Dock Dogs - a water sport

My Australian Shepherd friends group has been written about a unknown sport (at least not known in Portugal) for dogs, Dock Dogs.

So I decided to research a little about this sport, and this is what I found, (source: http://www.1000islandsdockdogs.com/WhatIsDockDogs.html)

What is DockDogs?
Sport for dogs with there family's
DockDogs is a fun, dock jumping & dock diving, performance sports for dogs.
Most DockDogs Competitions are comprised of four contests; BIG AIR, EXTREME VERTICAL and SPEED RETRIEVE and the new sport IRON DOG which is now held at National Competitions.
What is Big Air (BA)? Judging for distance, this competition judges how far your dog can jump from the edge of the dock into the pool. The dog can start by running the length of the dock in order to generate momentum. Distance is calculated from the edge of the dock to where the base of the dogs tail hits the water. There are many different divisions, so all dogs with different jumping distances can join in the fun and have success.

What is Extreme Vertical (EV)? This is the HIGH JUMP for dogs. When competing in Extreme Vertical (EV), dogs jump upwards from the dock in order to retrieve a bumper, landing in the water.

What is Speed Retrieve (SR)? DockDogs Speed Retrieve involves a run...jump...swim environment. The clock starts when the dog leaves the starting line on the dock, and stops when the dog swims to the end of the pool and retrieves the duck.

What is Iron Dog (ID)? DockDogs Iron Dog competition is the newest DockDogs Sport. It combines all of the above three competitions and your dog competes for points. The best Iron Dogs are the dogs that are consistent and do well in all three sports.

You kind of wonder, if this wasn’t a very good sport to do in our sunny lands …

Ok, now a few grate photos of Australian Shepherd and other dogs in Dock Dogs (with authorization of Angie Claussen
Sioux- A-CH Tejas Dog Name Sioux Darwalk (Aussie) CGC NAJ HT PT/ O-NAC NCC S-NJC O-TN-N TG-N / JS-O GS-N RS-O
Dev- Navrock's Unshakable Devotion (Aussie) CGC
Saber- (Siberian Husky) CGC
Semper- (Border Collie) CGC
Moni- (Mini Dachshund) In Agility Training)












A video that I found on youtube about Dock Dogs,



Other dog sports:

• Dog Frisbee


• Herding


• Obedience Competition


• Water trial for Portuguese Water Dog

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Another dog whisperer or just a crazy women with dogs

In a trip to the beach I saw a women playing with her dogs, she seemed lonely ? or crazy ? or even bored ?

That is what we would ask ourselves looking to such a scene.

But amazing or not, we feel quite happy and a smile comes to our lips when in front of such joy and freedom … when do we have the chance to enjoy and be wild like this dogs are.

So, enjoy the movies and with a open mind look at the lady with a smile … because maybe, just maybe she has the secret of what it takes to be happy and free.

Lisbon International Dog Show

On this weekend there were the 113º and 114º Lisbon International Dog Show and 10º Obedience Trial

Like last year, the organization was quite good and the concern to put some shades for the exhibitors was excellent.

Also the announced schedule and judgments was kept closer has possible to the announced, so also deserves congratulations.

The organization of an obedience trial in exhibit has its merits, since it allows to show that dogs can also do obedience.



Ok, remarks made and congratulations made, next there are some photos.

Our friends Portuguese Water Dog of Casa da Buba and of course my Figo

Our command center

My Portuguese Water Dog, Figo, being showed by Joana Gonçalves, that achieved the 1º breed puppy and 1º group puppy

My golden retriever, Bianca, being showed by her little friend Francisca witch achieved the result Exe

Here I am with my three australian shepherd, and Teco is the star, since he got a Good in Obedience class 2

Once again my friends Portuguese Water Dog of Casa da Buba

Finally, the eye exams, available in a reasonable price is something also to be classified has excellent and hopefully will continue to exist in the following years. I personally took two of my Australian Shepherds, Cookie and Teco, and was very happy of all clear result.

Other activities:

• Demos in VI Animal Show


• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009
• 
  
• Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
• 
  
• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha


• Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
• 
  
• Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo


• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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Obedience Workshop

Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog playing on a beach

On this weekend I took my dogs to a relaxing activity by the sea with two of our friends, the Portuguese Water Dog from Casa da Buba.

The intention was of course to have a nice playing time and dog socialization, but also to provide to my two puppies, a 8 months Golden Retriever and a 6 months Portuguese Water Dog, a additional motivation to start swimming in the water.

As you can see on the pictures and movie below, the training was a success and in the end all six dogs were swimming and having a wonderful time.

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What dogs shouldn’t definitely eat

I am from the time were giving dry food was something like an luxury and therefore dogs were feed with our food.

