0XwkUS1dTHxzY5VWaDtswVXmhdwCLcB\/s1600\/DockDogs_BigAir_GoPro_Mountain_Games.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ESensors on the dock relay the information back to the judging computer on\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;both:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E1) the handler's reaction time to releasing their dog when the traffic lights go from Red to Green\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eat the end of the pool.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E2) then the dog races down the dock, flies into the water then swims like mad to the end of the pool grabbing the bumper to end the timer.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis give a set of two scores to the judge: a reaction time score for the human and a speed score for the dog.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDockDogs®\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E clubs practice at locations as diverse as sanctioned pool facilities, backyard pools, dams, creeks and even jetties at the beach...\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EEssentially all the dogs need is a platform to jump off and a body of water to jump into!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GoBMYzkJG-s\/V74fdRHwxaI\/AAAAAAAAHmk\/jXKtW_53HWgz7utDYfCtyQHGwTHxDeb0gCLcB\/s1600\/Central_Coast_Dock_Dogs_Training_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GoBMYzkJG-s\/V74fdRHwxaI\/AAAAAAAAHmk\/jXKtW_53HWgz7utDYfCtyQHGwTHxDeb0gCLcB\/s400\/Central_Coast_Dock_Dogs_Training_Roger_Bishop.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPhoto Credit: Roger Bishop\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECompetitions are held monthly throughout the season and consist of a mix of National and Club competitions with participants\u0026nbsp;drawn from the local clubs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EMembers are passionate about their sport and will travel and compete wherever there is an event on! Y\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Eou will see them\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;popping up all over Australia: from North Queensland all the way to Perth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EA performance crew is also available for demonstration events such as smaller pet festivals or corporate events.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you are interested in getting involved or keen to start your own local club, please contact \u003Cb\u003EDockDogs Australia\u003C\/b\u003E at \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dockdogsaustralia.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ewww.dockdogsaustralia.com.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe'd like to thank the\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003EPresident of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/centralcoastdockdogs.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECentral Coast Dock Dogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E for their contribution to this article.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/6790653458732531932\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/08\/splash-dock-dogs-are-diving-in.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6790653458732531932"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6790653458732531932"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/08\/splash-dock-dogs-are-diving-in.html","title":"Splash! The Dock Dogs are diving in!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oMwGF3qvZwQ\/V74d5odNJII\/AAAAAAAAHmI\/vzQsioI5MuYFemVLwf8R02l-JuWCep8PQCLcB\/s72-c\/Dock_Dogs_Sydney_Dog_Lovers_Show_Roger_Bishop.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-654429061030101422"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-08T11:14:00.007+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-15T09:07:42.105+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"LIFESTYLE"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"LIVING WITH DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Canine Disc - Growing in Leaps and Bounds"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Pgh64rx2Fsc\/V4ttR3canTI\/AAAAAAAAGs4\/OakIFwSQCnU1iwwq-wLbhnKKqPpqCz2MQCLcB\/s1600\/Dog_Frisbee_Motions.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Pgh64rx2Fsc\/V4ttR3canTI\/AAAAAAAAGs4\/OakIFwSQCnU1iwwq-wLbhnKKqPpqCz2MQCLcB\/s1600\/Dog_Frisbee_Motions.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECanine Disc (also known as Disc Dog, Frisbee Dog) is a relatively new dog sport in Australia but it has quickly grown in popularity in the last ten years, with many clubs now open across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat is Canine Disc?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003EIn Canine Disc competitions, dogs and their human flying disc throwers compete in events such as\u003Cb\u003E distance catching\u003C\/b\u003E and \u003Cb\u003Echoreographed freestyle catching\u003C\/b\u003E. The sport celebrates the bond between handler and dog, by allowing them to work together. The term \"\u003Ci\u003Edisc\u003C\/i\u003E\" is preferred because \"\u003Ci\u003EFrisbee\u003C\/i\u003E\" is a trademark (held by Wham-O) for a brand of flying disc.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAn Arresting Performance\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003EThe sport got its start in the early 1970s, paralleling the rise in popularity of Frisbee sport.