When you are not actually doing agility...

We all know that agility is an addictive sport but running around a ring is only a small part of it. There's lots of time in between shows and training or is there? What else can you do without taking your eye off the dog! Whether you want to share an idea or simply tell us what you think, email us today. We'd love to hear from you.

 

Scenario 1 - How do you keep your dog / dogs cool on a hot sunny day?
It's a baking hot day and there is no shade anywhere. Email your own suggestions on keeping cool.

  • Wet the ears, underbelly and legs.

  • Put their feet in water as they sweat through their paws

  • Get cheap plant sprayers and apply a mist of cool water to the inner thighs, tummy and pads.

  • Buy a flexible horse feed/water tub. The type with handles and if it has water in they will happily cool themselves.

  • Apply wet towels

  • Put out paddling pools all round the rings.

  • Buy a cool coat which works by evaporating the moisture in them rather than the moisture on the dog

  • Put a cold pad down for them to lie on

  • Keep your dog out of the noon day sun.

  • Invest in reflective covers for your car/van

  • Provide fresh, cool water available to your dog at all times.

  • If at a show, get someone else to queue for you. Stay in the shade for as long as possible.

  • You can give your dogs ice cubes either in their water bowl or by hand.

  • Limit exercise to early mornings or evening hours to avoid direct sunlight.

  • Stay on the grass with your pet as hot pavements can burn animals' paws.

  • Watch for signs of heatstroke i.e. heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, unconsciousness.

  • Doggie popsicles can be made out of all kinds of things your dog eat normally, so experiment to see what your dog likes best.

  • Fill up a rubber Kong-style toy and freeze—a great cool-down treat for when you will be away for a few hours.

  • Pure alcohol on the groin! Failing that, water over the groin. You've got major blood vessels close to the surface in that area so utilising evaporative cooling of a liquid in that area is most effective.

  • Beware... Dogs that have recently had their coats trimmed short can be vulnerable to getting sunburn.

Scenario 2 - Things you will never hear a real agility say (probably)...
 How do you know you're an agility person? There are some things you would never ever consider saying. Feel free to email your own observations.

  • Only pedigree dogs should be allowed to represent their country at an international event.

  • Shows should charge more per classes to pay for outside ring parties and better judges presents.

  • It should be mandatory for aggressive or nervous dogs to wear electronic collars in the queue

  • Agility is only for the fit and fleet of foot.

  • Junior handlers under the age of 16 should not be allowed to compete in Standard classes. After all, they can't vote, join the army or drive.

  • Only collies should be allowed in Large Grade 4 classes and above. After all, what's the point of wasting the judge's time?

  • Stray and unwanted dogs should be PTS

  • Not for Competition (NFC) dogs i.e. puppies, injured dogs and veterans should not be allowed at shows.

  • If a dog goes wrong during a run, the handler must leave the ring immediately.

  • There should be a charge for day parking at shows.

  • Judges must do at least three shows a year or be de-certtified

  • Rescue dogs coming from outside the UK (Ireland, Romania, Russia etc) must check in with the Show Secretary and have a passport and a certificate of health.

  • Club trainers should be paid by the hour at the same rate as private 1-2-1 trainers.

  • There should be an agility governing body to regulate shows and clubs. After all, we don't have enough paperwork already!

  • Electronic timing is rubbish

  • Bacon rolls and sausage sandwiches - with or without red or brown sauce - should be discouraged at shows. Only healthy food should be allowed.

  • There are too many trophies and rosettes are given out to Small and Medium dogs

  • Any handler stones overweight should not be allowed to run for safety reasons.

  • Traditionally built ladies should wear good bras.

  • Competitors should wear club uniforms and carry ID at shows to prove they are paid up members.

  • Handlers must go in exact running order or lose their turn - and their money.

  • Attendance at prize givings should be mandatory.

  • Agility is no longer meant to be fun. After all, it is a grown up, serious sport now.

Scenario 3 - Things to do when it floods...
With all the weather forecasts for more rain and long-term climate seeming inevitable, it's time to start thinking ahead, just in case flooding becomes a common event. Feel free to email your own flood suggestions.