So when people say that we must not give any of our food to the dogs, I wonder why not.

So, after some research I found some interesting articles that focus this topic and report in a consistent way what really should be excluded from the dog food.

I thing as general rule, dogs should eat their proper dry food that is given in a pre-defined schedule. For several reasons dry food has evolved and they are very complete.
But like any owner, I like to give some snacks and rewards to my dogs.

In general rice, meat without bones, fruit and vegetables not tempered are a very safe food. Next is a list of not safe food,


Alcoholic beverages: For me is quite upsetting thinking that someone can even considerer to give alcoholic beverages to dogs. If in humans causes intoxication, liver issues, neurological problems, seizures, coma and death, imagine on your dog.

Apple seeds: Apples is a treat that I normally give to my dogs and only the seeds are dangerous since they contain cyanide.

Avocados: They are mentioned as being toxic

Caffeine: Once more one of those things that doesn’t makes sense to give to a dog. Like with humans in too much quantities, it can cause increased breathing, bleeding and heart arrhythmias.

Chocolate: Everyone already heard about this one and so I mention again, chocolate is toxic.

Garlic and onions:: In large amounts, can make a dog anemic.

Grapes and raisins: I didn’t knew about this one, but it seems that dogs can choke on grapes.

Mustard seeds: Gastroenteritis can be caused by this seeds.

Nutmeg: Ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures and death.

Potato and tomato leaves and stems: Can cause serious stomach issues.

Rhubarb leaves: These are particularly dangerous, causing organ failure.

Salt: Excessive salt can cause swelling and fluid retention in the brain.

Xylitol: Ingesting this artificial sweetener can cause a dramatic drop in blood sugar.

Yeast dough: It will expand in your dog's stomach just like it would in an oven. Also, the fermentation of the yeast is toxic to the animal.

Bones: Big enough for then not to swallow in one bite and not to splint.

I hope this list can help you clear some doubts about what can be given to a dog. I can add that rewards and treats should never been given at the table or from the kitchen balcony.

Lost of search and rescue teams

Today we dedicate our blog weekly topic to the Search and Rescue Teams with dogs of Portugal that so much personal effort and sacrifice makes to take training and know more.

On this weekend a group of fireman had an accident in Spain when returning of a search and rescue with dogs training in Barcelona.

It is a great national lost, since we don’t have many with this dedication and sacrifice.

We present our feelings to family and friends.

Portuguese Water Dog in Lagos Dog Show and Water Trial

On this weekend there were in Lagos, Algarve, the dog show and water trials for the Portuguese Water Dog.

Like is of common knowledge, the Portuguese Water Dog is considered one of the oldest breeds of Europe, were its working capabilities, morphology and personalities are unique and typical of this breed.

Being considered one of the most rare breeds several efforts have been made to show and divulge this dog and their unique character.

Next are the photos of the event,

Portuguese Water Dog in Lagos Dog Show

Portuguese Water Dog in Lagos water trial

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Lagos - Portuguese Water Dog

This Sunday, 7 of June, the City Council of Lagos is organizing the II Competition of the Breed Portuguese Water Dog and II Water Trial of Portuguese Water Dog, in front of the Castle Wall Gardens, in front of Lagos fortress.

10 H in front of Câmara of Lagos

A good chance to see the handling and work of this dogs.

Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show

Doggies near the stand Happy Dogs

This weekend was the Algarve Dog Show that we went to visit and participate with two Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, and with an Portuguese Water Dog on his first big out, Figo.

It was pity that the majority of the visitors were other nationalities then Portuguese, but maybe because of the lack of divulge and information among the Algarve residents. In my case I just knew because I received the information by email from friends.

Anyway, it was a nice and pleasant day !

Angel and Teco, two Australian Shepherd

Figo, a Portuguese Water Dog

Other activities:

• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009
• 
  
• Lisbon International Dog Show 2009


• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha


• Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
• 
  
• Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo


• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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Algarve Dog Show

Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st 2009

11:00 – 19:00 In FATACIL Showground

On this fair you will be able to see obedience, agility, workshops and seminars of dog handling and even have free consultations with two dog behavior experts.

Beginning at 11:30 h this and seminars will be freely given to a limited number of participants that bring their own dog. Some topics will be “Walking on the lead”, “Obedience – Clicker Training” and “Agility”.

This experts will also give free behavior advices and training tips.

With the goal to raise public awareness of the advantages of having well trained dogs and be responsible owners, this event is organized by
Myfriend Petshop and Centro Canino Happy Dogs, that invites everyone to come.

Happy Birthday Brad !!

Happy Birthday Brad !!