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe definitive moment came on August 5, 1974 when Alex Stein, a 19-year-old college student from Ohio, and his dog, Ashley Whippet, jumped the fence at a nationally broadcast baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Stein had with him a couple of flying discs, which he threw for the dog.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fdf1IPLviiM\/V3ziLWd1NlI\/AAAAAAAAGeI\/t3qqqI0mpIUtgXSJlKMrHh5xPXEZ-KWvACLcB\/s1600\/Ashley_Whippet_in_action.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fdf1IPLviiM\/V3ziLWd1NlI\/AAAAAAAAGeI\/t3qqqI0mpIUtgXSJlKMrHh5xPXEZ-KWvACLcB\/s400\/Ashley_Whippet_in_action.jpg\" width=\"290\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAshley astonished the crowd with his disc-catching, as he ran up to 35 miles per hour (56 km\/h) and leaped 9 feet (2.7 m) in the air to snag the disc. The stunt was so novel that the game was stopped and Joe Garagiola continued to announce the flying disc action on the field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EFinally, after eight minutes, Stein was escorted off the field and arrested. The nationally televised exhibition of Ashley's skill did much to fuel interest in the sport.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Stein worked with Irv Lander and Eldon McIntire to create the \u003Cb\u003EFrisbee Dog World Championship\u003C\/b\u003E for people and their dogs. Even today, Stein and McIntire continue to contribute to the sport.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat are the different formats in Canine Disc?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETeams of one person and one dog compete in the standard distance \u003Cb\u003E\"Throw \u0026amp; Catch\"\u003C\/b\u003E event. Points are awarded to the team for catches at varying distances. Competitions also often feature the dynamic \u003Cb\u003E“Freestyle event”\u003C\/b\u003E, which consists of short routines choreographed to music with multiple discs in play.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Divisions in canine disc events are usually based on the skill and experience of the handler. Men and women generally compete in the same divisions for all disciplines.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Uaqeg4kFIuI\/V3zdNIGy7gI\/AAAAAAAAGdw\/kciliOsbH04Qk-1hx97_tFY_jYjTDoTagCKgB\/s1600\/Dog-Leaping-to-catch-Disc.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Uaqeg4kFIuI\/V3zdNIGy7gI\/AAAAAAAAGdw\/kciliOsbH04Qk-1hx97_tFY_jYjTDoTagCKgB\/s1600\/Dog-Leaping-to-catch-Disc.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ERunkle the Border Collie leaping to retrieve a disc\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThrow \u0026amp; Catch\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis is a distance event and it can go by many names including \u003Ci\u003EToss and Fetch\u003C\/i\u003E, \u003Ci\u003EBonus Chase\u003C\/i\u003E, and \u003Ci\u003EDistance\/Accuracy\u003C\/i\u003E. The concept is generally the same. In Throw \u0026amp; Catch events sanctioned by \u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECanine Disc Australia\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, contestants have 90 seconds to make as many throws as possible on a field marked with 10 yard increasingly longer distances out to 40 yards. Dogs are awarded points for catches based on the distance of the throw, with mid-air catches rating an extra ½ point. Only one disc is used for these events.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFreestyle\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8q9sjX7-MQI\/V3zpfmYn98I\/AAAAAAAAGek\/yEXXS4ddY2scb6kPHOwT1X4Pn3zyo3TXgCLcB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc_Amazing_Flip.JPG\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8q9sjX7-MQI\/V3zpfmYn98I\/AAAAAAAAGek\/yEXXS4ddY2scb6kPHOwT1X4Pn3zyo3TXgCLcB\/s400\/Canine_Disc_Amazing_Flip.JPG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFreestyle is a subjectively judged event, similar to Freestyle events like skateboard and snowboard half-pipe, or Freestyle Footbag (Hacky sack).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe team consists of one person (handler) and his or her dog.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDepending on the event, the length of a routine will be either 90 seconds or two minutes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EUp to 10 discs are used for Freestyle Events. Teams are judged in categories that include Canine, Team, Player, and Execution.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIncredible flips, hyper-fast multiple catches, and spectacular vaults make freestyle a popular event with spectators, and it is regarded as the highest level of competitive accomplishment.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGames\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGames are a competition enjoyed by Canine Frisbee teams of all skill and experience levels, including beginners, because the rules are very simple.  \u003Cb\u003EAll Games are 60 seconds\u003C\/b\u003E, Teams can earn a Games title, which is based upon a team's ability to achieve a versatile array of objective standards without considering teams' relative competitiveness against other teams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003ESuccess in games depends in part upon a handler's ability to strategically approach the games round with a focused awareness of the skills to be demonstrated during that games' competition round.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhy is this sport becoming so popular?