Dog Doings

Dog Hiking: How do I care for my dog's feet while hiking?

By Jamie DeBenedetto Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ,

Hiking, especially over rough terrain like the desert pavement we commonly see here in the Sonoran desert, can be hard on a dog's paws. Left unconditioned it is possible for the foot pads on the underside of the paws to split, abrade, or blister resulting in pain and a decrease in the dog's ability to walk effectively. A severe injury could result in the dog needing to be carried off the trail to receive medical attention and he/she

could have difficulty walking for several days. Thankfully this scenario is easily avoidable with some care and planning on the part of the dog's owner.

For trail dogs that are just starting on their hiking adventures it's best to start slowly. Just as you would take time to break in your hiking boots and prepare your feet for longer and longer walks, dogs need time to build up their paws naturally. Start with shorter walks on easier terrain and work up to longer excursion and more abrasive surfaces. Avoid situationswhere the dog is entering and exiting water several times during the hike. As the pads get wet they soften, this increases the likelihood he/she will “blow out” a pad. Finally, check your pup's paws |often. Watch for the first sign of tenderness or labored walking. If an injury does appear, be prepared to treat it while on the trail so it doesn't get worse or more painful for your canine companion. In

addition to naturally conditioning your dog's feet there are some other helpful options to consider. Booties, or dog shoes as they are often called, are one such choice. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes but ultimately they should serve a single purpose: protection for your dog's paws. There are several brands of booties but not all are designed with a trail dog's needs in mind. Pay careful attention to the fit and the materials they are made of to ensure a good buy. Lastly, consider pad conditioners or tougheners like, Musher Wax, Bag Balm, Hoof Maker, Pad Guard and Tuf-Foot. These are topical products sold by pet product stores, feed stores and hunting

outfitters.

www.mydog8az.com

Publisher's note: be sure to check out Jamie's website for much more information on hiking, community events , etc. It's a great resource.

Dog Hiking: Avoiding “Dangerous” Critters

(Part 2- Bears) By Jamie DeBenedetto Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ, www.mydog8az.com

With summer creeping into the state quickly many hikers head to the cooler temperatures of the higher elevations for camping and day hikes. We aren't the only ones who will be wandering these locations however. Black bears (which are the only bears now found in AZ) also call the pine forests and brush zones of the state their home. Bears tend to be somewhat reclusive and human and bear encounters are fairly rare but it is important to know how to behave when you are recreating in bear country.

Most conflicts between bears and humans arise because of food, our food to be exact.

Human food, pet food, and all types of garbage are very attractive to the bears. Once fed bears loose their fear of humans and developed areas. Often, this results in a negative encounter where a human or pet is injured or killed and in many cases the bear will have to be destroyed. Here are some preventative measures you can take while hiking and camping to minimize your likelihood of attracting a bear. (Some suggestions have been taken from the AZ Game and Fish Department's Bear Aware literature)

Never intentionally feed bears. A fed bear is a dead bear!

Keep your camping area clean. This includes the fire pit, your kitchen and your sleeping area.

Never leave human food, pet food, or garbage available and unsecured. Use bear containers where provided or hang your food and garbage. Inside a vehicle is not a safe location.

Do not cook or prepare food in your shelter or sleeping area.

Wash-up, change clothing and remove all scented articles of clothing before retiring to your sleeping area.

Store all food, toiletries, and other scented items well away from your sleeping area and inaccessible to bears.

Keep dogs leashed while hiking and around camp. It is not uncommon for a loose dog to threaten a bear then run back to its owner with the angry bear in tow.

Travel in groups. If this is not an option wear a bear bell or make lots of noise as you walk. A bear bell for you dog is also a good idea.

More information about bears can be obtained by contacting the

Arizona Game and Fish

Department: 602-942-3000.

Dog Hiking: Avoiding “Dangerous” Critters (Part 1 - Snakes) By Jamie DeBenedetto Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ, www.mydog8az.com" www.mydog8az.com

As a native Arizonan and avid animal lover it's thrilling to me to think I might have a snake sighting while spending time in the desert. To some, however, the prospect of meeting up with one of these

potentially dangerous reptiles is frightening and maybe even motivation to stay home! While negative meetings do happen they certainly do not occur with great frequency and not every snake encounter is going to result in a fatal strike. That said those of us who venture into the natural habitat (all of AZ) of these critters should go with a healthy respect for the potential danger they pose to us and our canine companions.

Let's start with some facts. First, not all snakes in Arizona are poisonous. We do, however, have several types of rattlesnakes and a species of coral snake that are. Although they are hunters, they are not hunting you or your dog. They are quite reclusive creatures and while you are trying hard to avoid them, they are working equally as diligently to avoid you. Snake sightings are most common during the spring, summer and fall but they can be active during all seasons if conditions are favorable (air temperatures between 70° to 90°F/21° to 32°C). Furthermore, they may be encountered during both day and night-time hours, again depending on conditions.

Here are five suggestions to help you and your dog avoid negative interaction with the venomous snake population here in AZ.

1. Stay on trails. Trails are generally cleared of brush and other common hiding places for snakes. A cleared path will also make spotting a snake much easier.

2. Keep your dog leashed. This helps her stay on the trail and gives you more control over where she is sticking her nose. Additionally, if you see or hear a snake you might be able to quickly pull your dog away before a strike occurs.

3. Be an observant hiker. Watch where you step and where your dog steps. Listen for the signature “rattle” and if you hear it stop. Locate the snake and then move away in the opposite direction. Keep your dog close during this time. If you move off trail to take a break check the area before you or your dog sit down.

4. Walk with a stick or trekking poles. Tap the ground ahead of you and the brush along the side of the trail. Remember, the snakes want to avoid you too. If you give them some warning they will probably move on and you won't have an encounter. At the very least they will rattle then you can locate them and choose another route away from the snake.

5. Look into snake avoidance training for your dog. There are several trainers who offer this service throughout the state. The Canine Hiking Club of AZ has a list of trainers on our website in the section titled “Resource Center”. www.mydog8az.com

Dog Hiking: To Leash or Not to Leash by Jamie DeBenedetto Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ

This really is THE question and it's one many responsible dog owners grapple with each time we go out in public with our dog (s). As our city increases in population and hiking grows in popularity, it becomes even more of a struggle to decide what is best for all trail users. While Arizona still has many places around the state suitable for off lead dog hiking, the whole of the city/county mountain parks system has an on leash policy. Despite the potential of being ticketed, many owners continue

to risk it and let their dogs run freely. It is really worth it?

