Friends
Happy Dog Happy Owner would like to thank our clients, colleagues, and friends.
Facebook, Meetup, and YouTube
Please visit us on Facebook, The San Diego Water Loving Dog Meetup Group and YouTube to view class photos, upcoming events, videos, our fans, and other information.
Pet Industry Links
|
4MyDogs.com - Water training equipment
|
|
|
Animal Behavior College - Where dog lovers become dog trainers
|
|
|
Bellagio Pets - A luxury pet boutique
|
|
|
Canine Water Sports - Teaching, testing, and documenting water sports achievements for all kinds of dogs
|
|
|
Dogtown San Diego - A dog lovers website
|
|
|
Leash Your Fitness - A workout for you and your dog
|
|
|
San Diego County Dog Trainers Directory - Effective positive training for dogs
|
|
|
Southern California Portunguese Water Dog Club
|
|
|
Wizard of Paws - In home pet sitting
|
Featured Dog Article
Why You and Yuur Dog should Consider Taking up Agility
The year was 1979 and the show was the Crufts -- a dog show. The dogs raced over the obstacles that lay on the course with the guidance of their owners in a manner that wasn’t that far away from horse jumping. The sport was successful and is now entertained at dog shows the world over.
Before the competition starts, agility tests are given to unregistered dogs and registered dogs alike. There are AKC shows, which are for registered, pure bred dogs only. Other shows exist for mix bred dogs as well as unregistered, purebred dogs. The agility contest is both a fun and great way of exercise for the dog as well as the dog owner.
Each competition involves both dog and handler going through a series of obstacles. The dog which finishes the course quickest and with the fewest mistakes is the winner.
- Dog Walk is a plank that the dog must go up and come down the other side on. A part of the plank is issued the stop area that the dog must stop in to prove that it is maintaining balance.
- The A-Frame is a narrow area that the dog has to move up and then down.
- Horizontal tunnels are the narrow tunnels that the animal needs to run through to show that the dog is able to cope in tight spaces.
- There are also several different jumps that are set to the height of the dog accordingly. The tire jumps are adjustable too.
- Weaving is where the dog must go through a series of poles by weaving in and out of them. This must be done without missing one weave through.
- Lastly, the handler has to make his or her dog jump up onto the pause box where the animal must remain for five seconds, at which point the handler can give the command for the dog to get down.
Before a dog takes agility training, obedience training certainly must be given the animal. It is possible to find an obedience trainer who can later take your dog onto agility training afterwards. Many books and videos exist to help with training. Equipment can be specially bought to aid your dog in perfecting any one area he needs work on. Despite a differing layout being possible in various competitions, the overall set-up will be the same. All the obstacles will be there, just in a different order. Also, while in the tournament, the handler may give as many commands and signals as he or she wishes without limit toward the dog.
Three things dogs will be penalized for are as follows:
- If the height of a bar is not judged properly and thus knocked off.
- If the dog misses the area of contact as he performs on the equipment.
- If the set out time is exceeded.
Agility is a fantastic means of exercise for both dog and handler. As well as being used to train in competition, the obstacles can be used at the owner’s home for fun too. Article written by Jeff Smith - for more dog articles by Jeff, check out additional dog articles on dog beds and dog training tips.
Other Dog Training Articles
Good Doggy Manners Can Earn Rewards
I can lead my dog to water, but how do I teach her to swim?
New Club for Water Loving Dogs - Check out the article on pages 13-14 of the November/December 2009 issue of San Diego Pets Magazine.
Water Sports: Improve Your Summer Fun, Health, and Teamwork
Water Trials Put Dogs To The Test
Client Testimonials
|
I want to take the time to thank Lara, with Happy Dog Happy Owner, for her assistance training our little pug, Milo. For the most part, Milo could be trusted off leash, but we were concerned with how "overly friendly" he was with other dogs and people. While that doesn't sound like a problem, we were worried about not being able to control him in potentially dangerous situations. When Milo was distracted by other people or dogs, it was nearly impossible for us to get him to come, so I decided to get some help. After getting to know me and Milo, Lara began with some simple exercises and a game to get Milo excited to come when called. The game turned into something that our entire family (including our son) now plays at home. We talked about some other techniques that could be used while out in public (where the problem typically occurred) and I began implementing them right away on our daily walks. I was surprised at how quickly each of the exercises and techniques worked and we are well on our way to solving the problem. What really stood out was the fact that Lara took the time to teach me how to work on the problem at home with my family and I never felt pressured to sign up for weeks and weeks of classes to work on the issue. I will continue to use Happy Dog Happy Owner for any additional training needs. Brian and Milo |
|
|
|
|
|
Venus has always been scared of men. After getting engaged, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep Venus if she continued to be fearful of Scott (my fiancée). After a few sessions with Lara to learn counter-conditioning techniques, lots of practice on our own, and some patience, Venus has made quite a bit of progress and is overcoming her fear. Venus will go for walks with Scott and even plays fetch with him in the park. We are so happy with what we have accomplished. Terri and Venus |
|
|
|
|
|
Dave, a professional dog walker, contacted Happy Dog Happy Owner because his pitbull Josie had leash aggression issues. Thanks Lara. I was able to apply your techniques to Josie, my two Hurricane Katrina dogs, and three others that I walked today, that's the best $60 I ever spent! Thanks again! Dave and Josie |
|
 |
|