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003E Part of the popularity of canine disc is its accessibility. All that is required to enjoy it is a level playing area, a dog, and a flying disc. Also, a little imagination is an extra plus for Freestyle competition. It is estimated that over one million dogs play flying disc in the United States alone, though only a small percentage participate in organised competitions. Canine Disc Clubs can be found all over the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada and Australia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe first club was the \u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDallas Dog and Disc Club\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, founded in the mid-1980s by Ron Ellis.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECanine Disc Clubs in Australia\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003ECanine Disc clubs organise and promote the sport on a local level, and work with the national organisation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.caninediscaustralia.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECanine Disc Australia Ltd\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E \u003C\/b\u003Eto run events. They offer newcomers a way to learn more about the sport, and are a great place for the experienced competitors to give back. Disc dog clubs can be found throughout Australia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe first club was the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBrisbane \u0026amp; Region K9 Disc Club\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, founded in 2003 by Damian \u0026amp; Karen Noud. T\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003Ehere are currently 9 affiliated clubs within Australia, located in South-East QLD, North QLD, Victoria \u0026amp; NSW with 157 people officially registered in QLD, 35 in Victoria, 28 in NSW and 1 from South Australia.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bWiA7UXNNDM\/V3zq0SFtvWI\/AAAAAAAAGe0\/1ZRxCC0vk3YiBCd6jNBH8zPAYI4QRbOvQCLcB\/s1600\/Dog-Running-with-Disc.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bWiA7UXNNDM\/V3zq0SFtvWI\/AAAAAAAAGe0\/1ZRxCC0vk3YiBCd6jNBH8zPAYI4QRbOvQCLcB\/s1600\/Dog-Running-with-Disc.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBanjo, 6-month old Border Collie retrieving the disc in an NFC round\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow easy is it to get started?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003EAnyone who wants to spend time with their canine companion can participate; it is \u003Cb\u003Ea sport for all members of the family\u003C\/b\u003E young and old, even those with disabilities. As long as your dog is healthy you can give canine disc a go. The best way to find out if Canine Disc is for you and your dog is to try it!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECanine Disc sport in Australia is open to all breeds of dogs willing to chase the disc,\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;whether they are big or small, pure bred or cross breeds.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECanine Disc Australia\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E has 260 dogs registered with the organisation from Boston Terriers, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/jack-russell-terrier-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EJack Russells\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, German Short Hair Pointers, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/09\/border-collie.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EBorder Collies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Kelpies, Koolies, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/01\/australian-shepherd-breed-profile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAustralian Shepherds\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and various cross breeds.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-szWwBIjLPRk\/V3779yLIX-I\/AAAAAAAAGfE\/aG8Wi8tpQCMe9J_dwkLZTHUV_8XmEr19wCKgB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc_Boston_Terrier.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-szWwBIjLPRk\/V3779yLIX-I\/AAAAAAAAGfE\/aG8Wi8tpQCMe9J_dwkLZTHUV_8XmEr19wCKgB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc_Boston_Terrier.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBoston Terrier Elliot in action\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000; font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAny Health \u0026amp; Safety considerations?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECanine Disc Australia\u003C\/b\u003E places great emphasis on safety.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EDogs are not officially allowed to compete until they are 18 months old, however dogs under 18 months are allowed to participate in what is called NFC (Not For Competition) rounds, where the only throw allowed is a Slider or Roller.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EPuppies can participate from 16 weeks of age: they participate within the Beginners Throw \u0026amp; Catch class, and get experience on the field with judges, spectators, count downs and have great fun chasing down rollers. Foundation training in the sport sets dogs up to learn how to track the disc and jump correctly.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBut I am not a very good thrower of the Disc?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECDA recognises that not everyone will have the same ability to throw the disc.