sports

dogfrisbee

Since we sought something that would interest Sara much more than others dogs (comming back from the herd was very difficult), we tried many things - titbits, balloons, piping toys… One summer day when we took an old frisbee, Sara‘s interest revived. Besides being small and hairy she was ecstatic too, just fetching the frisbee was nothing for her. With her size it is not surprising - the disc hit her knees :)   Sara hasn't this problem, but her bite and teeth were on the disc soon after several throws. That's why we discontinued this kind of disc - for the mouth it is dangerous and I was really wrong-footed when I threw it.

Though (maybe that's just it) I hunted for some quality frisbee suitable for dogs and I managed it too - I bought 2 light competition frisbees, one proof and one small for Nela. Surprisingly our dogs like all the discs, Sara is concerned just for the disc and nothing else exists for her - she is hypnotized by it as border collies hypnotize the sheep. Nela runs around me, whimpers, barks and bays gladly and waits for the next throw. The sounds that she produces are very close the sounds of an beaten dog. Please if you see us (and hear us) some day - Nela is really no beaten dog, she is just frisbee maniac.

agility

Everybody knows, shelties are excellent at sports, especially in agility. I bought Nela mainly for agility also. With regard to my free time absences weren't in my plans. I dedicated Nela a lot of time to working (fetching, running, running by in-lines) but we did do agility just marginally as a pastime and for fun.

Few years later I began to train our Sara. Our starts were confused, but with time Sara exhibited her temperament and very positive reference to tunnels. Unfortunately we couldn't break her boycott of jumping hurdle, so we left agility and now we do just dogfrisbee for fun.

herding

Thank's to my resolution I tried to pass in 2003 ZVOP (talent examination of sheepdog). As my company was there Ewa Kalendova and her sheltie Barbie Girl Smaal Kim. Our three shelties (Jess, Nela and Barbie Girl) were the only shelties between lot of border collies and our presence interested most of the people there. After a short opening and the sponsors introduction began the trial. I took Jess to the sheepcote. He barked and ran round by instinct. We just watched his action and reactions for a while. Then tried to judge his balancing, it means the dog should be always in front with sheep-master, the sheep should be between them. We did the same thing one more time in the sheepcot. In 10 minutes we knew Jess got through his examinations.

What was judged? Interest in working, obedience, working style, movement, concentration. The dog can't be aggresive, shy or afraid… For example our Nela herded me instead of sheeps :)

I can proudly say Jess was the first and for a long time the once sheltie in Czech republic with this kind of exam. The trial was held in September 2003 and since that time there are several shelties here with ZVOP.