In order to get to the heart of this matter we need to look at the big picture. How do our decisions regarding our dog (s) affect others around us? As a responsible dog owner we need to take into consideration this question whenever we are in public because precedence has shown in most cases where a dog is involved in some conflict with humans or the environment, the dog comes out the loser. Let me give you an example to drive home this point.

In California, they have seen a huge increase in trail users at many of their state parks. Park rangers have monitored the dog presence at the parks very closely out of concern for the impact they might have on wildlife and other park patrons. Due to an overwhelming number of dog owners who acted irresponsibly and inconsiderately by allowing their dogs to chase wildlife, disturb other park users, and by leaving their pet's waste along the trails, dogs have now been banned completely from a few of these parks. BINGO! Just like that one less place California dog owners can take their furry friends. I encourage you to consider the following five reasons FOR leashing and as mentioned above, please consider how your decisions regarding this heated issue will affect others around you and your canine pal:

1. Leashed dogs are far less likely to have a life threatening encounter with a

venomous desert creature.

2. Leashed dogs do not get into trouble as often with unpleasant flora.

3. A ticket for violating the leash law can be steep and may involve a visit to court.

4. Negative encounters with unleashed, out of control dogs is the number one gripe

from other trail users regarding dogs sharing the trails.

Whether you like it or not, you are an ambassador for ALL dog owners while you are using our public lands. Leashing reduces the likelihood of these areas being closed to you and your four-legged friend in the future.

For more information on outings, upcoming events, etc: www.mydog8az.com

Dog Friendly Activities: Winter Hiking by Jamie

DeBenedetto, Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ, www.mydog8az.com/

Down here in the lower deserts winter is arguably the best time of year to get out on the trails. The desert plants sport every shade of green and some even begin to bloom. Daytime temperatures are more than pleasant and most of the local poisonous critters have gone into a much needed slumber. But don't be fooled, one mark of the desert is its propensity for extremes. Things can change fast and if you are hiking more than a few miles from civilization you need to be prepared for whatever nature throws at you and your four legged companion. At the bare minimum you should have the following three items on your person or in a pack every time you set foot on a trail:

1. Plenty of water for you and your dog to drink. It's quite common for hikers to under hydrate during cooler months because they don't feel hot and sweaty so they don't think about drinking as often. This is a big mistake. Our winter air is extremely dry, you and your dog loose valuable moisture just by breathing. Force yourself to drink regularly and offer fresh clean water to your dog at least once or twice an hour.

2. Carry extra clothing for both of you. A fleece and a light wind breaker for you and a sweater or jacket for Fido can make all the difference if a storm catches you a few hours from your vehicle or you end up on trail later in the day than expected.

3. Food can also go a long way to warm you up and keep you moving when the temperature drops. Warm drinks, like tea or cocoa, are excellent but not always practical while day hiking. Snacks that are a good mix of carbohydrates and fats work well to quickly move through your system and stoke your internal furnace. For the pups, there are a few canine energy bars on the market but a handful of quality biscuits or their regular dog food would work in a pinch.

Hiking during the winter months is a great way to enjoy the desert but plan ahead and be prepared so you and your dog will truly have a memorable experience.

Dog Friendly Activities: Snow Camping By Jamie DeBenedetto

Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ

Winter is fast approaching and it's an excellent time to get outdoors with your best buddy. If you stay down in the lower elevations of the state you can pretty much do any activity you'd like in wonderfully cool temperatures. If you are bit more

adventurous, however, and decide to head up to the winter wonderland of Northern AZ or some of our Sky Islands, snow camping can be a great way to enjoy some solitude and amazing scenery without all the hubbub associated with the more crowded summer season.

There are two options regarding where to pitch the tent or park the camper if you decide snow camping is for you. One option is to use an organized campground. If you go this route be sure to call ahead to find out if they are open in the winter months and what the current conditions are. Option two is dispersed camping, which is for the more daring outdoor lovers. If you decide to head out into the

backcountry for the privacy and beauty dispersed camping can provide, make sure you are well prepared. Snow camping away from help should only be attempted by experienced three season campers. The potential for more extreme conditions is an absolute truth and must be taken seriously. Hypothermia and frost bite are just two possible grim realities of poor planning and improper gear choices.

Here are my personal snow camping tips for humans as well as their canine companions:

Humans

*Group travel is best. If possible go with other experienced winter campers and stay together. Pool your resources if trouble hits.

*Always use well maintained vehicles and inform at least two people of your planned destination and your estimated time of return.

*Carry and use only familiar and pre-tested four season equipment. Snow camping is not the time to discover your stove doesn't work or you don't know how to properly set up your tent.

*Bring extra food, water and other supplies. Since you will be with your vehicle, loading up with extra gear is not only easy, it's smart.

Canines

*Bring wearable warmth for your dog. If they are coming from a mild climate they may not have a sufficient winter coat built up to weather the temperatures you will experience overnight. Doggie jackets or sweaters can make a big difference but steer clear of cotton.

*If your dog is tenting with you or sleeping in a kennel in your vehicle make sure to provide a dry, warm sleeping mat and blanket or sleeping bag for them.

*Bring a towel. Your dog will inevitably get wet by playing in the snow. This is not only a recipe for hypothermia but do you really want a cold, wet dog sleeping with you?

*Finally, check their feet often. Ice can build up between their foot pads and toes and become very painful. Booties are a good idea but should not replace diligent monitoring. There a few products on the market designed to help cut down on ice build up.

Dog Hiking: Fido Friendly Favorites

By Jamie DeBenedetto, Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ

In this month's issue I'd like to list a few of my favorite dog friendly trails located in various parts of the state. In the interest of space I cannot give extensive details but you should be able to research each of these through their managing agency for more specific information. Safe and happy hiking!

Pass Mountain Trail to Cat Peaks Trail - Usery Mtn. Rec. Area, Mesa (Maricopa County Parks Dept.) - 3.6 miles RT - Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails in this park.

Alta & Bajada Trails - South Mtn. Park (City of Phoenix Parks Dept.) Together they make a great 8.5 mile loop - Leashed dogs welcome.

Sycamore Canyon Rim Trail #45 - (Kaibab NF) - 11 miles. There are several natural springs/tanks along this loop - Leash dogs at Vista Point due to user traffic but probably okay off lead the rest of the hike depending when you go.

