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The King of Canine Racers. When you think of fast dogs, the tall and lean is the first breed that usually springs to mind. This long-legged, smooth-coated racing breed has been clocked at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, sparking its nickname: the 45-mph couch potato. Why this nickname? This is a breed blessed with speed bursts when overcoming prey, especially hares, but one who craves lounging on sofas in between races.
There are no good studies on this, but it looks like Greyhounds are not substantially faster than some other breeds like Border Collies and probably other larger, lightweight breeds. "For example, by my calculations, many fly ball dog teams, which are timed to the hundredths of a second, are traveling at 37 to 40 mph when they hit the box."
2. The Saluki Estimated Top Speed: 43 mph Putting the Capital "S" in Swiftness. A feather-footed cousin of the Greyhound, the has been clocked at nearly 43 mph, a speed recorded in the 1996 edition of the Guinness Book of Records. It may be that over distances of more than half a mile, the Saluki is faster than the Greyhound. Contributing to the Saluki's stamina are his heavily padded feet that help to absorb the impact that running has on the body. Hailing from Ancient Egypt, the Saluki is recognized as one of the oldest breeds, dating back to 7,000 B.C.
3. The Whippet Estimated Top Speed: 36 mph The Poor Man's Racehorse - Whippets, originally called snap dogs for the speed at which they snapped up the rabbits and rats they coursed, were probably developed from a blend of Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds and terriers. The nineteenth-century workingmen who created them, later turned to racing them against each other, and they became known as "the poor man's racehorse." Today, this medium-sized sighthound is a fierce competitor in lure coursing events and ranks among the fastest breeds, having been clocked at 36 mph. Ready for this? A Whippet can run 200 yards in less than 12 seconds.
4. The Border Collie Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Built for Speed and Cornering. Long acknowledged for being one of the top Einsteins in the dog world, the workaholic is designed to move quickly and make hairpin turns in order to direct large flocks over what are sometimes long distances. Border Collies can corner like fine sports cars, maintaining control and speed through turns, skills that also serve them well in canine sports such as agility, fly ball and flying disc competitions.
These black-and-white torpedoes have been clocked at speeds of up to 30 mph. And noted for their intense gaze, Border Collies are recognized for keeping their eye on the prize. To be honest, in a race between a Greyhound and a Border Collie, my bets will always be on the Border Collie Dr. Zink says.
5. The Vizsla Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph A Vroom With Four Legs and a Tail, Medium-sized with a lean body, short coat and a mental drive to run, the can outsprint most dogs in a one-mile competition. Originating in Hungary, this breed must deal with constant canine confusion, often misidentified as a Rhodesian Ridgeback or Redbone Coonhound. But make no mistake, this hunting dog is quick both on land and in the water. Sporting a golden rust-colored short coat, the Vizsla is agile and able to turn quickly.
6. The Alaskan Husky Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph The Marathoner of Dogs - Alaskian Huskies were originally developed to deliver goods and supplies to remote frozen areas, so speed and endurance were vital assets. Huskies were and still are developed through crosses between spitz-type village dogs and fast sporting and hound breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers or Greyhounds. Their thick coat and stocky body help them cope with cold temperatures. This breed has been clocked at 28 mph, but a team of sled dogs can maintain average speeds of 10 mph for hours and miles over snow-covered terrain during sled races like the famous Iditarod.
7. Jack Russell Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 25 mph Small, Speedy and Stubborn! Also known as the Parson Terrier by the American Kennel Club, the earned a prestigious reputation a couple centuries ago as an amazing fox hunter. Despite being a favorite family dog, this breed has never shook off his confidence, ready attitude, tenacity, speed or endurance traits. Don't let his small size fool you - the Jack Russell Terrier can reach speeds up to 25 mph in short bursts.
8. The Doberman Pinscher Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph Fleet-Footed Guard Dog, developed in the 1800s by a tax collector looking for a canine bodyguard with the muscle power and the speed to catch and retain thieves, the black-and-tan can accelerate to speeds of up to 30 mph. This is a working breed with an innate desire to protect. With his intense loyalty, sharp teeth and pure knockdown power, this working breed is definitely a match for any intruder attempting to flee the scene on foot.
9. Rat Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 27 mph Not only is the Rat Terrier among the longest living dog breeds in the world - it's also one of the fastest
10. Giant Schnauzer Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph Originally bred for driving cattle, the Giant Schnauzer has become a popular guard dog as well. A sneakily fast breed.
11. Anatolian Shepperd Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph Thanks to their speed and agility, Anatolian Shepherds have often been tapped as "conservation dogs," used to help protect endangered species.