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxHp78rg0bA\/V38Y5Ck2i4I\/AAAAAAAAGgU\/VNEG1K0RETEPmRFEXDAWvgyWXU7_wUqOgCLcB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc-Freestyle.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxHp78rg0bA\/V38Y5Ck2i4I\/AAAAAAAAGgU\/VNEG1K0RETEPmRFEXDAWvgyWXU7_wUqOgCLcB\/s400\/Canine_Disc-Freestyle.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThere is a variety of classes and divisions which compete separately so you can be assured you will be competing with those at the same skill level.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are Beginners, Excellent, Open \u0026amp; Master Divisions in Throw \u0026amp; Catch type competitions, Pro \u0026amp; Super Pro Divisions in Freestyle type competitions, Pro Skills \u0026amp; Super Pro Skills in Freestyle Skills competitions plus a variety of Games.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECanine Disc Training\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PPWaO02ShO0\/V379iau_0bI\/AAAAAAAAGfQ\/djiNcyVBNxc6KkoM_9RH2BgTXNH_zPKCgCLcB\/s1600\/Dog_reaching_out_to_retrieve_disc.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PPWaO02ShO0\/V379iau_0bI\/AAAAAAAAGfQ\/djiNcyVBNxc6KkoM_9RH2BgTXNH_zPKCgCLcB\/s400\/Dog_reaching_out_to_retrieve_disc.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EChase, Border Collie - chasing down a disc in an NFC round\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ENot all dogs immediately understand the concept of the game. A dog may not instinctively know to turn and chase after a disc that is thrown over its head.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ETo begin, the disc should be rolled along the ground on its vertical edge and the dog encouraged to chase it for a short distance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ENot all dogs know how to catch a disc so to start the disc should be thrown straight to the dog at a short distance. Once your dog knows how to catch, he can learn the additional concept of running to catch the disc. The disc should be thrown at increasing heights, gradually throwing the disc higher, until it finally goes over the dog's head. At that point the dog will instinctively follow the disc all the way around.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat type of competitions can I enjoy with my dog?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECDA will sanction a variety of different competition formats in the hope that there is something to suit everyone. You can participate in \u003Ci\u003EThrow \u0026amp; Catch\u003C\/i\u003E, \u003Ci\u003EFreestyle\u003C\/i\u003E, \u003Ci\u003EFreestyle Skills\u003C\/i\u003E and a variety of \u003Ci\u003EGames\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more information on the variety of events and levels or the awards you and your dog could win as you start competing, please visit the\u003Cb\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.caninediscaustralia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECanine Disc Australia website\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003EThe 2016 National Championships \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe National Championships only come around every 2 years and in 2016, competitors will be vying for 3 separate titles during a 3-day event:  National Championship Titles, a National Throw \u0026amp; Catch Champion, a National Games Champion \u0026amp; a National Freestyle Champion.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uUBdtp2RaPA\/V379yQAyqZI\/AAAAAAAAGfU\/nSsEUjGl9ecA-l0K1ShgF8jWJy3PZpRtQCLcB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc_Joel_Basil_about_to_start_Freestyle_Routine.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uUBdtp2RaPA\/V379yQAyqZI\/AAAAAAAAGfU\/nSsEUjGl9ecA-l0K1ShgF8jWJy3PZpRtQCLcB\/s1600\/Canine_Disc_Joel_Basil_about_to_start_Freestyle_Routine.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"\u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif\" style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EJoel \u0026amp; Basil about to start their Freestyle routine\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThe 2016 Championships will be held in Caboolture, Queensland so if you’re in the region, you are welcome to attend as a spectator and it is free. This is your chance to see the best teams in action and meet representatives from all the affiliated clubs to learn more about this sport.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003EWe'd like to thank Allison Britton from \u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www%2Ccanineaustralia.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECanine Disc Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E for her contribution to this article.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/654429061030101422\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/canine-disc-growing-in-leaps-and-bounds.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/654429061030101422"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/654429061030101422"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/canine-disc-growing-in-leaps-and-bounds.html","title":"Canine Disc - Growing in Leaps and Bounds"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Pgh64rx2Fsc\/V4ttR3canTI\/AAAAAAAAGs4\/OakIFwSQCnU1iwwq-wLbhnKKqPpqCz2MQCLcB\/s72-c\/Dog_Frisbee_Motions.