Kachina Trail #150 - Kachina Peaks Wilderness (Coconino NF) 10 miles ONE WAY - Amazing views and a good taste of the San Francisco Peaks area. Leashed dogs welcome.

Sandy's Canyon Trail to Fisher Point - (Coconino NF) - 5.8 miles RT - Beautiful canyon experience and part of the Arizona Trail. Leashed dogs welcome.

Little Granite Mountain Trail #37 to Clark Springs Trail #40 to Granite Basin Lake Granite Mountain Wilderness (Prescott NF) 8 to 9 miles RT - This is a very nice trail with a fun turn-around point, cute little Granite Basin Lake. Leashed dogs welcome.

Boulder Canyon Trail #103 to La Barge Creek Superstition Mtn. Wilderness (Tonto NF) - about 5 miles RT Water is possible in La Barge Creek. Leashed dogs welcome.

Highline Trail - (Tonto NF) - 50.2 miles ONE WAY - This National Historic trail runs east and west below the Mogollon Rim between Pine and Hwy 260 near Christopher Creek. Several trailheads and spur trails provide access and many day hike and loop hike options exist. There are several springs and creeks along the route. Off lead is acceptable but be courteous of other users, especially around water sources and trailheads.

Check Dam Trail #190 - Pinal Mountains. (Coronado NF) - 4.2 miles RT - Follows along Pinal Creek for a short time so water is a possibility Leashed dogs welcome.

Soldier Trail #706 - Santa Catalina Mountains. (Coronado NF) 2.6 miles ONE WAY. Seasonal water and waterfalls in Soldier Canyon. - Leashed dogs welcome

Dog Hiking:, Finding a Trail

By Jamie DeBenedetto, Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ

Just beyond our steel metropolis it's easy to find paths encircled by brittlebush and hundred year old saguaros or lose yourself in the creek-side wonder of a canopy of Arizona Sycamore and cottonwood trees or tease your senses with the fresh sent of Ponderosa Pine and the striking beauty of aspen trees. Arizona has much to offer and luckily, your dog can enjoy almost all of these wonderful wild places with you because Arizona is quite a dog friendly place. The hard part is choosing only one location. To increase your chances of having a positive and fun trip I have the following tips to offer when you are trying to decide where to go.

Start with the rules. Public lands are managed by different governmental agencies and each has a different pet policy. The website www.publiclands.org is a good place to find contact info. for these different governing bodies.

Decide what distance and difficulty level you and your dog are comfortable attempting. I will talk more about conditioning in a future Doggy Tales issue but for now try to work within the span of both your hiking abilities.

Choose an elevation range. This could heavily influence weather conditions and thus your clothing and gear choices.

Finally, check terrain and current trail conditions. Due to natural influences, trail conditions may change from year to year. If you are expecting water and there isn't any, this could have a significant impact on your trip so gather as much current

pre-trip information as is available before setting out.

Here is a list of some on-line and off-line resources that are useful for researching dog-friendly trail locations:

Websites with a dog friendly trails list:

Sierra Club of Tucson - http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/

Canine Hiking Club of AZ - www.mydogateaz.com/k9hike.html (Dogs Rule section)

Websites with great trail descriptions and directions:

http://joezproductions.com/AZHikersHaven/Home/

www.hikeArizona.com

http://www.arizonahikingtrails.com/

http://www.toddshikingguide.com/

Off-line Resources & Books:

Arizona Public Lands Information Center - 22 N. Central Ave in Phoenix

Wide World of Maps - A few valley locations

“Doin' Arizona with Your Pooch” by Eileen Barish

“Best Hikes with Dogs Arizona” by Renee Guillory

Dog Friendly Activities: Hiking

By Jamie DeBenedetto, Founder of the Canine Hiking Club of AZ

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” - John Muir

Okay, so Mr. Muir has your interest peaked. That nature place sounds pretty good, right? You know your dog would love to zip up and down a trail and take in some new smells and you sure could use the time away from the daily grind to slow down and reconnect with the “real world”, but you don't know how to get started. The wonderful thing about hiking is its simplicity. It doesn't take much to get out there and just about anyone can do it. There are even trails designed for the physically challenged or for elderly walkers. Start with a comfortable pair of sneakers or hiking boots, a fanny pack or daypack in which to carry a small amount of gear and “The 10 Essentials”. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Mountain Rescue Team suggests all hikers carry the following regardless of hike location or distance:

1. Water and a method to purify more

2. Extra Food

3. Shelter (Space blanket, poncho, two heavy trash bags)

4. Fire (Waterproof matches or lighter and fire starter)

5. First-aid (Including personal medications, bandages and tape)

6. Insulation (Extra clothing, rain gear)

7. Sun Protection (Sunglasses, sunscreen andhat)

8. Navigation (Map and compass)

9. Light (Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, chemical light sticks)

10. Knife or Multi-tool

If you will be hiking with one or more dogs, the Canine Hiking Club of Arizona recommends adding the following seven items to your human essentials kit:

11. Collar or Non-restrictive Harness

12. Leash

13. Outerwear (sweater, rain coat, booties)

14. Canine Specific First-aid Supplies

15. Emergency Veterinarian Info.

16. Pliers or Tweezers

17. Identification (rabies and up to date I.D. tags)

After you have collected these very important items you and your best buddy are ready to get out and find some of the beautiful places Mr. Muir was writing about. Lucky you, Arizona is full of them. Stay tuned next month for a list of some of my favorite trail dog destinations and learn what to look for when choosing a dog friendly locale.

For more information on hiking, go to Jamie's website: www.mydogateaz.com

What is RESCUE: it stands for Reducing Euthanasia at Shelters by Communication and Underlying Education. Get Involved! These Rescue All-Stars are giving up Saturday afternoon, August 6th to do their best to “Strike Out” euthanasia in Maricopa County. Each bowler isresponsible for collecting as many pledges as possible before event day. Rescue is one of 60 animal organizations participating in this special event to help animals. All pledges collected by RESCUE will go directly to our mission of providing a second chance at life for dogs and cats, through no fault of their own are spending their final days at the pound.

