Hawaiidach

Dachshund Lovers of Hawaii

What can Dachshunds do???

There are many different activities that you can engage in with your dachshund.  We all love them as our pets however they also need EXERCISE, stimulation, discipline and socialization.  These are just a few of the activities that others have engaged in with their dachshunds. 

                                                Earthdog Activity

                            

Earthdog activities are fun and stimulating for the dachshunds.  The roots of the Earthdog program go back to the beginnings of small game hunting. Farmers and hunters used the small terriers and Dachshunds to pursue vermin to its lair and then to follow the game into to the ground. These dogs had to possess not only the physical attributes that would allow them to descend into the animal's den and to battle the animal on it's own terms, but they needed the courage and mental abilities to accept the challenge of subterranean pursuit.
Natural diggers...they love to run through the earth tunnels in search of their prey.  If you are interested in learning more about this type of activity, please contact Carol as she is an enthusiast and will gladly share information with you.

Also...visit this website for additional information:  http://www.akc.org/events/earthdog/index.cfm   

If you are interested in joining the earthdog group or learning more about the activities in Hawaii:  http://www.terriersinparadise.org      

     

RALLY

  Remember Harry..the Rescue dach (look at our Rescue page)...  Congratulations!! to Harry, Carol and Tim for your dedication to the sport of Rally.  I know that many of you are wondering.. what is Rally?  See below for more information about this new sport from the AKC website and a link available for more information. 

Click on the video link to watch him...http://vimeo.com/821862

What is Rally?

AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible to compete in AKC Rally trials, a dog must be:

  • Registered with the AKC or listed with the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) program, or a Foundation Stock Service (FSS) recorded breed that meets the eligibility requirements for competition.
  • 6 months of age or older.

The Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP)

Dogs of any breed recognized by the AKC that do not have registration papers or known parents may qualify for a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP). PAL/ILP dogs may participate in certain AKC events, such as obedience, agility, tracking, rally and many performance events. Photos are required to prove the dog is a registerable breed. The dog must be spayed or neutered. For more information about the PAL/ILP program, visit the PAL/ILP section on the AKC web site, or e-mail questions to PAL@akc.org.

For more information about RALLY... click on this link to the AKC Website:  http://www.akc.org/events/rally/index.cfm

Obedience

Obedience Trials test a dog's ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises on which it is scored. In each exercise, you must score more than 50 percent of the possible points and get a total score of at least 170 out of a possible 200. Each time your dog gets at least a 170 qualifying score, he's earned a "leg" toward his title. Earn three legs and your dog has just earned an obedience title! There are 3 levels at which your dog can earn a title and each is more difficult than the one before it. The classes are divided into "A" and "B" at an obedience trial; "A" classes are for beginners whose dogs have never received a title and "B" classes are for more experienced handlers.

The best part of watching a trial is to see the close bond that has developed between the dog and handler. Their total concentration on the task at hand gives way to the sheer delight of accomplishment that can be seen on the faces of both - and in the wag of a tail.

Experience the ultimate in companionship and teamwork. Taste the thrill of competition. Join a training class and participate in obedience trials. It is lots of fun, and your dog will love you more for it!
                                  

Purpose

Obedience trials are a sport, and all participants should be guided by the principles of good sportsmanship both in and out of the ring. Obedience trials demonstrate the dog's ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring and emphasize the usefulness of the purebred dog as a companion to man. All contestants in a class are required to perform the same exercises in substantially the same way so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored. The basic objective of obedience trials, however, is to recognize dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the sport of obedience at all times and under all conditions. The performance of dog and handler in the ring must be accurate and correct according to the Obedience Regulations. It is also essential that the dog demonstrate willingness and enjoyment while it is working and that a smooth and natural handler be given precedence over a handler moving with military precision and using harsh commands.

Conformation - Showing Dogs

                                                          

Dog shows, or "conformation " events, are the signature events of the AKC. They concentrate on the distinctive features of purebred dogs and help to preserve these characteristics by providing a forum at which to evaluate breeding stock.
Exhibits are judged against individual breed standards, which have been established for the AKC-recognized breeds by their parent clubs. These written standards describe the ideal size, color, and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure, and movement. 

