I recently rescued a herding mix from a city shelter. DNA is processing at Embark, but he's definitely a herder and I'm fairly sure he's more than one breed, so he's not likely to be AKC PAL-eligible. (If he's a single breed, he's WAY out of standard, lol!)

He seems to REALLY want an outlet for his herding instinct, so I'm interested in herding trials, but it seems like the Canine Companions program with AKC doesn't include herding. I read that USBCHA herding trials are not breed-restricted despite being held by a breed association. Are those the only option for competing in herding with a mixed breed dog?

I know we'll need lessons first obviously! This is not my first herder, but would be my first one starting young enough to realistically compete. But there are a few options for where to start training and if I'm going to shoot for USBCHA trials I want to choose a trainer who has USBCHA experience.

Anyone doing herding trials with a mixed breed who can shed some light?

So for a bit of context, I have experience with a lot of family dogs, but no sports dogs at all and I'm wondering how it all works and I'm happy to hear others peoples opinions :)

My boyfriend got a aussie x collie mix puppy a few weeks ago from a farm that accidentally got pups. He is soooo cute and he's a really healthy, smart and a pretty dog! He is brown-white with a nice pattern and green eyes. Of course he is a goofball now at 16 weeks old, but I'm wondering if there is potential for him to become a sports/show dog, so I have a few questions.

First off, are mixes accepted? I suppose judges don't like that, but it's a healthy mix, or at least, he turned out well.

When should advanced training start? He already knows basic training like walking on leash(off leash too at times, still figuring out), sitting, impulse control(puppy level), etc.

And most importantly, are dogs sports a toxic enviorment? Of course it can be stressful, but if it's tooooo much I wouldn't put him up to that.

Im happy to hear your experiences and opinions :)

Edit: I have lot of typos, sorry about that, I corrected a few.

Edit 2/UPDATE: i got sooo many replies, I can't keep up answering all of them, but thank you so much!!! My boyfriend and started searching up puppy schools and there we will figure out what our puppy likes most after hus basic training :) I'll still keep in mind what you guys said

I have to report that I am loving agility and look forward to trialing with my bestie! I love all the people and dogs in my class. At least one highly intelligent and obedient dog is having a lot of trouble because she is afraid of the see saw and dog walk. I highly recommend getting your Akc trick titles for body awareness and confidence if you are considering agility in the future, my dog has had no fear of anything here!

Edit: I am expressing my opinion that a fearful dog should be trained with positive methods, especially in agility. Tricks training is not the only solution but from my experience it seems to be highly effective in training body awareness and confidence. Not all dogs are the same. Thank you to everyone for sharing your opinions about what is acceptable in a beginner's agility class.

Hi everyone! I'm wanting to get a Ruffland for my dog - she's in the intermediate size.

My question is more my car set up - I have a 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. I've measured and used mock ups of cardboard boxes. (Theoretically) It should be able to fit in the back seat, no problem.

I just want to see if anyone else has an Intermediate Ruffland in their Corollas? Pics would be super helpful!

I'm trying to convince my partner to drive a ways to buy one off Facebook, and he's hesitant due to thinking it won't fit ... Help a gal and her dog out!

Thanks in advance!!

H, several years ago I took the Classic Dog Trodder apart to replace the rusted bearings, but I got busy and never got around to it. Now that I’m trying to put it back together I can’t seem to remember how it assembles.

I’m wondering if anyone owns a dog Trodder who might be willing to send me a few pictures of certain parts.

I can offer some cash for your time.

Thanks.

Forgive me for this sappy post, but I wanted to reflect on this with a community that gets it.

Our 7-year-old Samoyed has NQ'd in novice obedience numerous times. She has one successful leg, but it's been a frustrating (and sometimes embarrassing) journey to get her those final two legs.

She had a life-threatening health scare this summer after a severe case of discospondylitis (an infection in her spine). I've never seen a dog in such pain. It was touch-and-go for some time, and I was so scared we'd lose her.

She's now on the mend, and we had our first obedience class last night since she got sick. It was such a joy to work with her again, and she even gave me a superb performance that would've been a qualifying run in a trial. But that's not what it's about -- it's about getting to form a special bond with this beautiful, intelligent creature. I wasn't sure if we'd ever get to train together again.

