Peaches is in classes for both Flyball and Agility right now, though she is not ready to compete in either yet.
I'll start with agility...I am not really very concerned about her developing back problems as a result of participating in Agility. Like others have said, dogs that don't compete in agility could develop back problems. There are many benefits that outweigh whatever risk there might be...
* Teamwork between me and her
* A structured outlet for her to release her energy
* Socialization with other dogs
* A "job" that challenges her physically and mentally
Like others, we also do the running contacts. Which I think is better than the two on, two off. So far, Peaches hasn't jumped off the obstacles, but it would concern me if she started doing that. However, if a dog is doing that...it's the handler's fault.
Peaches is in very good shape and she seems to enjoy agility, so we are really looking forward to competing. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
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Now Flyball! Very few doxies compete in Flyball. There are only about 30 doxies registered with the North American Flyball Association vs. 4210 border collies! However, I am really hoping to see Peaches compete. She is getting better and better each week of class and has practiced with a team twice.
This page gives a good description of what Flyball is: Flyball
Basically it's a relay race with 4 dogs per team. They jump over 4 hurdles, hit a box that releases a tennis ball, the dog catches the ball and races back over the hurdles. Then the next dog goes. Peaches jumps 8 inch hurdles. The jumping over the hurdles is really no different than agility, so again I am not very concerned about that. Nor am I concerned about her hitting the box and catching the ball.
My biggest concern is she will get run over by another dog. I expressed this concern with our instructor the very first day of class. Basically you need to be aware of what your dog is doing and know who she can run with. There are dogs that will consciously move out of the way and others that only see the ball and will do anything to get to it. On the way down, Peaches is one of the dogs that only sees the ball. She will plow over (or under ) another dog to get to her ball. However, on the way back with the ball she will move out of the way of another dog.
We have been in class for about 6 months now, and thankfully have had no problems. However, like I said, I think about who she is running with. There are a few dogs that I absolutely won't run Peaches with or I simply won't release her until the owner has their dog under control. Once we are on a team, we will work as a team and figure out where it is best for Peaches to safely run.
She is in absolute heaven when we are at class. She LOVES tennis balls and running, so what better sport for her! If anyone is interested in seeing her practice, here is a video I posted awhile back: The Flying Sausage
So basically, there are risks in a lot of things...that's life. I think as long as your dog is healthy and you are aware of what you and your dog are doing, participating in dog sports are a great experience for both you and your dog.
Tanya, Peaches & Piper Man