Khrisann Bond has been volunteering at Rescue since 2001 serving as a dog walker, leader of the dog caretakers and a foster parent. “Our family has been blessed three times with dogs that if it were not for RESCUE would not be here today. Spencer was the first and the reason we got involved in RESCUE. Unfortunately, we only had Spencer a short three years but the love and joy he brought to our home will last a lifetime. Next came Apollo, whose story is featured on the azrescue.org site. I can't imagine our life without this big redhead. He brightens up my day just looking at those big brown eyes. The newest member of our family is Brody James. He beat all odds when at the pound. He should not have been there when our pound team arrived to pick the two or three who would become part of the RESCUE family. The rarest of events had happened that morning and the kennel workers were not able to finish their morning euthanasia routine which included Brody.. There he was, leaning against the kennel door with the softest of brown eyes begging for just a tummy rub. He came to our house as a foster but soon it was clear that he was meant to stay and become a member of the household. These three faces are the reason I am asking for your help!” Please help us-just log on to http://bowl.azrescue..org and make a tax deductible donation (be sure to select bowler Khrisann Bond) or mail a check to: Khrisann Bond, 2205 W.Bentrup St, Chandler, AZ 85224. Khrisann Bond.

Apollo and Brody Spencer

Get Summertime Savvy When Hiking With Your Dog by Renee Guillory

What's a dedicated dog-hiker team to do when the mercury rises as high as it does in Arizona's extreme summers? It's unrealistic to forego outdoor activities altogether or head to Flagstaff every time you need to get outside.

But enjoying summer fun with your dog involves some risks, and the stakes are really high. A few years ago, a colleague of mine lost his dog Sheba to heat stroke because they were unprepared for their outdoor activity, and he didn't recognize signs of heat stress until it was too late. Sheba alternated between seizures and coma for an excruciating three days; despite his best efforts, Sheba's vet couldn't save her. Both Sheba's distress and her untimely death were preventable.

Follow these tips so that you and your dog can enjoy hiking for many years to come.

1)Conditioning your dog for physical activity is a must - dogs are no more naturally athletic than humans. During the summer, exercise in early morning - the urban heat island effect is no myth, and keeps concrete uncomfortably warm until well into nighttime.

2) I can't say enough about the importance of planning. If you must hike locally during the summer, hike early. Take along maps and a compass and know how to use them! Bring enough water for you and your dog. Find out where the nearest emergency vet clinic is to the area where you'll be hiking and have a mobile phone and an extra car key with you so that you are never stranded.

3) Bring the appropriate gear, such as doggy sunscreen and a hat for your dog (children's hats work great), and of course doggy bags to pick up waste.

4) It's worth repeating: don't skimp on water. Dogs get dehydrated on car rides, much less hiking in warm weather, so get used to carrying water and a collapsible bowl with you at all times. I can't tell you how often my dog and I come across other dog-hiker teams who aren't carrying any water at all. This is irresponsible and unfair to the

animals who love and trust us to care for them.

5) Allow time for frequent rest and water breaks, no matter how well-conditioned your dog is.

6) Dogs cannot clearly communicate physical distress until the situation is serious, so careful observation is critical. If your dog is seeking shade or plopping down at every opportunity, stop, shade her, and give her as much water as she'd like to drink. If the hottest time of the day is still before you, turn around - start your hike earlier next time.

7) Flexibility is a virtue - drop any idea you have of being goal-oriented when hiking with your canine family. See #6 above.

8) As with real estate, the best dog-hiking trails are all about location, location, location. Your dog will be much less likely to undergo heat stress if you hike where there is shade and some water along the trail so that she can cool her pads occasionally (check with the agency managing the trail to ensure that driving and hiking conditions are safe after rains). Do some research and enjoy exploring new places!

9) Review canine first aid cautions and procedures - better yet, take a Humane Society or Maricopa County Parks hiking safety course before setting out - and have a basic first aid kit with you at all times when hiking with your dog. Here's to happy hiking with your dog!

Renée Guillory is author of “Best Hikes with Dogs - Arizona.” She has lived and hiked in Arizona for 20 years. She and Artemis, her Great Pyrenees-Akita mix, live in Phoenix with their cat, Puckish Sprite.

FLAGSTAFF PET ASSISTANCE LEAGUE by Monique Akar

For those of us involved in all aspects of animals, the hardest part of our work is getting the word out to the general public. When we gather at some rescue or benefit event, we find we are “preaching to the choir”. We all know the problem but what is a solution? Here in Flagstaff , we have one answer.

During the summer months, people flock to the forests and outdoor activities but in the winter, the Mall is an attractive location out of the wind and snow.

The Westcor Mall has graciously allowed the Flagstaff Pet Assistance League (FlagPAL) to hold our 6th annual a Pet Fair inside the Mall. Invitations go out to organizations representing as many aspects of animal concerns as possible. Businesses also arerepresented such as groomers, kennels, exotic pets and birds. Shelters and rescuegroups have tables hosted by volunteers.

Performances include the Kennel Club Drill team and Goofy Golden Dance group in their bright clown suits. The Border Collie Rescue club dazzled us with their quick movements. They invited other dogs to show that all breeds, with training can enjoy this sport.

This year we were fortunate to have Sybil Smith demonstrating both companion obedience and AKC competitive obedience.

The 999 dog sniffing police dogs gathered a big crowd as did the 20 foot Boa Constrictor along with some oh's and ah's.

Only dogs that are part of demonstrations are allowed in the mall and we strictly enforce this Mall rule as we are grateful to have this yearly venue. The Mall staff provides tables, chairs and uniform table coverings at no cost to our organization. We consider this about as good as it gets.

You & Your Buddy

by Jamie DeBenedetto

How much of Arizona can you really see from

behind a dog? Well, if you ask any of the

Canine Hiking Club of Arizona members

they'd tell you, quite a bit. In fact, for this

group of means they are enjoying our

beautiful state with their trusty trail dog.

With 99 percent ofndly activities the Canine Hiking Club of Arizona is unique among other outdoor groups in the valley. The club is free to join and welcomes responsible dog lovers of all ages and skill levels and friendly canines of any size, age and breed. The CHCoA has around 200 club members and while most live in Phoenix or one of the surrounding cities, they have members all over the state. The group offers three to five activities per month, which range in difficulty level and location. Monthly planned activities could be anything from a short morning stroll along a desert trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, or a backpack trip in the Superstitions, or a romp in the snow outside of Flagstaff or a simple social gathering at a local dog park. Really anything goes with this group as long as your four-legged best friend can tag along. If you think you'd like to experience more of Arizona from behind a bunch of dogs contact the Canine Hiking Club of AZ at 623-516-9422 or visit them on the web at: www.MyDogAteAZ.com/k9hike

TEMPE MAN GETS NEW “LEASE ON LIFE”

Graduate student gets help and hope with CCI assistance dog

Oceanside, CA-Forty year old Chris Idle has a lofty dream of working with NASA on rover Navigational Programs and it is now more feasible, thanks to his new Service Successor Dog, Apex, provided by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI)

Since a diving accident in 1998, Chris has been an “incomplete quadriplegic: and he discovered having a Service Dog is a huge help. Apex, a handsome black Labrador/Retriever cross, will do tasks like opening doors, pulling Chris in his wheelchair and picking up dropped items.