  • Invest of a a pair of fisherman's waders or at least a good pairs of wellies.

  • Look for another set of water-proofs for when the first one is drying out

  • Re-read the bible for the story of Noah

  • Buy a cheap inflatable to carry around with your bike

  • Attend a Dock Dogs taster course

  • Consider a waterdog breed for your next agility dog

  • Re-proof all your wet weather clothes

  • Submit a design for a water jump to the Kennel Club

  • Find an anchor for your caravan

  • Buy a neon life jacket for your dog

  • Don't park by a river

  • Check the weather before you leave

  • Don't walk the dog on the beach when the tide is high and the current strong

  • Stay at home warm and dry

Scenario 4 - Things to do with poo bags other than the obvious!
Sitting around with the gang before the show - the way you do - the topic of conversation turned to the many uses for a  humble poo bag. Here are some we came up with. How many more can you suggest? Feel free to email your suggestions on alternative uses for a poo bag.

  • I wear hearing aids and for training I use a Mylink & Smartlink system. My trainer and I both wear a thing round our necks and it relays what she says to me straight to my hearing aids. I keep the link things in a poo bag in my pocket on the way to and from training!. Ann Street

  • Protection for your mobile phone

  • Impromptu water bowl

  • A temporary wine cooler

  • Good for wiping off damp benches

  • A rabbit coffin!

  • Holding the kitty after a whip round / like a purse

  • Geocaching

  • Dental floss (yuck!)

  • Tie them to the ring ropes for health and safety

  • Wiping the snow off your windscreen

  • Doggie bags for leftovers from The Carvery

  • Wrapping a poorly paw or covering a bandaged paw

  • Carrying blackberries when in season. Preferably not the scented type!

  • Emergency rain hat

  • Waterproof mitten

  • Makeshift treat bag when the dog has eaten a hole in the expensive one

Scenario 5 - When it snows...
You wake up in the morning and everything is covered in snow. Of course, the weather man said it was coming but still you are surprised. No training. No shows. What can you do? Feel free to email your own snowy suggestions.

  • My dog was clever enough to win the last few points he needed for his silver warrant at the weekend. I've just sat down to complete the form thinking it would be a huge chore, but actually enjoyed it - reliving each show, the weather, the rosettes, judges and some of the courses as I went. Made me even prouder of my boy! If anyone's putting off doing theirs, get writing! Joanne Harker

  • Knit dog booties

  • Take a walk with your dog or dogs in the Winter Wonderland

  • Watch an agility DVD or two by a roaring fire

  • Bake a tray of liver treats for your dog and a cake for youself

  • Feel free to eat a box of chocolates - but don't let your dog have any

  • Start a diet!

  • Take a few photos of your dog or dogs romping in the snow and send them to Agilitynet

  • Enter some spring shows. It will make you feel more cheerful.

  • Service your caravan. If you have one, check your heater.

  • Hitch your dog up to the sledge and mush up to your local shop for tin of tomato soup and packet of cheese for toast.

  • Build a snow dog.

  • Practice your contacts on the bottom steps of your house.

  • Print out the Show Diary and plan your next season.

  • Check on one of the older members of your club to see if they need anything

  • Log on to Agilitynet Facebook and join in the agility chat

  • Get together with friends and plan a show for your favourite charity

Scenario 6 -  Off season...
It is cold and wet and the clocks have gone back. In the summer months you would already be walking the course. What can you do on the dark days of winter? Feel free to email your own winter warmer suggestions.

  • Bite the bullet. Get up and go to a pay-on-the day show

  • Sleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  • Have a nice cuppa tea and go back to bed for a nice lie-in

  • Plan a Sunday lunch and invite friends and family over for a roast dinner

  • Start writing out your Christmas cards for your doggie friends

  • Take a camera with you when you walk the dogs and snap a few pics of them

  • Treat yourself to a new pair of Wellies and all-weather jacket

  • Knit another dog coat

  • Read Elimination about murder at an agilty show on your Kindle. Due to be published 26 November

  • Plan a doggie party

  • Practice your weaves and directional commands

  • Invest in some reflective clothing for walks when it is dark or wet

  • Check that the information on your dog's collar and /or name tag are up to date

  • Get your car or van serviced

  • Check out the bargains on the Flea Market. You might find a good deal on a caravan or car cage

  • Book a place at an agility workshop with a top trainer.

