[NAGDU] Canine sports

[Shanna Stichler]

Typically, a workshop can range in length from a few hours to an entire 
weekend. It just depends on the seminar, but that part is usually on the 
registration page. As with any dog sport, there's no reason a guide dog 
couldn't participate, but it's important to take your dog's temperament 
and drive into account before signing up. I, personally, don't start any 
dog sports with my guides until they've been working well for 6 months, 
just to be sure they are comfortable with their real job before I start 
teaching them things that may be contrary to guide dog work.


When I take guide dogs to events like this, I bring a crate for them for 
safety. This is common practice for all dog handlers at these events. I 
don't expect them to work when they go for the first time. Most of the 
dogs their will not be as well-trained as the typical guide dog, so I 
just would rather crate my dog and use a cane around a bunch of amped 
up, possibly reactive, strange dogs. I should clarify that I work my 
dogs if I'm only going to watch, but not if the dog and I are planning 
to train/participate. Also, it's always a good idea to bring a spotter 
because the person running the workshop may or may not have time to work 
with you individually. Or, frankly, they may be uncomfortable doing so. 
I only bring this up because it has happened to me, and I wasn't at all 
prepared for the experience.


Anyway, if you have a dog who likes to retrieve, he/she will have tons 
of fun with Disc Dog stuff. Participating in dog sports has been a great 
way to strengthen the bond between me and my guides, and also gave them 
another constructive outlet for their drive, which is especially 
important during this time of Covid restrictions. Feel free to let me 
know if you have any other questions. If you decide to give the workshop 
a try, I'm sure a lot of us would love to know how it goes!


Take care,

Shanna Stichler, PHD, IACP #7565, CSDTA (IACP)

and Diamond vom Heulenluft, BH, APR2 CGCU, CDX, WSD

On 7/27/2020 8:37 AM, Monse via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi. It's a game in which you play flying disc fetch with your dog. You throw
> the disc, the dog catches it and returns to you. It's good for dogs and
> especially for labs because it involves their natural prey drive. They have
> a lot of fun chasing moving objects. So I'd like to know if someone  has
> done this with your guide and how it went.
>
>   
>
> Original message
>
>   
>
> Good morning.
>
> What is a disc workshop? What would your dog and you do there? Is the
> workshop a one shot deal or a series of training classes?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Cindy Lou
>
>   <mailto:cindyray at gmail.com> cindyray at gmail.com
>
>   
>
> Hello all, hope you and your pups are doing good.
>
> I'm considering taking a disc dog workshop and was wondering if any of you
> have done this or some other canine sport with your guide so that you could
> share your experiences with me.
>
> Thanks a lot!
>
>
>