12. Australian Kelpie Estimated Top Speed: 27 mph Another sheep dog, the Australian Kelpie is an accomplish herder: quick, agile and smart.
13. American Pit Bull Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph While the Pit Bull has often been a source of controversy (sometimes unfairly), it's also one of the faster breeds, topping 30 mph on the high side.
14. Boxer Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Playful fans of the outdoors, boxers are active, speedy and strong.
15. Belgian Malinoise Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Often used as police or rescue dogs, Belgian Malinois have both a quick gait and an instinctive sense of urgency.
16. Great Dane Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph While the Great Dane is a gentle breed by default, it can get moving at lightning speed when it wants.
17. Portuguese Podengo (large) Estimated Top Speed: 31 mph While all sizes of Portuguese Podengo are quick, the large category produced the most record-setting canines.
18. Scottish Deerhund Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph large, lanky hound, the Scottish Deerhound makes use of its long limbs to hit speeds up to 35 mph.
19. Pharaoh Hound Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph A limber breed of Mediterranean descent, the Pharaoh Hound is considered the very best choice for rabbit hunting-agile and crafty enough to catch a bunny at full speed.
Weimaraner Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph A traditional hunting dog, the Weimaraner was the default choice for hunting among 18th- and 19th-century royals.
20. Borzoi Estimated Top Speed: 36 mph The Russian version of the no. 1 breed on this list, the Borzoi is a popular backup pick for racing and agility competitions.
21. Dalmatian Estimated Top Speed: 37 mph You might associate Dalmatians with Disney films and 19th-century carriages, but this spotted breed is among the fastest on record. Tell that to Cruella Deville
22. German Shepherd Estimated Top Speed: 39 mph The most popular police dog and the second-most popular breed across all of America, the German Shepherd is loyal, strong and fast-perfect for keeping the home safe.
23. Afghan Hound Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph Traditionally, the Afghan Hound isn't considered a race dog, but for the ones that do compete, the numbers speak for themselves. Some owners report their Afghan Hounds approaching 40 mph.
24. Ibizan Hound Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph Slim, elegant and agile, the Ibizan Hound mirrors the top three breeds in shape and ability; the breed caps out around 40 mph.
25. Pitbull Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph What is not up for debate is the fact that it can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Unless you can move 30 mph, you need to make sure this dog is secure.
26. Weimarunner Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph Not only is this canine a sighthound, but it was bred with good scenting ability, agility, and intelligence. This makes it a great all-around hound for hunting, shows, and competitions. They love to catch other animals and will be off before you can stop it.
27. German Shorthaired Pointer Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph With a classic hound dog look, these four-legged friends are popular for hunting and companionship. The German Shorthaired Pointer loves to run and play. Given their energy levels, they need at least an hour of exercise a day.
28. Rhodesian Ridgeback Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Also known as the "African Lion Hound", dogs from this breed are tough. Their sleek appearance and confidence make them both bold and beautiful. At speeds up to 30 miles per hour, they cut a handsome sight of rippling muscles and raw power.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
SUPER DOG RACING GENE This information proudly presented by WWW.UK REUTERS.COM
When you think of fast dogs, the tall and lean Greyhound is the first breed that usually springs to mind. This long-legged, smooth-coated racing breed has been clocked at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, sparking its nickname: the 45-mph couch potato.
A gene that helps control muscle development makes all the difference between an elite racing dog and a freak that is put down at birth, scientists reported on Tuesday. Racing whippets that carried one copy of the mutated gene were among the fastest runners, but those that carried two copies became unattractively bulky and were usually destroyed by breeders, the researchers said.
The next step may be to look for this gene in human athletes to see if it helps explain what makes some competitors excel, said Dr. Elaine Ostrander of the National Human Genome Research Institute, who led the study.
The gene controls a muscle protein called myostatin. "Our work is the first to link athletic performance to a mutation in the myostatin gene and could have implications for competitive sports in dogs, horses and possibly even humans," Ostrander said.
Ostrander's team has been studying dogs to find the genes for various traits and just last month reported that a gene called IGF1 was responsible for making small dogs small. They believe this has implications for differences in human size, as well. While studying whippets, a small, very thin racing breed, they noticed ones that were big and bulky called "bully" whippets.
"They were very, very heavily muscled," Ostrander said. "We were really struck by their remarkable physical appearance." But breeders do not like them. The bottom line is, these dogs are not given a chance. When they are born, breeders in this community will describe their appearance as grotesque. Such whippets are usually put down immediately.
