Big Island Agility Fun Match – February 13, 2011

Hospitality table beautifully decorated, thanks to Linda!

Big Island Agility (BIA) conducted their NADAC venue Fun Match on February 13th to prepare the dogs for the upcoming NADAC trial scheduled for February 26 and 27. The trial will take place at Paws University both Saturday and Sunday.

For this particular fun match, our board voted to allow training with toys and treats on the field. The acceptable treat was string cheese. Some dogs have food allergies, so we must all be mindful and careful. Those teams (dog and handler) who wanted to be judged and timed were, but most teams were happy just to get out, run, and train.

Course builders building a new course

Each course is built under the strict guidelines and rules of NADAC. This takes skilled course setters to make sure the courses are both challenging and also safe for the dogs.

Walking the field

Each handler has the opportunity to walk the field prior to their run. Walking the field gives the handler time to get familiar with the order of the obstacles and also to plan how to guide their dog through the course for the cleanest and fastest run.

Leading your dog out

You ask your dog to stay and wait for your command. This is called leading your dog out. Some dogs take to this very well and, of course, the handler is so proud of this accomplishment. Other dogs just like to rip from the get go. Knowing which one your dog prefers is essential.

My Honey Girl and her handler, Amber, on the dog walk

Getting your dog to focus solely on you

By the way, this is our newly elected president, Susan Gordan, with her dog.

Some dogs prefer to be rewarded with toys rather than treats—can you believe it?

Owner/handler, Jeanne, with Cayo Largo; you should see how beautiful Cayo looks when running—coat flowing, liquid movements—a wonderful sight.

Tazzie going through a 12-weave pole obstacle with owner/handler Micki Forbes

Wish I had a video of this dog going through the weaves—incredible to see!

Ipu I’a is back

Ipu I’a shut down for awhile. Owner/handler and very savvy agility instructor, Hayden Stevens, was smart to let her be for a time…now she is back and ran a fast and clean run with so much enthusiasm.

Harley and owner/handler Sylvia

Harley is a fabulous agility dog! All sizes have the ability to compete; one just needs to nurture it.

This little beauty, Snickers, does incredibly well with two handlers

Both sisters, Amber and Savannah, do a great job with this “nose to the ground” Beagle!

Honey Girl had a fun filled day and wanted to say—Hey Mr. B, come on down!

For those of you who may wish to get involved in a great sport, come and witness for yourself the bond both dogs and handlers have. For those of you looking to just have some fun, do come to Paws University the weekend of 2/26 and 2/27, from approximately 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Leave your doggies at home please!

Thanks to all the volunteers of the Hospitality Committee. Things certainly have improved! You know who you are—thanks!