“I lost my first Service Dog last year and I was devastated not only because I missed him terribly but because he really helped me cope with the world in very practical ways,” said Chris. “Apex is a great dog, and strong enough to pull me around campus when I'm tired. He has given me my life and my independence back.”

Canine Companions for Independence is a national nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. For more information, please visit www.cci.org or call 760-901-4300.

“The Next Step”

by Sue Norton-Scott

Soon after we acquired them, our adopted golden retrievers Henry and Gwen became the center of our household. They brought us so much love and joy that we asked ourselves “how can we share our doggie love?” For my husband Will and I, it was volunteering for Rescue A Golden of Arizona (RAG). Like most rescue organ- izations, RAG works by many people completing a wide variety of tasks, but as they say, many hands make light work. Responding to the call for volunteers was easy. My husband and I wanted a job that matched the time we could give and our interest, and there were many choices. When a golden needs a new home, RAG places the dog into foster care for at least 2 weeks. The foster parents conduct an extensive evaluation of their new guest, and a medical assessment is made. Potential families also undergo an evaluation process. Each home is assigned to an evaluation team. The team conducts a phone conversation followed by home visit to make sure that the home matches the information given on the application and is “dog-safe”. They also answer questions about caring for a golden. That sounded just right.

We decided to join the “Golden Evaluation Team.” A 4-hour training session really helped us to get ready to visit the homes of families who apply to adopt a golden. Once a family is approved, the system proceeds until the family welcomes the perfect dog into its “forever home.” Being a Golden Evaluation Team is truly a joy. My own enthusiasm about dog ownership is rekindled every time I contact prospective families. People who are excited and nervous about getting a new member of their household are infectious. It turns out that our sharing of our normal, everyday canine routines is just what the potential new owners want to hear, and of course we love to share! So far, we have approved six families in our area over two months.

Foster families and home evaluation teams are only two of the many jobs needed to make any rescue organization function. Fundraising, fostering, intake, public appearances, and shelter walking are all among the choices for volunteer jobs. If you have even just a little free time, you might consider taking your dog passion to “the next step!” The rewards are great and the time given is a joy. Woof!

Dog Activities by Monique Akar,

www.dogonitgallery.com

There are many ways to work in organized activities if you are not interested in exhibiting your dog in the much publicized AKC shows. A purebred dog can complete in Obedience, Herding Trials, Drafting, Agility, Schutzhund and Tracking This month we will give you the high lights of these activities and encourage checking at your local library for more detailed information.

Due to televised dog shows, Conformation is the most well known event of the American Kennel Club events. There are other registrations available thru other clubs who often put on shows for breeds not recognized by the AKC. The basic requirement to participate in Conformation is a registered dog followed by appropriate training for yourself and your dog. The dog must compete again the standard as set for your breed. The dog must earn 15points accomplished under 3 different judges. The system is a pyramid; you win at one level and move up. The goal of people who compete seriously in dog shows is to have a Best in Show dog. Of course the dog must be in excellent health, conditioned and trained to show and with appropriate equipment. Warning, this sport can become addictive as you meet like minded enthusiasts and learn the language of the sport. OBEDIENCE. This activity can creep up on you as enrolling in a class to teach your dog good manners, and you how to achieve it, seems innocent enough. You and your dog have such a good time working together, the next class seems inviting. Also Obedience is fun because one never knows what the dog will do on any given day. There are several titles beginning with CD or companion dog.. then CDX(excellent) moving up thru UD (Utility dog) and then UDX. If all these levels are achieved, the highly prized title of OTCH is confirmed.

My first golden didn't like conformation but loved obedience whereas his brother loved the show ring and didn't like obedience. In all dog sports go with what you and your dog enjoy. HERDING. The natural qualities all breeds show is the desire to be part of a pack. This lends itself to cooperating in herding sheep, cattle, geese or even small children. Border Collies Shelties, Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis and Australian Cattle dogs come to mind as natural herding breeds. Again starting with basic obedience, it is possible to have a very rewarding experience watching you dog perform skillfully the work they were bred to do. Titles include HC, HS. HI. , HX. and HCH. in ascending order of difficulty. Many good books are available, usually with the word Stock dog in the title.

AGILITY. From a spectator perspective, this is the most entertaining. There are jumps, weave poles, hoops, platforms and balance planks to maneuver around, thru and over. The handler must keep the course straight and direct the dog in the right sequence. The handler must be as physically fit as the dogs as running the course with your dogs is necessary.

DRAFTING involves a dog or team of dogs in harness pulling a cart containing weight of some kind. A child sitting in the cart makes for quite a sight. Dogs with a talent for drafting need to be started slowly and work up to the greater weights, training and competition consists of moving thru a course of obstacles. Special breed clubs offer titles in Drafting. They are the Burmese Mountain dog club, St Bernard club and Newfoundland clubs.

TRACKING the definition of tracking by scenting on an object or person. One usually thinks of a Bloodhound working in a swamp howling as it approaches the object it seeks. Actually that's pretty accurate. Some breeds have keener sent organs than others but even my golden retriever once trailed a lost dog to an apt building where a kind person had taken him in after he dug out of a fenced yard. Playing Hide and Seek with person or object is a good training exercise and will acquaint you with your dogs desire to follow a trail. There are 3 tracking titles offered by the AKC as in all cases, each one more advanced than the previous one. They are TD, TDX and VST.

SCHUTZHUND that's German for Protection Dog. This is very advanced work for protection type dogs who take their work very seriously and are very trainable. The usual breeds are Dobermans, Belgian , Malinois, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. There is a story circulating about a gorgeous Afghan Hound who outshone all the other Schutzhund dogs...but that is a rare exception. To get information on this highly specialized training, check it out with your local police dept. or military K-9 organizations.

