Based loosely on Dr Ian Dunbar's Canine Games, the Tailwagger Club in Yorkshire has developed a competition suitable for all pet dogs....great fun for the dogs and a real giggle for the handlers. The competition is comprised of a series of challenges to be completed by all dogs and their handlers.....in 2012 there were 5 challenges.....a fast recall/relay race, a Kong retrieval game, musical dog c
hairs, a slow recall race and a tidy up game. Last year (in 2012), the 'finals' were held over a weekend in September with the Saturday for individuals and the Sunday for teams. A team is made up of 6 dogs and their handlers and a non dog-handling captain. The finalists can expect their own tournament tent/collecting area, their own theme tune and must wear something identifying them. Oh....and they have to choose a ridiculous team name! Last year the 'Mad pack of snozzlers', the 'Hot Dogs', the 'NABS' (Nearly All Blacks) and the 'Numptys' battled it out to find out who would take home the fabulous shield and winner rosettes and prizes. The team captains' role is crucial and includes the decision of when to play their joker card.....doubling the score they achieve for the game chosen. Needless to say the whole event is serious fun....for the dogs, the handlers, the organisers and the spectators. The main requirement is not a highly trained dog, it is a willingness to have a go and be prepared to enjoy working and playing with your very best furry friend. The games are organised in such a way that it is possible to achieve good scores even if the handler has to help the dog more in some of the challenges. The tournament does not come without rules though....which include adherence to APDT principles. There is also a special trophy for the team which displays the best spirit of the games and for the individual highest score....lots to play for. The finals are planned for Sunday 27 October at the Thirsk Auction Mart and a Preview Day and Individuals knockout/qualifier day is booked for Sunday 1 September at the Tailwagger Club's Harrogate venue at the Touch Canine Care Centre. Information and details where to obtain entry forms will be posted soon. Please feel free to contact us - either post a message or email one of our sponsor's.....[email protected] and we'll get back in touch!