Algarve dog training center

Algarve dog Training Center Happy Dogs

On the past last month our four leg family has being training on the Algarve Training Center, Happy Dogs.

Located on the middle of a peaceful country site, has been a very relaxing positive learning experience.

Angel, my red-merle Australian Shepherd, like always, has being training agility and the we are using our recent learned training methods. A lot of work still has to been done, but we are getting there.

Cookie and Teco, my tri-red and blue merle Australian Shepherd, are training for our next Obedience goal, class two and Teco has being improving a lot since we started applying the methods learned on the Obedience Seminar given by Doggy Club. So big expectation on our net Obedience trial.



Bianca, my Golden Retriever, at the Algarve dog Training Center Happy Dogs
And finally, Bianca, my puppy Golden Retriever started to go. She is being trained by me and by my son, in Obedience. Since this is a very sensitive dog, I believe will take some time, but she will get there, since she is very calm, clever and likes to work.

INFO:
Afonso Horta
São Lourenço do Palmeiral, 531 L
8565-911 Pêra
Tel: 282 322 907/ 937 584 457
happy@happydogcenter.com

Algarve dog Training Center Happy Dogs

Don’t abandon animals !!

This week I will dedicate my weekly topic to the nearby holiday season and therefore animal abandon syndrome.

Maybe because of the way I was educated and taught, the simple idea of abandon anyone, animal or person, is quite repulsive to me.

But in a world where self pleasure and material goals are in front of everything, I see right and wrong far and far away in people’s ideas.

So basically, when people have to choose between … let see … an holiday in a resort or their family pet, what do they choose ? guess ? no ?

Ok, but let’s not generalize, so for those who really love their pet and care about their four leg family member, what can they do when they want to go on holiday ?

Like everyone knows, today, hotel for cats and dogs are relative common and you can find one in a telephone list. But for people, like me, that have more than one dog, and other pets, like birds and fish, pet-sitting is a good solution and if you search it on google you also see quite a few results and solutions.

There is always a solution for your pet to be taking care during your vacation and you always have your loyal best friend waiting for your return, so don’t abandon animals and specially don’t consider your pets as objects, since for then, you are their world and their life.

An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island

Me and Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, in ferry boat to Armona IslandSince yesterday was 3 of May, Mothers Day, I thought that me and my son should make the most of the day and go into one of those discovery trips.

I already had heard a lot about the Natural Park of Ria Formosa and the first intention was to know and show it to my son, and so we went to Olhão. Of course, without a lot of surprise, dogs weren’t allowed and since I was with my Australian Shepherd, Cookie, I decided to investigate the boats to the island, which some people had also spoke about.

Me and Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, in Armona Island beach

Ferry Boat to Armona Island beach
We arrived just on time of the ferry boat leaving and sincerely without knowing its destiny we just went on board and trust our luck.

Now, for my surprise, the trip with animals is something quite common to the visitors and locals habitants of the island of Armona and I imagine my question about Cookie being allowed raised more surprise that the fact of me taking her.

Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, in Armona Island beach

Me and Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, near Armona Island houses
The island of Armona is one of the most peaceful places that I ever meat until today and taking the words out of my son mouth, the birds is what we hear most on the island.

The little houses, so I was tolded, are quite habitated and the island has a permanent population of turism and fishing workers.

My son and Cookie in a cofe shop at Armona Island beach

Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, in Armona Island
A trip to stay in our memories, since my Cookie, behaved like a true lady (even being her first boat trip) and was always obedient when I call her and stayed always near me. She is becoming a true companion in trips and travels, since she is reliable and we can always trust her.

Personally I love the area, the calm and peace, considering an idyllic excellent place to recover strength and energy from the noise and daily stress.

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking to a museum


• Dog trekking in Almada


• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie


• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd


• Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres


• A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal


• A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos


• Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

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Wonderfull Obedience Competition Seminar

This weekend, me and Teco, went to the Obedience Competition Seminar lecture by Mads Moller and organized by Doggy Club.

All organization and event was very well organized and we must give congratulations to Pedro Araújo for the warm welcome and personal assistance.

For someone that wishes to improve the performance in Obedience Competitions, achieve higher scores and know the best way to teach the dogs in this modality, it was precious and excellent seminar.

Personally I left with a clear goal and clear training method for my Obedience dogs and this was quite an achievement for me, since I was quite confused in how to proper train my dogs.

Of course I give a very special thanks to Mr. Moller that shares the some admiration and joy to handle and work with dogs and specially dogs from the breed Australian Shepherd and Border Collie.

Other activities:

• Demos in VI Animal Show


• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009


• Lisbon International Dog Show 2009


• Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show


• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha


• Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008


• Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo


• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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