These are the activities provided by the AKC but there are other organized activities that any dog can participate in if a group is within driving distance. Fly Ball is entertaining and good exercise, field trials for the hunting breeds, therapy dog training to allow you dog to go into hospitals and nursing homes, water sports which includes water retrieves, pulling boats, distance jumping etc. Just about anything you can think of to do with your dog, there is a group out there doing it. Good luck in finding an activity for you and your dog.

Let's Race

Flyball is the fastest growing team dog sport in North America. It has something for everybody: the fun of competing as a team with other handlers and dogs, titles to be earned by the dogs, and the thrill of a close race, but best of all, any dog can compete.

Flyball got its start in the 1980s in the Toronto-Detroit area. A few small tournaments were held in conjunction with area dog shows and then, in 1983, the first official flyball tournament was held. The North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was quickly formed to standardize rules, register the racing dogs, keep records of the tournaments, and guide the further development of the sport. At its inception, NAFA consisted of 12 teams from Michigan and Ontario. Today, there are over 400 registered teams and well over 10,000 registered dogs.

Heat Wave Flyball was founded in 2001 in the Phoenix area by Alisa Romaine. Alisa has been training dogs for over 13 years. She began in the traditional field of obedience and then added agility and hunt tests with her Setters in Dallas, Texas. She discovered and began competing in flyball in 1995, and that has become her primary focus. While racing in Dallas, Texas in 1998, she participated in the first Purina Incredible Dog

Challenge held in St. Louis, Missouri. Alisa began competing in flyball with her Gordon Setter, Tory, who, although retired at age 11, is still the #1 ranked Gordon Setter in North America. Alisa has since trained six more of her personal dogs to do the sport.

Currently, Heat Wave boasts on its roster the following breeds: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Golden Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Skye Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier, and “Giant Chihuahua”. Some of these dogs are racing and others are still in training. Today, Heat Wave Flyball is the second fastest team on the West Coast and ranked #55 in the world.

Each racing team is made up of a minimum of four dogs with a maximum of six dogs; however, only four dogs can run in a heat. Each team also likes to have a “height dog” included on the roster because jump heights are set four inches lower than the height at the withers of the shortest dog on the team. The minimum height is 8” and the maximum height is 16”. It is in this position on the flyball team that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has found its niche.

Flyball races match two teams of four dogs, racing side-by-side over a 51 foot long course. Each dog must run in relay fashion over the four jumps, trigger the flyball box, retrieve the ball that is released, and return back over the jumps. The next dog is then released to run the course but he may not cross the start/finish line until the preceding dog has crossed the start/finish line. The ideal that most teams strive for is both dogs passing nose-to-nose at the start/finish line. The first team to have all four of their dogs finish the course without errors wins the heat. In today's age or racing, many teams can run all four dogs through the course in under 20 seconds. The NAFA record is 15.88 seconds.

Flyball tournaments are divided into divisions so that teams of like speed race each other. Once they obtain their competition racing number (CRN), any dog is eligible to compete and earn NAFA titles. The titles are earned by a point system that is based on the speed of the team's run in each heat. Most races are comprised of anywhere from 3-5 heats. The winning team of each race also earns points toward tournament placements.

To find more information on flyball, visit the NAFA web site

at www.flyball.org or www.flyballdogs.com. You can visit the Heat Wave site at: www.heatwaveflyball.homestead.com.

Alisa Romaine

Captain, Team Heat Wave

Trails West

by Dan Miller

As Zonies head west this summer with their families and pets, it is nice to know there are four major public rest areas between Gila Bend and San Diego, and that they all have water faucets for watering the family dogs and pet walking areas. All are simple pull-offs from the freeway. Sentinel is about 30 miles west of Gila Bend. Mohawk is the last stop before heading up the mountains before Yuma.

In California, the Sunbeam rest area is about 125 miles from Mohawk. The nicest area is Buckman Springs nestled in the California mountains about 64 miles more from Sunbeam. Here there are two pet walking areas and big trees and scenery. All these stops have people comfort characteristics like bathrooms with running water, drinking fountains, ramadas for picnics, and night lighting.

Take a Drive South

Traveling south past Tucson is Amado Territory Ranch, a unique property complete with a dog-friendly Inn, two restaurants a small bookstore, two artists studios, a gem gallery and Dog Chefs of America Kitchen. Micki & David Voisard own Dog Chefs where specially prepared dog food is made and cooking classes areoffered. A DVD will be out soon featuring the Basic Dog Chef Cooking Class. Plans are in the works for a weekly cooking show and Micki has a weekly radio spot carried Green Valley.

This outgoing and ambitious couple has decided that a dog bark would enhance the ranch and have already created one with their own funds. They want to hold adoption days with some of the local pet rescues and have various non-profit groups hold their gatherings at the park. David is a metal artist and he makes bone-shaped metal plaques that a person can buy and have their pet's name and date that they died torched in the metal bone. These memorial plaques will be put up along the inside of the fence and will remain there for the existence of the dog park. Candlelight vigils will be for people who lost their pets and it is hoped it will be a place folks can come and be with other folks who understand that loss.

Dog Chefs of America Kitchen & dog park are located off I-19 South, Exit 48, under the overpass (east) and into the Amado Territory Ranch. They are on the east side of the Ranch at the Mercado Building, next to Kristophers Deli. The ranch is located in Amado, which is 30 miles south of Tucson. Their phone number is 520-398-1411 and hours are 10 am -5 pm Monday - Sat. The Dog Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Much more information is available on the web site: www.dogchefs.com.

Canine Water Safety

by Jamie J. DeBenedetto, www. mydogateaz.com

Practicing canine water safety is crucial all year round but it becomes even more important during the spring and summer months. If you live in a place that gets really hot, like here in Arizona, you probably plan to spend as much time in or near the water as possible. Anytime you or your loved ones (including pets) are near water of any kind you should always act responsibly and consider safety first.

Swimming Pools: Chances are you or someone you know owns a pool. If you're going to let your dog near one, please keep these few things in mind:

A. Not all dogs are natural swimmers.

B. Canines don't instinctively know how to exit a pool. Most dogs who have not been shown the steps will have difficulty finding their way out and may panic.

C. Even the best swimmers can fall into a pool and become disoriented.

There are ways to minimize the occurrence of a life-threatening incident. Follow these four steps if you or your neighbors have a pool:

1. Even if you don't have children, install a fence around your pool. Not only can this save your dog's life, it may also save the life of a child who comes into your yard after a poorly kicked ball!