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-2311407769917756299"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-30T16:18:00.007+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-12-21T12:22:33.254+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG SPORTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"TRAINING"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Fun Things to Do with your Dog"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYlS1-aVaH8\/V6w3PqVJjoI\/AAAAAAAAHQc\/GNq_e4o5zxInFQBG8FSSdAYqHKBuie3KACLcB\/s1600\/Fun_Outside_Dog_with_a_Ball.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYlS1-aVaH8\/V6w3PqVJjoI\/AAAAAAAAHQc\/GNq_e4o5zxInFQBG8FSSdAYqHKBuie3KACLcB\/s1600\/Fun_Outside_Dog_with_a_Ball.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EI do not know about you but I love having fun with my dogs!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are a lot of different ways of having fun and it means something different to everyone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIt depends on you, your age, fitness level, personal preferences, imagination and personality.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIt also depends on your dog, their age and fitness level, breed disposition, temperament and their personal play style.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMany of us know about the popular dog sports such as \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/04\/dog-agility-ultimate-of-dog-sports.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EAgility\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/05\/all-about-flyball-drag-racing-for-dogs.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EFlyball\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Rally O, Dock Diving (or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/08\/splash-dock-dogs-are-diving-in.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EDockDogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E), \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/03\/dog-sports-herding-joy-of-working.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EHerding\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/the-joys-of-dog-sledding-dry-mushing.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EDog Sledding\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/07\/canine-disc-growing-in-leaps-and-bounds.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003ECanine Frisbee\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tjafRIKIQ8\/V3SnM7YsAFI\/AAAAAAAAGSI\/KT8_Hf2df9krcCvW-uS36qr4adzHWSmGgCLcB\/s1600\/Dog-Agility-Standard-Upright-Jump.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0tjafRIKIQ8\/V3SnM7YsAFI\/AAAAAAAAGSI\/KT8_Hf2df9krcCvW-uS36qr4adzHWSmGgCLcB\/s1600\/Dog-Agility-Standard-Upright-Jump.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHowever, some dogs are not suitable for high arousal sports or are simply not comfortable in the presence of other dogs or strangers. And some owners have no interest in joining a club or to actively compete.\u0026nbsp;This does not mean that you cannot have fun.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are sports that cater for dogs who do not enjoy the company of others or high arousal activities. One is Nose Work where dogs initially learn to search for their toys or rewards and later on for a specific scent. The latest variation on this activity is called \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/09\/k9-scent-scramble-new-ballgame-for-dogs.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EThe K9 Scent Scramble\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. In this sport dogs are diving through or into a ball pit to retrieve a specific item.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis looks like a lot of fun!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-532Kg3H_wCY\/WPPsD8JgEyI\/AAAAAAAAMrc\/uVWGC3nS6vE1Uzx2NBF7xa4jLH1xi9TggCLcB\/s1600\/Chewbacca_diving_into_K9_Scramble.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-532Kg3H_wCY\/WPPsD8JgEyI\/AAAAAAAAMrc\/uVWGC3nS6vE1Uzx2NBF7xa4jLH1xi9TggCLcB\/s1600\/Chewbacca_diving_into_K9_Scramble.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOlder dogs might consider a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/canine-massage-therapy-helps-arthritis.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003Ecanine massage\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E or acupressure much more relaxing and beneficial than any other activity. There are specialised professionals who offer these services.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E Let's not forget that we're in winter and this does restrict the amount of time you and your dog will want to spend outdoors.\u0026nbsp;Inside on a cold rainy day and you and your dog need to do something?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ELets start with the \"oldies but goldies\" of dog tricks:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E #1.\u0026nbsp;Hide your dog’s toy or food\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0FNIxkwcMD4\/V3S4MMESgkI\/AAAAAAAAGTw\/J5THdhQwAiI_LNiFWt-y677gfvmTvA1MACLcB\/s1600\/busy-buddy-tug-a-jug-dog-toy.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0FNIxkwcMD4\/V3S4MMESgkI\/AAAAAAAAGTw\/J5THdhQwAiI_LNiFWt-y677gfvmTvA1MACLcB\/s400\/busy-buddy-tug-a-jug-dog-toy.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ECue your dog to sit and wait (if necessary ask a family member to restrain him), hide his toy and let him look for it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you have never played this game start easy by letting him see where you put it and then make it more difficult. If your dog does not retrieve just get him to indicate where the toy is.