Coming Events at Durack

It started with my tiny Maltese Woody. He was 9, had recently partially torn his cruciate ligament and had 2 eye surgeries (he's now had 4!), but he still had a great joy in life.

I read a quote which said that you should give dogs a job, or they'll find one and you might not like what they do! I then heard about Nosework classes and it was described to me that it was like finding food in boxes. “Great” I thought. “Woody is a walking stomach, so that's something he can do!” So I signed up.

The benefits for dogs of all kinds is amazing. It’s been a game that Woody and I play when the scary storms are overhead. I play these basic games at the vet to reduce some fear. I play them when it's raining or too hot to go out for a walk.

When we do go on walks now, we have ‘sniffathons’ where we stop and sniff all the sniffs. We don't go as far, but my dogs are more relaxed and sleep better after an hour long sniff, than after an hour long walk.

Nosework has given my mini poodle confidence to work away from me. Its given my anxious/reactive Bichon Frise the skills to be brave in scary situations.

I've seen shut down dogs come alive when they are allowed to use their innate abilities within a dog safe environment.

There are huge benefits for people too. I've known 7 year old kids who were terrified of dogs successfully work a huge Belgian Malinois in a beginner search. I have seen overarching joy in both humans and dogs when they both find something they can do together which is fun.

It gets better! You can now compete! The structured game of Nosework was developed by some clever dog trainers in the United States (Jill-Marie O'Brien, Amy Herot and Ron Gaunt) who created the National Association of Canine Scent Work.

Noseworks was brought to Australia by Marion Brand and the Australian Canine Scent Work is the ruling body currently for Australian Nosework competitions with some hard work done in all the Australian states, and specifically by Debbie Lamprecht in Queensland.

My little Woody, nearly blind and at 13 years of age, has passed and been certified on all 3 competition odours.

When I teach Nosework, I aim to show students how to read their dogs' body language. When does a dog needs support? When has a dog found odour? When do they need you to back off?

I can help you to learn the ropes. With the Australian National Kennel Club soon to be running competitions, there will be trials in Queensland before long.

Don't want to compete? No problem. Have fun with your dog and socialise with other dog people. I have a Blue Card and can work with children, but a parent must be present.

Contact me for more information or to book into a Course. They are only an hour long and I run two back to back Courses on Tuesday evening at Dogs Queensland’s Durack Sports Grounds.

FUN in the MUD

The Kryptonite Challenge (or K9 Challenge) is an awesome family fun event that has given a whole new meaning to the words “puppy power!”

There is no need to worry about your fitness levels, you aren’t at the greyhound track. You can take all the time you need - it’s not a race - let your furry friend lead the way around a 4km muddy, crazy, fun and exciting obstacle course.

There will be some obstacles that only your pooch can do, but there will be lots of others for you and all the

family to join in with. You can bring any dog of any age, any size, any fitness, socialised or not (humans too). It’s even OK if you’re as fit as a butchers dog, but please don’t bring the cat!

You can be part of a team or be a solo challenger to enter The Kryptonite Challenge obstacle course. Don’t stress if you want to be part of a team and none of your friends, family or colleagues wishes to enter. We get lots of solo challengers and if you wish we will help you join a team on the day.

Being part of a team will be a massive help to get up, over and through some of the obstacles. All team members will need to pull together and help each other to the finish line. Team size and numbers are totally up to you.

K-9 is the first event of its kind in Australia and they are becoming hugely popular. You can check out the reviews and photos on our website.

You’d be barking mad to miss this, so be the leader of the pack and start building your K-9 Team today!

To enter or contact: www.kryptonitechallenge.com or info@ kryptonitechallenge.com.

Is Your Dog a Good Citizen?

Do you have a pup with selective hearing? Is your dog a naughty teenager who would benefit from some manners? Perhaps you are interested in learning the basics of good training so you can take a step towards competing in Agility or Obedience.

Whatever your end goal, our regular courses will help you to develop your relationship with your dog and provide him or her with clear boundaries.

Your trainer - Jacqueline Perrins - has a lifetime of experience training both dogs and humans and enjoys making her clinics fun for everyone .

Our next 6 week Course will run every Friday evening from 6.30 for one hour duration. It begins on 29 March and will run through to 10 May (excluding Good Friday). You will receive a Good Doggie Citizen Certificate on completion. Cost is $150 (Incl. GST) per dog, payable in advance. Call and book your spot on 07 3252 2661 or email info@dogsqueensland.org.au for more information.