Scenario 7 - In between runs at a show...
You get up at 5am to go to a show and don't return until the evening. You're completely exhausted and yet you've only been running in the ring for 2-3 minutes tops. So where does the time go? Can you use that time constructively? Here are some things you can do in between classes? Feel free to email your own suggestions.

  • Pick up poles at the ring. You can sit and relax and watch the agility and get a sun tan at the same time.

  • Take a long leisurely walk with your dog but watch your time.

  • Look for a bargain at the trade stands. There's no postage to pay or problems parking.

  • Watch the other dogs in the class go round to see where the traps are.

  • Help a mate or newbie handler to walk a course.

  • Groom your dog. Again.

  • Read a book.

  • Clean out your car or caravan.

  • Invite your friends for a BBQ later.

  • Watch a ring where a higher grade is running. You may get some tips.

  • Buy something from one of the animal rescue charity stalls. It's all for a good cause

  • Volunteer to work on a ring for an hour or two.

  • Lend a hand to put the equipment away at the end of the show. They can always use extra help.

  • Strike up a conversation with someone who've seen in the queue but never talked to before

  • Make use of the Practice Ring, if there is one.

  • Buy a raffle ticket. The money will go to a good cause.

  • Twitter your thoughts in 140 characters to your aglity friends

  • Check out any rescue dogs usually posted outside the Show Secretary's marquee. You might fall in love again.

  • Sleep.

  • Attend a KC Council meeting if there is one at the show

  • Get your dog measured.

  • Volunteer to judge at the next show.

  • Enjoy a designer mochachino or hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream from the café

  • Meditate.

  • See if you can remember the next course without looking at it and think again about how you will run it.

  • Knit a dog coat.


Rain rain go away...

Scenario 8 - When a show is cancelled...
 If the show you entered has been cancelled due to the weather or any other reason and you find yourself with nothing to do, here are some things you can do to pass the time. Feel free to email your own suggestions.

  • Introduce your dogs to the person who is doing the rain dance especially if they are a type of hunting breed. Liz D

  • Bake some doggy biscuits for your best friend. If they don't like them your dog probably will. Liz D

  • Sign the pledge ... no, better still open another bottle. Liz D

  • Be grateful for the opportunity to spend the night in your own bed without sharing it with six dogs. Liz D

  • With all these shows being cancelled it gives everyone a chance to catch up on some training... so long as your fields aren't waterlogged, too! Dave Munnings

  • Re-acquaint yourself with your family

  • Meet up with your non-doggie friends ... or at least those who are still talking to you

  • Finish the DIY project you started in January (2011?)

  • Read an agility book or watch a DVD to improve your handling skills

  • Read a non-doggie book a change - like the latest bestseller 50 Shades of Grey or dip into a Scandinavian crime thriller (no sub-titles)

  • Have a lie-in

  • Cook a nice meal for yourself and / or your partner. No bacon rolls allowed, delicious though they are!

  • Order a waterproof dog coat or bed from the internet.

  • Learn to build a boat

  • Organise your request for your refund including an SAE or let the organisers know that you'd like your entry fees to go to a deserving charity

  • Watch another sport on telly to learn how other people do it

  • Go to another with a Pay on The Day event

  • Invest in another wet weather set of clothes - just in case it doesn't stop raining

  • Look at the Show Diary and start planning your end of year and 2013 shows

  • Count up your Agility Warrant points - you might just have enough to call your dog AW/Bronze, Silver or Gold

  • Catch up on all those programmes you recorded to watch on a rainy day.

  • Buy a ticket for the Lottery. You might win enough for a trip to The World Championships in a sunny place.

  • Think about setting up a trade stand at shows, selling wellies! Mick Chambers

  • Reread the story of Noah in the Bible and pray for sunshine

  • Take a walk in the rain with your dog and then come back home for a nice cuppa tea and choccy biscuit.

First published 8 July 2012