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#2. Hide and Seek\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;\"\u003EGet one person to hold on to the dog, the other person (with some treats handy) hides. Then the dog goes and looks for the person and gets a big reward when he finds her.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#3.\u0026nbsp;Which Hand?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis a precursor to more advanced tricks such as shake and high five.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NXuhXzzRwcg\/V3SxapdZE7I\/AAAAAAAAGTM\/vBkee0nl9nQ2PKHdnKXMVkXzDnDo4HQcwCKgB\/s1600\/Dog-Training-High-Five.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NXuhXzzRwcg\/V3SxapdZE7I\/AAAAAAAAGTM\/vBkee0nl9nQ2PKHdnKXMVkXzDnDo4HQcwCKgB\/w373-h400\/Dog-Training-High-Five.jpg\" width=\"373\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPut treats in both hands\u003C\/b\u003E and ask your dog to sit. Put your hands (fist closed facing up) in front of the dog so he can reach your hand with his paw.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EMost dogs will sniff first and if that does not work, they will put up the paw to scratch.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EBefore they scratch open up your fist and let him have the treat. Repeat until you get a reliable paw on your hand.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce you get that, remove the treat from your hand (but pretend it is there), as soon as the dog lifts his paw open up your hand, say ‘shake’ and reward from the other hand. That should result in a shake very quickly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce this is reliable, ask for a shake and as soon as the dog lifts his leg, change the position of your hand to a high five.\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E #4. Sit Pretty or Beg\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #674ea7;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6KBkJLFbuvg\/V3XQd229fzI\/AAAAAAAAGU4\/J_EXC_WilrkMq_kmW564AEviw6EgsWESgCLcB\/s1600\/Belgian-Malinois-Begging.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6KBkJLFbuvg\/V3XQd229fzI\/AAAAAAAAGU4\/J_EXC_WilrkMq_kmW564AEviw6EgsWESgCLcB\/s400\/Belgian-Malinois-Begging.jpg\" width=\"338\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAsk your dog to sit and reward a stable sit a few times.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThen use a lure to guide her head back so she lifts her front legs off the ground but her bottom is still touching the floor. Some dogs will even bring their front legs up to touch your arm. The main problem is that their bottom comes off the floor: this means you are holding your treat too high or too far away from their mouth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIt is crucial that the treat that guides the head is very close to the dog's mouth. Once your dog is in position, reward immediately! If you get the sitting up reliably, then put a cue to it like 'sit pretty' or 'beg'.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#5.\u0026nbsp;The three cup game\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-k0IQ2MZfIdw\/V3Sz2zbQlLI\/AAAAAAAAGTY\/nkUlUqKOpp8h6gLGDAFY2pRPp2j_IDVPQCLcB\/s1600\/Yorkshire-playing-shell-game.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-k0IQ2MZfIdw\/V3Sz2zbQlLI\/AAAAAAAAGTY\/nkUlUqKOpp8h6gLGDAFY2pRPp2j_IDVPQCLcB\/s320\/Yorkshire-playing-shell-game.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003ENo betting is involved! Get three cups, put a treat under one, move the cups around and ask your dog to point to the one where the food is.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EAgain, make it easy in the beginning and then gradually more difficult.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can also use a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/02\/top-15-dog-boredom-busters-in-2023.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Evariety of food dispensing toys\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E or cheaper alternatives such as a used toilet roll or the versatile muffin tin!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#6. Teach your dog to close the door or turn on\/off a light\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThese tricks are taught by targeting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EThis means you teach your dog to touch your hand with his\/her muzzle first. Present your open hand about 10 cm away from your dog’s muzzle. It is better to start with the hand to the side and not right in front of her face. Most dogs will touch, but if he\/she doesn't, then remove your hand and try again. Once the dog touches your hand, say yes (or click) and reward. If he\/she does not touch, smear a little bit of your treat on your hand.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-AsfEKQSQzGU\/V3SwVbBvyoI\/AAAAAAAAGS4\/U3K3c5Gs-bUeciCz-tYtEvU61_CMp4uwQCLcB\/s1600\/Small_dog_switches_off_light.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-AsfEKQSQzGU\/V3SwVbBvyoI\/AAAAAAAAGS4\/U3K3c5Gs-bUeciCz-tYtEvU61_CMp4uwQCLcB\/s1600\/Small_dog_switches_off_light.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce you get a reliable touch, stick a post-it note on your hand and ask your dog to touch the post-it note.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce that is reliable, slide the post-it note down, this way your dog is going to only touch the post-it note and not your hand. If she does this reliably transfer the post-it not to your target (door or switch).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can teach your dog to target your foot in the same way.