EQUIFEST 2008 DOG-ON-IT AGILITY DEMONSTRATIONS BEGIN AT 10 AM IN THE MAIN ARENA

Patterned after equestrian show jumping, dog agility combines the elements of a dog's agility and confidence with the handler's control over an obstacle course.  Dogs not only demonstrate their agility competence by equestrian style jumping, but also by executing some interesting obstacles like teeter totters and dog walks.  Agility dogs also perform the amazing behavior of weaving through poles.  Some are so proficient that they make the poles look like piano keys being hammered by a virtuoso.  Throughout the events, watch how much the team members love participating.

The approved obstacles for dog agility are the A-frame, weave poles, table, pause box, see-saw or teeter, dog walk, cross-over, pipe tunnel, collapsed tunnel, and assorted jumps and hurdles (including the broad jump, tire jump, high jump, bar jump, double bar jump, and spread jump).
There are two competitive classes, each with two jump heights to permit dogs of all sizes to participate.  In the large dog class, dogs measuring more than 21'' at the withers would be required to jump 26'', while those measuring 21'' or less would be required to jump 22''. In the small dog class, dogs 16'' or less but more than 12'' would jump 16'' while all dogs measuring 12'' or less would jump 12''.  Also, there is a program defined as "Performance," wherein the dog can jump one height lower.  Jump heights are reduced to 8", 12", 16" and 22", as compared to heights of 12", 16", 22" and 26" in the Championship Program.

Partners in dog agility teams are quite diverse.  All breeds and sizes of dogs participate.  Watch how dogs ranging from Chihuahuas and toy poodles through Great Danes and Rottweilers can all succeed at the sport.  Dog-On-It handlers range in age from 8 to 80.  This is a sport where all those with the patience to teach are rewarded with the thrill of active, interactive play with their dogs.

Dog-On-It Agility Club of Central Florida is one of the oldest United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) members in the state of Florida, established in 1991.  Dog-On-It members actively train three nights a week at Lake Island Park in Winter Park.  Members host trials in November and January that are popular with agility competitors from all over the country and Canada.  For more information on Dog-On-It Agility visit their web site at www.dogonitagility.com.

 

Dog-On-It

Agility Club of Central Florida

Training Classes Offered at Winter Park Lake Island Recreation Center
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Contact Jessica at jessica@jessicarodgers.com

USDAA Trials Hosted in Winter Park, November and January

Explore our agility club, established in 1991, open to ALL DOGS for
training, competition, camaraderie, and agility fun!
See our web site for more information and contacts
www.dogonitagility.com

 

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER RACING BEGINS AT 10 AM AT EQUIFEST 2008, 2ND SET OF RACES 3 PM

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER

Jack Russell Terriers are a type, or strain, of working terrier. They are not pure bred in the sense that they have a broad genetic make-up, a broad standard, and do not breed true to type.  This is a result of having been bred strictly for hunting since their beginning in the early 1800's, and their preservation as a working breed since.  The broad standard, varied genetic background based on years of restricted inbreeding and wide outcrossing, and great variety of size and type, are the major characteristics that make this strain of terrier known as a Jack Russell (a.k.a. Parson Jack Russell Terrier®) such a unique, versatile working terrier.

The Jack Russell Terrier takes it name from the Reverend John Russell who bred one of the finest strains of terriers for working fox in Devonshire, England in the mid-to-late 1800's. Rev. Russell (1795-1883), apart from his church activities, had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs; he is also said to be a rather flamboyant character, probably accounting for his strain of terrier's notability and the name of our terrier today.  His first terrier, the immortal TRUMP, is said to be the foundation of John Russell's strain of working terriers.

Everything about the Jack Russell has fox hunting in mind -- coloring, conformation, character, and intelligence.  The body is compact, of totally balanced proportions, the shoulders clean, the legs straight, and most importantly, a small chest (easily spannable by average size hands at the widest part behind the shoulders).  The Jack Russell must also be totally flexible, allowing him to maneuver underground.  This conformation allows the terrier to follow his quarry down narrow earths.  The fox is a good model for the Jack Russell-where the fox can go, so must the terrier.  Although originally bred for fox hunting, the Jack Russell is a versatile working terrier to a variety of quarry including red and grey fox, raccoon and woodchuck.

 

Jack Russell Terrier Racing

Jack Russell Terrier racing is an exciting event.  These dogs can't wait for the box to open and run down the track after the lure.  Some tracks are from 250 to 300 and more feet long.  They race flats and steeples.  Dogs first through the finish hole may not necessarily be the winner- as it is the first dog into the catch pen that wins.  They sometimes shift positions while coming through the hole.  The race consists of 6 dogs filling 6 slots in the race box.  There are usually one or two plus heats, the top three go back for a semi final or final.  The winner of that final advances to the championship race in their division.  Divisions are usually, pups over and under, adults over and under, veterans (6 years +) over and under and seniors (10 years+) over and under.  “Under” means 10" up to 12 1/2"; “over” means over 12 1/2" up to 15".  Sometimes racing comes very naturally to the terriers, others catch on once they have seen it or tried it once or twice.  Some dogs have no interest in it at all, but excel in other events like go-to-ground, agility, conformation or trailing and locating or hunting.  Whatever event the Jack Russell Terrier is entered in, you can be sure of one thing, they will give it their all, and want to please you in the worse way...and of course entertain you at the same time.

 

SUNSHINE STATE JACK RUSSELL TERRIER CLUB
Florida's Only JRTCA Affiliate Club

The club has a base of approximately 140 members. Our goal is to offer the membership sporting competitions and educational workshops that provide venues for these energetic terriers. We hold two sanctioned trials in April and two more in November, at the Horseman's Park in Williston, Florida. Workshops are offered throughout the state at the homes of Board and club members. Conformation, Go-to-Ground, Racing, Agility, Trailing and Locating and Obedience are sanctioned events offered at trials. Jack Russells are very competitive dogs and excel in all of the events. Racing seems to be the most crowd pleasing event because of the excitement it produces. The dogs race flats and steeples and are broken down into age, sex and size. They are loaded into a start box, released to chase a "tail" down the track and be the first dog to enter the catch pen. They are just as excited as the onlookers. As an affiliate club of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, we follow the clubs motto which is To Preserve, Protect & Work the Jack Russell Terrier. For more information please visit these websites: www.terrier.com and www.sunshinestatejrtc.com John Tyno, President.

The club has a wonderful Child and Youth program where they learn hands on showing and training their terriers.  They even have a few members go on to Nationals level to compete and make the club very proud.  The club holds terrier days, training, and workshops through out the year to educate new owners or help experienced owners work their terriers.  The Jack Russell Terrier is not a dog for everyone, but with the proper training and a lot of exercise and love, they are a wonderful addition to a family and offer a life full of fun and excitement.  You can learn more about the club by visiting  their website at www.sunshinestatejrtc.com and the JRTCA at www.terrier.com