2. Just as with children, don't allow your dog near the pool unless you are there to supervise him.

3. Teach your pup to swim and show him all the ways to exit the pool. Repeat this several times until you are sure he totally understands how to get out.

4. Avoid leaving toys in the pool or anything else that might encourage your dog to jump in the water when you are not around.

Marine Areas: It's a wonderful idea to take your four-legged best friend with you for a day on the lake or a sail in the ocean, but don't forget to protect him. All bodies of water have the potential to be hazardous to pets. Take the following precautions if you're taking your pooch to and aquatic area:

1. Make sure he knows how to swim BEFORE you go.

2. Have your dog wear a properly fitting canine life jacket at all times.

They're not very expensive and can be found through pet catalogs, on

the internet or in many pet-supply stores.

3. If you're going to be on a boat, teach him how to get from the water

onto the vessel in case he falls or jumps off.

4. Never leave your pooch unattended on the shore or aboard any

water-craft.

5. Find out where the nearest animal hospital is to your recreation

location and have the phone number and directions handy. Time will

be crucial if an emergency should arise.

Finally, use common sense when near any body of water. It can be just as dangerous for pets as it is for children. Also, if you don't know it already, learn canine CPR and First-Aid. Here in Arizona the local Red Cross and the Humane Society offer Pet CPR and First-aid courses on a regular basis. Drowning is a real and terrible way to lose a loved one, but with a little effort and proper safety it can easily be avoided.

Caring for Pets When You Travel

“ If you're a pet owner planning a business trip or vacation, the decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend with you, keep in mind that some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian.

If you determine it is best for your pet to accompany you, you will

need to devote extra time to prepare for the journey. For example,

you'll need to have all of the supplies necessary to keep your pet

comfortable while he's away from home, and you'll need to

familiarize yourself with any pet-related restrictions or require-

ments imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, hotels,

etc.”

Taking your dog with you on a trip and want to go shopping or to a show? Find a doggy daycare facility in the city you're visiting. Check out www.dogdaycaredirectory.com for a state by state listing of places to leave your “baby.”

Did you know that two baseball teams (Giants & White Sox) have

a special day when you can bring your dog? Did you know

there's a dog beach in San Diego where canines can run off

leash? www.dogfriendly.com is a great site with all kinds of

interesting information.

www.dogfriendly.com is a great site with all kinds of interesting information.

Source: The Humane Society of the United States

The Last of “Agility at Home” by Kim Gauchat, Born to Run

Did you see the AKC Agility Nationals on Animal Planet? Wow! Aren't those dogs spectacular? Agility is a team sport between handler and dog.

You can do fun things at home with your dog to mimic the sport of agility. Just remember to be the calm leader/captain of your team and to keep it fun!Here are some more ideas for you and your dog to try. If you invested in a few hula hoops, lay them on the ground, overlapping slightly. Lead your dog across them slowly, being careful not to step on a hoop, or it will move and make noise! This exercise helps teach your dog where his/her back feet are and improves their coordination.

Previously, we introduced your dog to crawling through a tunnel. Did they enjoy the homemade tunnel? Once they're barreling through the tunnel with loads of confidence, put a little bend in the tunnel so they can't see the exit from the entrance. You can make the tunnel have a slight curve to it, a 90-degree turn, or even shape it like a horseshoe. Keep your eyes open at children's toy stores or even the kid's section at Target. Oftentimes you can find a child's play tunnel suitable for your dog in the $20 range.

Make sure to teach your dog to walk across different surfaces. Sure, they're used to grass and sidewalks, but what about metal grates? Or wood planks? Or surfaces that move as they walk on them? Get a 2” x 10” or a 2” x 12” board and teach your dog to walk across it. Now put a brick under the center so it represents a teeter-totter. Try putting a brick under each end of the plank so the whole board is raised up off the ground. This is a lot easier to teach small dogs than large dogs, so be patient if you've got a big guy.

Agility is great fun for both you and your dog. It's the fastest growing dog sport there is, and it's as much fun to watch as it is to participate. Hope to see you in classes or competing sometime soon!

Monique Akar Designs

Dogonit Gallery

Things You Can do with your dog by Monique Akar,

It must be remembered that although tamed for many generations, dogs are still basically pack animals. What does that mean? In simple terms, they like to be together. Any activity is more enjoyable with another dog as their behavior indicates. Now don't think your canine buddy is not loyal to you, it's just that dogs have more fun playing with another dog. We have mentioned before going to a Bark Park or some other dog gathering location as an activity for you and your dog but a different twist is to time your visit to meet with another person who has a familiar dog, your dog enjoys. It doubles the fun. We've even noticed dogs recognize their own breed or color.

At our Golden Retriever meetings, those of us with little mixed breeds bring them along to the gathering. The little black dogs play with the little black dogs while the Goldens frolic with their kind. Another dog group activity is to seek out non-competitive groups such as obedience classes. Even if your dog has good manners, they enjoy having a task. Watch how excited they get as you near the training facility. Dogs are used in so many ways with the elderly, children and those with emotional needs. Some are called therapy dogs, or are in a program where kids read to dogs. The emotional rewards for you and your dog are countless. If your dog's temperament allows, how about visiting a local shelter and take an inmate for a team walk.

These are just suggestions to make you think about different activities you and your dog will enjoy. None are competitive although some take evaluation thru the Delta Society. Next issue we will deal with the multifaceted competition available to the world of dogs.

www.dogonitgallery.com

MAKING LIFE MORE INTERESTING WITH NEW ACTIVITIES by Monique Akar

In examining the enjoyable things we do with our dogs beside cuddle and converse, we find there are three categories. The first group of suggestions are when it is just you and your pooch. The second category is activities done with other people and animals and finally, organized sports or activities with structure and sometimes ribbons or trophies. This issue will focus on single activities.

1. Take a walk or speed things up with a jog or run. Be sure your

animal is up to the distance selected...and that you can make it

all the way back.

2. Dogs like to explore new areas. Start with a car ride to a new

location. A local Bark Park will give your dog the freedom to run

off leash and you to visit with new people.

3. Find some acceptable water for your dog to splash around in,

chase a stick or even follow a fish or two swimming near the

shore.

4. Teach a new trick such as fetching a frisbee, unique ball or

whatever strikes your fancy. Some towns have frisbee golf and it

provides a perfect opportunity to retrieve and will save you

many steps.