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E#7. Make a house video\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you get really bored, why not make a video of your efforts and show off your dog’s skills? Be sure to share it via your social media feeds to annoy all your non dog-owning friends!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are a lot reasons to have fun with your dog: whilst some activities are just for a bit of mental stimulation, others that involve training - especially trick training, have additional benefits such as:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EConfidence building\u003C\/b\u003E: Dogs who learn new things on an ongoing basis might find new situations in daily life less challenging. They learn that using their brain and finding a solution or trying something new is not scary but rewarding.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EImproves training skills of the owner\u003C\/b\u003E: Lets be honest, when training ‘proper’ obedience most of us are a bit serious. When we train a trick we are much more relaxed, our timing is hopefully better and our reinforcement rate higher. Dogs love this and they really do not care if it is obedience or tricks. They also might engage more with their owners and enjoy ‘real’ obedience training more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EImproves the relationship\u003C\/b\u003E: Dogs and owners who have fun together stay together. Fun is an important part of every relationship and makes the more stressful times easier to navigate.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGives the dog a job\u003C\/b\u003E: I meet a lot of young dogs whom I call ‘unemployed’ and they then become ‘self-employed’; meaning they create their own jobs such as digging up the yard, chewing the pool lights or bark at anything that moves! A 10 minute trick training session is as good as a half hour walk and it makes them very tired.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIce breaker for people who don’t like dogs\u003C\/b\u003E: If a dog performs a cute trick, it can be just a high five, this might put a person who is nervous around dogs a bit more at ease.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYLhUX_zSw0\/V6w3dmsq3XI\/AAAAAAAAHQg\/dWJiySt8edo_JXFk2PPIQhz18BbFGhShACLcB\/s1600\/Training-Fun-Tricks-To-Teach-Your-Dog.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYLhUX_zSw0\/V6w3dmsq3XI\/AAAAAAAAHQg\/dWJiySt8edo_JXFk2PPIQhz18BbFGhShACLcB\/s1600\/Training-Fun-Tricks-To-Teach-Your-Dog.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr clear=\"left\" \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFocus: \u003C\/b\u003ETrick training, because it is so much fun, increases the dog’s focus which can have a positive effect on the more serious things you want to teach your dog like ‘heel’ or ‘stay’.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDefuses scary situations\u003C\/b\u003E: If your dog knows tricks and they encounter a scary situation, you might be able to ask for a ‘high five’ which takes the focus away from the scary thing and back on you.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPhysical benefits\u003C\/b\u003E: Trick training can improve your dog's stamina, increased flexibility, balance, or core strength to name a few. This might also be true for their owner.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: large;\"\u003EHappy training!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"background-color: white; clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kom8EA0y8Jk\/Vxhs6nXneaI\/AAAAAAAAEWE\/4we1U0IGNY4DI1WTo_LjSZ0U-mN41RfOACLcB\/s1600\/Barbara-Hodel-Goodog-Dog-Training.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kom8EA0y8Jk\/Vxhs6nXneaI\/AAAAAAAAEWE\/4we1U0IGNY4DI1WTo_LjSZ0U-mN41RfOACLcB\/w400-h400\/Barbara-Hodel-Goodog-Dog-Training.jpg\" style=\"border: none; float: left; height: auto; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 256px;\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout our writer\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EBarbara Hodel has been involved in dog training for the last 15 years. She has completed a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and a Diploma in CBST (Canine Behaviour Science and Technology). She’s also a Delta-accredited instructor since 2007.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; line-height: 21px;\"\u003EShe has been running\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.goodog.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"text-decoration: none;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGoodog Positive Dog\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETraining\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;on the Northern Beaches Sydney for the last 9 years, running classes on all levels as well as workshops and agility fun classes.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/2311407769917756299\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/fun-things-to-do-with-your-dog.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/2311407769917756299"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/2311407769917756299"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2016\/06\/fun-things-to-do-with-your-dog.html","title":"Fun Things to Do with your Dog"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HYlS1-aVaH8\/V6w3PqVJjoI\/AAAAAAAAHQc\/GNq_e4o5zxInFQBG8FSSdAYqHKBuie3KACLcB\/s72-c\/Fun_Outside_Dog_with_a_Ball.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});