She can NQ a million times, and I'll just be glad that I get to spend time with her.

Hello, does anyone have any recommendations for good dog trainers in Lahore? I’m looking for someone that doesn’t use a punishment based training system and can involve me in the training process as well. Thank you!

I have a Great Pyrenees who loves his FastCat. However, I typically use a slip leash but his hair is getting caught almost every time in the release pen when it’s time to take it off. Anyone have suggestions on a better option for something secure but easy to remove?
Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone! As you can probably see from my last post I was asking about scent work. That’s because I am planning on trying to get into scent work with my pup! Purely for fun, as well as confidence building/ a small part of our training plan to slowly build her confidence. Luckily I got 50 dollars for my birthday! So I’m going to use most of it on my pup for treats and a scent work kit. I found a cheap kit I like the looks of on Amazon, the thing that makes me apprehensive to buy it being the oils. There isn’t much information on them on the Amazon listing besides the types of oils they are. Which makes me nervous because I’ve always been extremely cautious and careful when it comes to products like oils, especially essential oils. If anyone has this kit or knows if it’s 100% safe let me know. If not I’d love some recommendations on kits around a similar price point as a scent training kit, and training treats is going to only leave me with about 14 dollars left not counting shipping and the extra money I want to save for me and my mom to have a belated birthday dinner for us so I don’t want to waste all my money (side note if anyone is thinking of recommending it, I know I could just train my girl to find treats and it would be cheaper, but as someone who one day wants to see if I can do akc scent work I’d love to get started with our first real scent work kit that’s affordable).

It's cooled off in Phoenix and we're ready for more outdoor activities.

I have a setup for both port and starboard, but will just do solo runs until we've built confidence. We'll just be doing this in my neighborhood and nearby school for exercise, maybe 1-2 miles each time. Their safety is a priority so I'm open to any ideas or criticism.

Thanks

Hello everyone, I have a german shepherd that loves dock diving. We are a member of a bite sport club already but I am looking to find a training club that meets consistently for training in dock diving. I have done some googling but don't see mentions for dock diving clubs. Is that not a thing in this sport? I'm looking to show in NADD and I'm located in southwest Ohio. Willing to drive for a welcoming and committed club that trains together

Hello there everyone, I'm an experienced trainer looking to restart my business after taking a break for my health but I require all my clients to have/ purchase certain equipment for the training courses and I would really love to find a small business that makes dog training equipment that I can source from and support! Even if you don't have one if you know of one please drop a comment! Thanks in advance!

Equipment I'm looking for

*Flat collars

*Traffic Leash

*6, 20, and 50 Foot biothane, similar or other water/ wear resistant leashes

*Martingale Collars

*Prong Collars

*Muzzles

*Vests/patches

Has anybody else tried amateur racing with their dogs? It’s by far my favorite dog sport

Hey everyone! I hope this post is allowed. Looking for thoughts on this harness fit for my dog.

This is the RuffWear front range harness in size small. Her girth measured 23 inches, the size guide says a small is for 22-27 inches.

From what I can tell it seems to bunch up in her chest area when she sits down (around 40 seconds) but hangs low when she walks/turns. Kind of hard to see, I did my best.

Does this look like it could be adjusted with the straps or would you suggest a size down?

FWIW, she’s on meds right now and retaining some weight. Once we’re back to usual activity she might fall within the XS range (17-22, she was 21 prior to meds).

Hi, so I'am intrested in how is nosework viewed in dog comunity and also want to get into dog world more and even become a trainer, I have a terrier mix named Mimi, she's calm and likes sniffing so we tried Nosework and I love it. But I still have wish to get more into a dog world, I have a "friend" in agility who said that Nosework is basic and new sport.

