Our Australian Shepherds have been farm dogs and camping-hiking buddies. They have happy and purposeful lives. But just as it's good for humans to keep on learning, it's time to start the Aussies (and the Terrier) learning new things. I'm writing this post about the direction we are going with our dogs, so that maybe I can help direct you to the organizations that would be great for competing with your dog. YOU can join
US, if you'd like. It would be wonderful to meet up from time to time!
Distance Disc League
We are currently practicing and competing seasonally in K9 Frisbee Toss and Fetch Disc Dog League
This league has many locations, all over the world! This is a great way to get started in competing. The rules are easy to learn. There are often disc throwing seminars. Sometimes you can jump right in and get some throwing critiques from the league members to get you started.
"Rollers" are now allowed in this league, which opens this competition up to puppies who aren't yet ready to run fast and jump for a disc. Puppies can learn how to get "drivey" for a disc rolling on the ground. Then later, the discs are thrown in the air and the older puppy will be catching those too!
We do this sport with Winchester and Marvelous. And I plan to take Fantastic to start her in summer league too!
I am very interested in UpDog. I'd really like to learn freestyle and the combination of disc and agility! Take a look.
Trick Dog Titles
Winchester knows enough tricks to earn his Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog Titles. He is close to having enough tricks accomplished to earn his Advanced Trick Dog Title too. This title can be earned virtually or in person. We expect Winchester to earn three title levels in one day.
The organizations we prefer for earning Trick Dog Titles are:
and
Do More With Your Dog has an accompanying Facebook page for questions.
For AKC titles, your dog will need a PAL number
AKC has videos of HOW to accomplish these tricks. And YouTube is valuable as well! Find the name of the trick on the AKC and/or DMWYD list and then search engine it! The Facebook page groups can be a good resource too!
Conformation Titles
We show Star in United Kennel Club (UKC) conformation events. She is a conformation champion and is in the American Hairless Terrier top ten, qualifying her to compete in Top Ten Conformation at UKC Premier Nationals. She has points towards her Grand Championship, so we may complete that title too.
Drag Racing looks like a lot of fun for a terrier, and look, an American Hairless Terrier is front and center on the UKC website. We plan to start Star in UKC drag racing this year 2021! She will also be having her first litter of puppies. She is likely to go into heat in May or June. We are excited to breed CH Ratitatt Super Star to Lace Rawhide Git R Dunn of Gaushof
To show Little Bear Swamp Farm Australian Shepherds in conformation,
they MUST be shown at American Stock Dog Registry shows. There is a yearly HUGE show in Ohio, called the Buckeye Classic. There are other ASDR conformation shows too, in various states. The best way to learn about these shows is to check out the ASDR website, then join the facebook page to ask the moderator questions. If you don't do Facebook, you can email for information. ASDR shows are Friday-Sunday shows.
Rally O Titles
I have never competed in Rally, but this looks like something that my Australian Shepherds would enjoy. This is an obedience competition, only Rally Obedience WANTS the handler to RALLY their dog on with words of encouragement. I like to see a happily wagging TAIL while a dog is working.
To compete in UKC events, your dog will need a Performance Listing.
We have been showing UKC in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and plan to return to those locations for Rally competition and for Drag Racing (where offered). I'll give a Facebook announcement next time we are attending an event, so you can come visit us with your puppy/dog or JOIN US in the competition.
Agility
We aren't ready yet for agility, so I'm not going to write a lot here. We have plans to begin agility training later in 2021. We will identify which dogs enjoy agility. Maybe they all do! We will likely enter UKC agility competitions 2022.
In summary:
We are competing in distance disc league (locally) with
Winchester
Marvelous
Fantastic
We are working towards AKC trick dog titles with
Winchester
Fantastic
We are competing in UKC conformation in OH, IN, MI with
Super Star
We are competing in UKC drag racing sometime 2021 with
Super Star
We plan to compete in UKC Rally O sometime in 2021 with
Twizzle
Spectacular
Fantastic
I might have Marvelous ready for UpDog 2021
We are training in agility 2021 with the plan to enter UKC agility 2022 with all adult dogs who show a strong enjoyment of it.
To attend a UKC show as a competitor or as a spectator, click here for the calendar of events.
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