Training dogs for competition of a different kind

By Leslie Goodbody
Viewpoint Staff Writer

Say "dog training" and people typically think of dog obedience school. This is only the tip of the ice burg for many dogs and their owners. Aside from dogs in today's workforce who are bread and trained to rescue, sniff out drugs, and help the blind and disabled, there are those who are trained to parade in dog shows, and those who are trained to compete for fun.

Linda Monroe of Ninth Avenue started training dogs when she adopted Justa Dog, a three-year-old mut from the city pound over 12 years ago. Linda developed her interest in dog training when she and Justa enrolled in obedience school, but found that Justa was too old to train for competition.

Several years later, Linda adopted Bud, a Manchester terrier from Manchester Rescue. Apparently Bud was not wanted because he was too large for his breed status (a.k.a., no pageant potential). Full of energy, Linda remembers that Bud "needed a job badly."

That's when she discovered flyball - relay racing for dogs. Flyball teams consist of four pooches (of any breed or mix) who take turns racing down a there-and-back course that includes jumps and catching a ball launched from a doggie-activated spring-loaded box. According to Linda, flyball tournaments are great fun, high energy and, with dogs and owners rooting for their team, very loud. The very best teams can complete the course in just over 15 seconds - that's three seconds per dog.

Linda's next and youngest adoption was Sydney, a cattle dog she rescued from a vet hospital after the dog had been severely mangled by a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Shy at first, Sydney quickly discovered her roots and started herding Bud and Justa. Like Bud, Linda learned quickly that Sydney also needed a job.

Sydney can play flyball but only on her terms. Linda found that agility, a doggie obstacle course involving ramps, planks, tunnels, weave poles and jumps, was the perfect activity for Sydney.

Although retired, Linda leads an active life with daily dog-walking, weekly training classes, and dog- related events and tournaments every other weekend. This is definitely a labor of love for Linda and other dog owners who have found the joy of flyball and the like.

If you are thinking about taking your dog to the next level, Linda suggests starting early with obedience classes and frequent walks to build up endurance. Aside from that, dogs that are fast, ball obsessive, smart, and like to please their owners are good candidates for competition. For many dog enthusiasts, doggie competitions have all the right stuff - thrill of competition, camaraderie with other enthusiasts, and bonding with man's - or woman's - best friend.

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