FlyballDogma's World of Sports
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Contents
Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the late 70's. In the early 80's the sport became so popular that the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was formed and they are the worldwide authority for Flyball. Flyball is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box.
Flyball is a VERY athletic sport, and requires more endurance than agility. To be successful, the dog must be in good physical shape as they must run the whole course as well as trigger the flyball box to retrieve the ball. The dog is taught to trigger the box in a fluid motion to reduce the impact on the dog's shoulders. A dog with problems in the shoulders or joints are not suitable for flyball. In a class itself, it is unlikely that a dog will be hitting the box that hard or that often to do any real damage, but if entered in a tournament a dog may have to run the sequence as many as 40 times over the period of a day and that quickly adds up if a dog is not properly fit!
Flyball clubs in Alberta
Flyballdogs information and more
NAFA North American Flyball Association, Inc.
The word "Schutzhund" exactly translated from German to English means "Protection Dog." Schutzhund training and showing involves three phases: Tracking, Obedience and Protection. The main requirement to compete is that the dog can do the work. The dog must track, do obedience and is large enough to successfully jump a 40 inch jump and climb a 6 foot wall, while retrieving a 650 gram dumbbell. The dog must be able to successfully bite and hold the man in the protection work. Typically, the most predominant breed in the sport is the German Shepherd, followed in recent years by the Belgian Malinois. Additionally, we see Dobermans, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, and Bouviers. Other breeds that are less prevalent are Belgian Sheep Dogs, Turverens, Boxers, Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Beaucerons, Dutch Shepherds, Australian Shepherds ("Aussies), an occasional Great Dane and Mastiff. Dogs do not have to be registered and a number of mixed breeds have successfully earned titles over the years and are fully accepted in the sport.
West Coast German Shepherd Schutzhund
DVG America (Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine) a good source for information
Lure Coursing is a humane sport which attempts to imitate the coursing of the rabbit or hare by sighthounds but without the hare. The sighthounds chase an artificial lure, usually a white kitchen garbage bag, sometimes tanned rabbit skins, or fake fur strips. It is an international sport in which sighthounds compete against each other and gain points towards different championship titles. The fastest dog is not necessarily the winner as the dogs are judged on five factors: speed, agility, enthusiasm, endurance and follow. The sighthounds chase a lure which is usually a grouping of three white (or multi-colored) plastic bags attached to a line. The line is then pulled along a system of pulleys. A lure course contains many twists and turns which sighthounds will run at full speed.
Sighthounds are members of the Hound Group. What sets them apart from the rest of this group is that they are built for speed and hunt by sight rather than scent. Much debate revolves around what breeds are true sighthounds. This site focuses only on those breeds recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club as being sighthounds and thereby eligible to compete in sighthound specific events.
Sighthounds include: Afghan Hound, Basenji, Borzoi, Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound, Whippet.
Dog Sledding is one of the fastest growing sports in both North America and Europe. It offers a unique combination of speed and excitement in an outdoor winter setting. Running your own recreational/racing team or seeing a sleddog race is unlike any experience you can have: The Northern Alberta Mushers Association (NAMA) is committed to make the public much more aware of mushing as a recreational sport. If you would like more information contact Joanne Free. NORTHERN ALBERTA MUSHERS ASSOCIATION
Snowy Owl Tours Dog Sled tour in Alberta and co-founders of the Alberta International Sled Dog Classic of Canmore
International Sled Dog Racing Association
Also try out one of my most favorite sites the working dog website!
Canine Freestyle / Musical Freestyle
Canine Freestyle is a choreographed performance with music, illustrating the training and joyful relationship of a dog and handler team. Watch for the dog to be moving to the beat of the music and look for the bond between the dog and handler. You will see graceful and intricate maneuvers performed with precision and artistry. Every movement is accomplished through the subtle use of verbal cues and body language. The emphasis is always on the dog, with the handler completing the team creating a harmonious whole.
Contact Ray & Shannon Underwood for WFCO and Alberta area info. bullet@intergate.bc.ca
Canine Freestyle Federation Inc. - a good place to start for information
World Canine Freestyle Organization Ltd. - another source of rules, information and more.
Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta.
International Weight Pull Association
Last Revised: August 30, 2000
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