For more information:  http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm

If you are interested in learning more about showing dachshunds here in Hawaii, contact hawaiidach@yahoo.com

   

Agility for You and Your Dog

EXPERT ADVIC

By Betty Mowbray                                                                                                              

What is agility? If you watched the "Hawaiian Moving Company" TV segment on agility, my miniature Dachshund showed you. Agility is a game we play together. And it is extremely fun.

If you watch agility competitions on "Animal Planet," other dogs also show you how happy and excited they are as they run through weave poles and jump over obstacles.

According to Wendy Pape, a member of the 2005 American Kennel Club USA World Agility Championship Team, "Agility is a great dog sport. Dogs go over, under and through tunnels, walk planks, see-saws .... It builds confidence in our dogs and makes obedience training more enjoyable. Agility makes the kid in us come alive ... and awakens older dogs."

Agility appeared in England in 1978 at the Crufts dog show as a way to entertain the audience during a break in the show and to demonstrate a dog's natural speed and agility. By 1980, dog agility was recognized in the U.K. as an official sport. Six years later, the first agility competition in the United States was held in Texas.

Whether agility is played just for fun or as a competitive sport, it is exciting for spectators and lots of fun to watch. The action is fast and always entertaining. It is no wonder that agility is the fastest growing dog sport in the United States.

The dog runs off leash and follows the handler's verbal cues, hand cues and body cues through a timed obstacle course. Depending on the type and difficulty level of the course, the obstacles and course pattern will vary and might include a combination of jumps (bar, double, triple, panel, broad, one bar, and tire), weave poles, tunnels, chute, table, dog walk, seesaw, and a-frame.

In competition, scoring is based both on the dog's speed and deductions for faults (knocking bars off jumps, not touching the bottom of the see-saw, refusing to take an obstacle, taking an obstacle out of order or in the wrong direction, taking too long on the course, etc.). When scores are tied, the faster time breaks the tie.

Agility is run by dogs of all sizes, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. Adjustments in running times and jump heights are made based on the dog's height. Dogs are grouped by jump heights and experience, and in some venues a dog's (or handler's) age for fairer competition.

Before doing agility with your dog, a veterinarian should check its structural soundness. Dogs younger than 16 months should not jump higher than their knees because of developing bones. Conditioning of the dog is important. A fit dog is less likely to get hurt.

Agility training is a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and handler. Positive training methods are a must. Wanted behaviors are rewarded and unwanted behaviors are ignored. With training, agility dogs become confident dogs that trust their handlers. And they absolutely love to play their sport.

Betty Mowbray developed the agility program at Art's Obedience where she has been teaching agility for the last 2 years. Her miniature Dachshund is Hawai'i's first dog to earn the American Kennel Club's Versatile Companion Dog title by earning titles in tracking, obedience and agility. Betty, who has been with Art's Obedience for 7 years and can be reached via mowbray@artsobedience.com.

DANCING????

And if you have a dream of  "Dancing with the Stars" you can always try this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlyN0L4IMck&mode=related&search

Human Animal Bond Program

Charlie Brown also was a Red Cross volunteer in the Human Animal Bond Program at the Tripler Army Medical Center and visited with patients, hospital visitors, and staff.  He especially enjoyed the pediatric ward.

Tripler’s Human Animal Bond Program offers patients, families, and staff a unique therapy with the help of several very special pets. The program is sponsored by the American Red Cross using specially chosen dogs, cats, and rabbits.

The Pet Facilitated Therapy Program uses animals to assist a therapist in helping patients who are recovering from physical, mental or social illness. Tripler’s American Red Cross sponsors the Animal Visitation Program where volunteers bring pets to wards, clinics and waiting areas for informal visits.

All animals are screened by Veterinary Services and must pass strict behavioral and physical qualifications to be a part of this program. All handlers also receive special training. For more information, contact the Human Animal Bond Program, 433-6631.