5. If your dog is a hunter, take along a camera as you hike. You

could just get some wonderful candid shots of the interaction of

species.

6. Finally, build your dog a play yard right at home with simple

equipment such as a tunnel, bale of hay for climbing up high or

a sturdy wood box. The possibilities are endless and you will no

doubt think of others.

More on “Agility at Home”

by Kim Gauchat, Born to Run

So has your dog mastered jumping through the hula hoop? And walking across the ladder on the floor? How about crawling through the homemade tunnel? I'll bet you were surprised at how much fun they had doing those activities from last month!

Jumps are easy enough to make at home, too. Try taking a broom stick and laying it across anything: two bricks for small dogs, two concrete blocks for bigger dogs, or even across the bottom rail of two chairs. Teach them to stay on one side of the jump while you step over the jump bar and call them to you. Make sure to leave enough room for them to land!

If you don't live in a two-story house, be sure to teach your dog to climb up and down stairs. It's a lot like agility, and you never know when your dog might need that skill and confidence. Teach them to take the stairs slowly and to wait for you. Have fun with your dog, be safe, and be creative! There are probably lots of things you have at home that your dog can play agility on.

If you want to go watch an agility trial, try March 19 and 20 (Friday/ Saturday evenings) at the Castle Sports Complex on 19th Avenue between Cactus and Peoria or March 27 and 28 at Desert Hills Equine Center on I-17 at Anthem.

The last session for agility classes will be starting up the first of March. (The dogs get to relax over the summer months.) If you think it would be fun for you and your dog, call us at 602-703-5194! We're in Gilbert, but can also refer you to a training location anywhere in the Valley.

A Club for you and your pal!

The Canine Hiking Club of AZ began in 1999 as Arizona's only totally dog friendly outdoor club. It is a not-for profit group made up of all ages, skill levels and dog breeds. The club usually offers about 3-5 events per month and while most are day hikes, they also offer backpack and camping trips, snow play days, water play days and social gatherings like BBQ's at the dog park. Events take place all over the state and range in skill level from super easy functions, which are great for beginners, to more difficult treks. Our primary goal is to bring dog lovers together for fun and adventure in Arizona's beautiful wild places. The club offers a monthly newsletter and an informative webpage. The contact is Jamie D. at jdeben@hotmail.com or visit the webpage at: www.mydogateaz.com/k9hike.html

Agility at Home

by Kim Gauchat

Taking agility lessons is great fun, but can also be difficult to fit into an already busy schedule. And purchasing equipment to use at home is downright expensive! There are lots of things you can do at home to mimic agility training, have a great time with your dog, and teach him/her self-confidence and coordination.

To start with, do you have a ladder? Lay it flat on the ground and teach your dog to walk across it, putting each foot on the ground between the rungs. Have patience. They often have to learn where their back feet are, so take it slow, one rung at a time. Be sure to stay calm and reassuring. If you need to encourage them with some treats, place the treats on the rungs so that the dog keeps their focus down at the ground and not looking up at you. Up until now, they probably only paid attention to where they placed their front feet.

A hula-hoop is a fun toy, too. You can start by holding it on the ground and asking your dog to walk through it. Then you can raise it up off the ground and teach them to jump through it. Please don't ask them to jump

anything taller than their back, and if they are less than 18 months old, no jumping higher than their elbows.

To simulate a tunnel for your dog to crawl through, try laying a blanket over some chairs and teaching him/her to crawl under the chairs. You might need someone to hold the dog's leash on one end of the tunnel while you crawl into the tunnel from the opposite end, calling your dog to you and backing your way out as they come towards you. A refrigerator box works well for this exercise, too. More ideas next month!

AGILITY TRIALS

by Kim Gauchat,

Born to Run

The cooler weather has us all blowing cobwebs off of our training equipment and getting out to practice. It's Agility Season! And that means the trials (competitions) are just around the corner! Nothing beats being a spectator at an agility trial. Take the family and some chairs (leave your dog at home) and enjoy spending a morning watching the teams of handlers and dogs race through a course. You'll get some good laughs at the cute antics of the dogs, and you'll find yourself cheering out loud and applauding for jobs well done. And if you're up for it, there is almost always a need for volunteers to help getting leashes to the teams as they finish their runs or setting jump poles at the appropriate heights for the dogs. There's a tent set up between the rings, and that's where you can find the “officials” to ask if any help is needed.

Agility trials are split up into three levels of competition, basically a novice, intermediate, and advanced. Within those levels, the competition is further divided by the size of the dogs. The trials start around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. and finish up shortly after lunch. Typically, the most advanced dogs run first, then the intermediate, followed by the novice. The most important thing to remember at a trial is to respect the competitors

before and during their runs. This means not hanging out around the ring entrance where they are waiting for their turn, not enjoying your lunch right outside the ring where a dog might decide to leave their handler and come beg for a bite of hot dog, and always asking for permission to pet a dog before approaching it.

If you go to watch a trial, be sure to look for Phoenix's own Roger Coor and his Papillon Moso. They helped represent the United States in the recent World Agility Trial, which took place this fall in France. In the team competition, Roger and Moso got the fastest time run by anyone there! There were three teams (based on size) that represented the U.S. The medium-sized dog team brought home the Bronze Medal! Way to go!!

Upcoming local events:

February 27, 28, 29 & March 1, AKC event,

WestWorld (16601 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale

Dog Agility

by Kim Gauchat

What is dog agility? Agility is one of the fastest growing sports, most certainly because it is a fast-paced game we play with our dogs which is great fun for both the competitor and the spectator. The dog and handler “team” must work their way through a variety of challenging obstacles, in a particular order, and within a specified time.

This sport allows our dogs to run fast, leap over jumps, climb over A-frames, scurry through tunnels, make their way across a teeter-totter, jump through a tire, all the while trying to beat the clock. The hard work is all done behind the scenes, teaching the dog to stay with the handler and to take cues from very subtle body signals.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds (full-bred or mixed-breed) can enjoy this sport. The training is rather physical for both the dog and the handler, so the team must be active and in good health.

There are three national clubs that regulate agility. Check out their websites at: www.akc.org, www.usdaa.com, or www.nadac.com. Local training clubs are scattered throughout the valley.

At Born to Run, we offer introductory agility classes as well as classes designed for the more competitive team. For information on how to get involved in agility with your dog, whether with us or a different location, call (602) 703-5194.