The dogs resembled a breed of Belgian blue cattle and certain pigs, and Ostrander's team knew that in livestock this muscling came from a mutation in the myostatin gene. "The same turns out to be true in whippets," she said.
GORGEOUS DOGS Ostrander's team then looked at the parents of the mutant whippets. They were absolutely gorgeous dogs. Well-muscled and sleek, they lacked the anorexic appearance of most racing whippets, Ostrander said. It turned out the parents each had just one copy of the mutated genes, while their "bully" offspring carried two copies.
When they learned one of these parents was called "Fast Eddie," Ostrander's team knew what to look for next. "We wanted to know whether or not this was something that could explain racing speed," she said. So her team visited a dog track and got DNA samples from the dogs. Racing whippets are classified as A, B, C or D, with A racers being the fastest, Ostrander said.
They found the mutation in 12 of 41 dogs graded A or B racers, and in just one of the 43 dogs in the slowest racing grades, the researchers report in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Genetics. The gene, called MSTN, affects "fast-twitch" muscle, which is linked to sprinting ability. Tests of greyhounds, close relatives of whippets, did not find the gene, and Ostrander noted that in cattle with the mutation the lungs are abnormally small.
She believes the gene may affect lung size and thus stamina, which would not matter for whippets, which run a short course. But this would be devastating to a greyhound bred to run longer distances. Checks of other dog breeds such as Rottweilers, bulldogs and bull terriers found no evidence of the mutation.
The cheetah, the world's fastest land animal, can race up to 75 mph for short bursts. The greyhound is the fastest canid, and the second-fastest land animal, with a peak speed of about 45 mph. Cool facts! Now let's watch them run in super slow motion.
Note that while cheetahs and greyhounds are very, very different animals, they have independently evolved to have very similar running styles. Both animals use what's called a rotary gallop, in which the leg hitting the ground moves in a circle: front left leg, then front right, then hind right, then hind left. This is the natural running style of dogs, cats, and some ungulates like deer and elk, but different than that of horses, which are built for endurance rather than sprinting speed.
They also have a similar two-phase gait: in the first, the body is elongated, parallel to the ground with both pairs of legs extended also parallel to the ground. The spine is stretched out, and the animal, in slow motion, looks like it's flying. Then there's the compression phase, in which the front and hind legs actually overlap underneath the animal, and the spine is crunched up, getting ready to pound the ground and push forward. It's a pretty amazing video of some pretty amazing animals.
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Human Vs. Dog: Who Is Faster? Can a human run faster than a dog? Many experts say it depends on the person and the breed. Some dogs can easily beat the human, either at sprints or long distances. The main thing is that a trained person can run for hundreds of miles and animals can't.
The fastest man Usain Bolt's average ground speed equates to 23.35 mph - 23.72 mph. While the fastest dog Greyhound can outrun Usain, as its average racing speed is 39 mph. The key to the Greyhound's speed lies in its muscular build, large heart and the extreme flexibility of the spine. Experts explain that dogs have four legs and use the rear legs to push forward, they cover more ground on four legs than humans do on two legs.
These are the reasons why an average dog will likely be faster than an average person. Running is in their nature. By the way, that was the reason why people started using dogs for hunting.
There is enough data from numerous dog racing and coursing events to allow us to compare the performance of Greyhounds to human world record holders in a number of track events.
Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100-meter race at 9.58 seconds. A Greyhound has been measured doing that same distance in 5.02 seconds.
Usain Bolt also holds the world record for the 200-meter race at 19.19 seconds, as compared to the Greyhound who requires only 10.35 seconds cover the distance.
Michael Johnson holds the record for the 400-meter race at 43.18 seconds, which is considerably slower than a Greyhound who completes it in 21.10 seconds.
David Rudisha's 800-meter record of one minute and 41 seconds pales in comparison to the 50-second time for the Greyhound.
Hicham El Guerrouj's 1,500-meter record of three minutes and 26 seconds is sluggish in comparison to the one minute and 43 seconds time for a Greyhound.
Kenenisa Bekele holds the record for the 5,000-meter race at 12 minutes 37 seconds, while the Greyhound covers that distance in barely half the time at six minutes 19 seconds.
Kenenisa Bekele also holds the record for the 10,000-meter race at 26 minutes 18 seconds, while Greyhound can cover that distance in a mere 13 minutes and nine seconds
So if dogs were allowed to compete in the Olympics against humans, based on the existing data available to us, it seems likely that the only field event that humans would definitely win would be the high jump, while the long jump would be a hard fought competition with a slight edge for the dog. However on the track, in all of the purely running events, ranging from the 100 meter dash all the way up through the marathon, the gold medals would clearly go to the dogs. In fact, in the marathon, after crossing the finish line the dog would have time for a half hour long nap before it's world record holding human competitor would complete his run.
