Activities

Showing Dog Show! What's the Point? Dogs at a confirmation show are judged by how closely they resemble their breed standard. Breeders try to breed dogs that match the standard for their particular breed. At a show a judge awards places to dogs in the order that, in their opinion, reflects the breed standard. The breed standards were originally written to describe a particular breed of dog with the best possible physical and temperamental characteristics to perform the tasks for which they were originally bred. Therefore, the point of a dog show is to recognise and reward those exhibitors who present dogs that most closely resemble the breed standard. That's the theory, anyway!    Obedience - List of obedience clubs Sit! Sit! I SAID SIT!!... The mere mention of Obedience strikes fear into the hearts of many dog owners. However, when you get the right advice, take it slowly and make it fun for you and your Border Collie, it is one of the most rewarding and beneficial things you can do for your dog. Obedience is a doorway into many other fields. For many owners, they want a dog that will come when called, stay still if need be and "go fetch" and bring the ball back! For others, the goal is competition. It's an exciting sport that ranges from heeling on lead and calling your dog, to the very advanced work of scenting along a track, retrieving and jumping obstacles. For others, Obedience is a stepping-stone into other sports such as Dog Dancing. (also known as Canine Freestyle and Heelwork to Music), Agility, Flyball, just to name a few. For information on contacting your local dog obedience club, please contact  Dogs Queensland Ph: 07 32522661  www.dogsqueensland.com.au  Agility - List of Agility clubs  At least one of you will be fit... Herding - Herding Association QLD Contact: Ms K Beck. Phone: (07) 5463 5106 Email: brian-kate@bigpond.com Canine Frisbee   The Australian Canine Disc Association, established by Karen and Damian Noud, is  offering a great way to keep you and your Border Collie both physically and mentally fit. The Brisbane and Region K9 Disc Club currently have clinics, competitions and some seminars on their event schedule, which can be found at www.bark.asn.au At these clinics they will teach you how to throw the frisbee without risking the dog's  safety. Once you have mastered a straight throw and your dog is catching and returning  the disc reliably, you are ready to play Toss an Fetch. Some BARK competitions also  include a Freestyle section. This is more challenging, and you and your dog will  perform moves choreographed to music....twists, vaults, multiple catches just to name a  few. It is a great sport for keeping you and your dog active. It is inexpensive and can be  played by even the youngest member of the family. To learn more about the sport of Canine Frisbee, contact Karen and Damian Noud at www.frisbeedogs.asn.au phone (07) 5495 6700 Assistance Dogs Many breeds of dogs are now working as Assistance Dogs providing great benefit to  people with a disability. An Assistance Dog may be.... a Hearing Dog (to assist a person with hearing impairment), a Therapy Dog (to work in Special schools and hospitals), or a Service Dog. Some Border Collies are currently working as Service Dogs. If you would like to learn more about this aspect of the Border Collie, please contact.... Disability Services Queensland (D.S.Q.) GPO Box 806 Brisbane Qld 4001 www.disability.qld.gov.au Email: disabilityinfo@disability.qld.gov.au