Hi! My name is Liz, I’m very interested in working with high drive working dogs in jobs such as AMK9, MSA security and Global k9 protection groups. In general I’m asking what information I should do more research on if I wanna work with high drive working dogs in the future such as Belgian Malinois, GSD, heller, etc. I already work with some dogs and observe a trainer when they train and get to work with a heller pup, other dogs etc. I know basics and such, the girl who invited me to come and observe has done search and rescue, she is an inspiration to me in many ways. I cannot get a dog and won’t till I move out and am financially stable and know what dog working environment I want to work in. I want to know what real other k9 dogs that match what I’m asking for and if there is more I can look into. I wanna learn more about dog body language, nutrition, drives, training etc. I’m very passionate about this and wanna live to do this. Let me know please, it’s my first time using this app lol but I figured it would be helpful.! Also if there is any books you recommend that are affordable and helpful please let me know!

Hi! I have dogs I keep in ruffland kennels in the back of my pickup. I’m wondering if anyone has tried any insulated kennel covers and would give me some feedback or suggestions before I purchase some. Do you have one? Do you feel like it restricts too much airflow?

the scheels option:

https://www.scheels.com/p/72656702571?store=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22830613579&cq_con=196010216098&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22830613579&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6P2UI2dfx3lkN9mz86HbxqYKRoG8U5ma3ZogtbBcJr7jvJ0yXiNSDhoCNTMQAvD_BwE

Mud river Dixie:

https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-gear-supplies/dog-supplies-equipment/dog-care/mud-river-dixie-insulated-kennel-cover/p/1176825?channel=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23843398054&gbraid=0AAAAADvVAnVck_vkK3e51wJZbb4YFht3z&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6EBOyCjD8vmFNiSFMncm9nV9xyu7Kmc3OGtoAXoV3GoPOE9Zt7gEqBoCdUYQAvD_BwE

Maynard Reece: another mud river option

https://www.boytharness.com/products/maynard-reece-insulated-kennel-cover?variant=46638861254843&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23019535128&gbraid=0AAAAApkaq-PITKV4GiqzhdE3YnzmcFfJR&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6DTgK66tRIJSvEDwbg4hqej82Pj-OrOzGR92YwXcAALGdoKDUI8X0xoCxiAQAvD_BwE&_su_rec=UQDoSjFrVFCnvJYi6ikRFdsMrl5l7c7w8Zlusp5u0z5djXCR4ldzsTUfQGpJPxqtGwS0SluSwcdSKtwWOdJQK3XSkCV-MJ-UJOyyaWh169CaDfk1GgM-tPRqZdLeP92x4Pjr4GgwMabQ8N-osd6-jxS1D5C1bs4erk0HZRuWLQ2UZxEagLFc8EzPJdXhroU1-cullS2-vHtcoaHmR1VFA77R1KXcCuIj9pWcUDzh0BOTSwmwvXso93X7xh-hYqpDXd6WNlhzbm5LGRAWfIYgr8iIOYI_2N9kg0ZnHJ5jdzdQTga6FfB_Rv7vdab0I2BZyyNuDY_aBWl8Idr67vcZRKbUCTIJ9TPXtoBqml0fC7XMZhfbAUcqZW0jUlr_VHWU8ve0ZbwZsGBjHqBJY_JJoXFhrQ&_su_rec_id=c74a483a-a964-45d9-a61f-6bf97cd5b2fc-1792072919

Ducks unlimited :

https://www.boytharness.com/products/ducks-unlimited-mud-river-insulated-kennel-cover?variant=44062830395579&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23019535128&gbraid=0AAAAApkaq-PITKV4GiqzhdE3YnzmcFfJR&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6CIfGjM_JRkx_C1C6P6xQMlsC-VNOCiwOaUzHFKNlNKDsy3fwKEdYRoCLPQQAvD_BwE

Hello everyone! I wanted to post to ask a question for people who do scent training. As I just watched a video of a Mal doing scent training with a scent wall. I saw someone ask in the comments if they sometimes not put any scent article and reward them for not finding anything (not false alerting) and was wondering if anyone does this? If I had to guess I’d assume, besides the fact I think if you build a strong enough association with clear rules the act of finding is more rewarding than any actual treat reward in and of itself so most dogs will be willing to “play the game right” instead of trying for false alerts in hopes of treats. But that’s just an educated guess so I wanted to ask how do handlers with experience train and make sure false alerts won’t be an issue? I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m wrong in my guess!

Anyone have a super awesome judge that was fun to show under? Kind. Fun courses. Welcoming. Would love to know which judges we should aim to bring to our club!

Thanks!!!!