Miscellaneous Topics & General Interest Articles
It is such a pleasure to stand at ringside being witness to a beautifully working team as they navigate around a rally course or follow the judge’s commands while making obedience look so easy. We know it isn’t just luck that got them to this point, let alone qualify with impressive scores.
A reasonable amount of time is devoted to teaching our dogs to hold a position, which we usually term “stay” or “wait”. I used to teach both stay and wait. Stay meant to hold the position, no matter what. Wait meant to hold the position until otherwise directed. My first Boxer truly understood the difference between the two commands.
We’re all aware how the past few months (dealing with the coronavirus), has changed our usual way of life. The pandemic has challenged us as never before, basically inflicting a social experiment on all of us. While change can be uncomfortable that doesn’t mean it’s bad or good. Just different.
Number one in our hearts! The AKC Museum of the Dog is pleased to announce its next exhibit. “Top Dogs” celebrates the American Kennel Club’s ten most popular breeds. This exhibit will open May 5th 2021 and will run through August 29th 2021.
During the month of May, Front & Finish celebrates pets. For me this seemed to be a perfect time to celebrate my own pets and to share with others some of the joy they have brought me and my family.
We are lucky to be living in what is fast becoming the golden age of dog research. For years, scientists treated dogs as animals unworthy of serious study due to the particular complications inherent in studying a domestic species, especially one so intricately intertwined with humans.
There’s no substitute for repetition in learning. How many times do athletes run drills? How much practice does it take to get to the Olympics? How much work does it take to earn an OTCH?
Approximately forty-two percent of all households own a dog and there are over seventy-five million individuals who own dogs. While dogs are one of the most beloved companions of man, the majority of owner’s don’t train dogs.
43% believe dog owners who don’t walk their pets should receive a life ban from owning pets. Half think tying up dogs for over an hour should be illegal.
I love doing obedience as a sport and I’ve been lucky enough to own biddable dogs. I’m proud of my dogs when people stop to watch my training, while marveling at the things they are doing. Even though my working dogs impress those who adore their pets, but aren’t really interested in formal obedience I am aware that I still have a long, long way to go to get to reach the top of the competitive obedience ladder.
