Dog owners.... Agility coursing??

[HR-OLIFANT]

Hey all. The wifey and I have decided it is time to get a pup. We're getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback female. Aside form multiple outings daily ( walks, park, etc.), I was thinking I would get involved in agility courseing. I don't know if I would want to go competitive or keep it for fun only, but I like the idea of getting the dog into an organized excercise regime like that.

Anyone out there do agility? What should I expect from courses, etc.

 

[rrdogma]

I have two RRs, 6 & 10. They both have done agility. My girl got a ribbon at a National back in the day, right after she dropped me face first in the mud and continued to do the course all by herself.

It takes a serious commitment to train. Be prepared to DQ a lot. It probably takes about two years of consistent training before you are ready to compete.

They are very intelligent, but they are Hounds. Choose an instructor who is familiar with the mentality. Someone who comes from a Working breed will likely be frustrated with your Ridgeback and you will be frustrated with them.

They will also not be mature enough physically or mentally until about 2yrs old. In the meantime, clicker training classes are a fun way to tire your pup out without injuring her joints. This will also give you an advantage when you start Agility.

Have fun! They are awesome dogs.

Kelly

p.s. If you haven't already, check out The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the U.S., Inc.. They have an Agility page.

 

[HR-OLIFANT]

Thanks for the info Kelly. I wonder if lure coursing might suit them better. Anyhow, I did find a D.C. are RR affiliate club who offer quite a few events each year. They are a few hours away, but worth it every once in a while.

 

[rrdogma]

Thanks for the info Kelly. I wonder if lure coursing might suit them better. Anyhow, I did find a D.C. are RR affiliate club who offer quite a few events each year. They are a few hours away, but worth it every once in a while.

Lure coursing is phenomenal. Both my guys have their AKC titles. I even used to run my RRx in the fun runs. Great exercise and fun to watch. I just watched video from the rrcus site of my old girl racing back in the day and got a bit teary eyed.

They can't compete until they are 2 per AKC regs. Most clubs have short fun runs that you can take them to starting at about 6 months. It is good to get them interested in lure. The whippet people start using lures when they are still in the whelping box!

Is the club CBARRC? It is great to be involved with a local club. It gives you access to events but also to the collective experience of longtime RR owners.


I'm sure you have heard this before but a tired puppy is a good puppy. You will want to go easy on high impact exercise (running/jogging) until about 2 but they tire just as well from games that make them think.


Kelly