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Average Speed of the Average Dog Domestic dogs vary in size and shape so significantly that it's difficult to get a bead on just how fast they can run in general. However, most seem to travel at top speeds between 18 to 31 miles per hour, with 19 or so being the average. This puts dogs at slightly over a three-minute mile on average. The human per-mile record is slightly under four minutes.
Wild Speed Demons A non-domesticated cousin that can outrun the greyhound and the saluki is the African wild dog (Lycaon Pictus), also known as the African hunting dog. This animal travels at a speed of about 50 mph and can cover a tremendous distance as it hunts in relay race style. When the alpha dog tires, another comes to the front of the pack, allowing the chase to continue. The Coyote, another member of the canidae family, can also run quite fast, averaging about 45 mph.
Running With Your Dog Most dog breeds enjoy running. However, age and general fitness play a role, as in humans. Breed and physical build are important, as well. Hunting or herding breeds tend to be better at running longer distances, while dogs with shorter muzzles are generally not well suited to running. If you want to take your dog running, be sure to pay close attention to his breathing and stamina. Since dogs don't sweat, their excess body heat is dissipated through their mouths and feet. That's why it's important not to run dogs for more than 25 minutes without water. Check paws for injury after every run, since your dog doesn't get to wear running shoes.
Sled dog racing (sometimes termed dog sled racing) ...is a winter dog sport most popular in the Arctic regions of the United States, Canada, Russia, and some European countries. It involves the timed competition of teams of sled dogs that pull a sled with the dog driver or musher standing on the runners. The team completing the marked course in the least time is judged the winner.
The History Of Sled Dog Racing The heritage of the sled dog is a long and proud one, stretching back thousands of years. The people of the North were dependent on these animals for protection, companionship, hunting, trapping, and, most of all transportation. Sled dogs enabled explorers such as Byrd, Peary, and Amundsen to explore the frozen wastelands of two continents and played a vital role in bringing civilization to the snowbound areas of the world.
As early as 1873, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were bringing government to northern frontiers with dog-team patrols. Throughout Alaska and Canada, mail teams delivered the news to outlying settlements. One of the proudest chapters in sled dog history was written in 1925. In January of that year, a case of diphtheria was discovered in Nome, Alaska, and the supply of antitoxin in that city was inadequate to stave off an epidemic. A relay of 22 native and mail teams forged through the rough interior of Alaska and across the Bering Sea ice to bring the serum to a grateful citizenry.
In New York City's Central Park stands a statue of Balto, who led one of the relay teams, commemorating the Nome Serum Run. The inscription reads: Dedicated to the indomitable Spirit of the sled dogs that relayed the antitoxin 600 miles over rough ice, treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of1925. Endurance. Fidelity. Intelligence. Today, few of the inhabitants of the Far North are dependent on dogs for basic survival. However, the same intimate relationship between driver and dog still exists and is demonstrated in the sport of sled dog racing.
THE FIRST RACE The first sled dog race probably occurred when two trappers challenged each other's team and dashed theft dogs over the ice fields of the frozen north. The records of formal racing date back to 1908 with the first running of the All Alaska Sweepstakes, a distance of 408 miles from Nome to Candle and back.The winning driver that year was John Hegness, with a time of 119 hours, 15 minutes, and 12 seconds. By 1910, entries had increased considerably, as had the speed of the teams. The winner of that race was John (Iron Man) Johnson, with an (as yet) unbroken record time of 74 hours, 14 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Enthusiasm for sled dog racing spread rapidly throughout Canada and the United States. As early as 1909, exhibition teams were performing in the north east and a short time later, in 1917, the first race ever held in the "Lower 48" was staged in Ashton, Idaho.
The sport was briefly interrupted during the two World Wars, as dogs and drivers were pressed into the service of their countries. In spite of this, the sport was destined to emerge again and flourish. Today, the International Sled Dog Racing Association lists members from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and around the world.
THE SITES SUPPORTING SLED DOG RACE: SLED DOG CENTRAL - RACE LINKS
REGISTER YOUR DOG SPEED This information proudly presented by WWW.DOGICA.COM
Your dog could be the fastest in the world. Or it could be the fastest in your street. Either way, you wouldn't know because there hasn't been up until now a website to register your dogs speed and compare it to other dogs from throughout the world.
REGISTER YOUR DOG SPEED at WWW.WORLDS FASTESTDOGS.COM
World's Fastest Dogs has been developed to allow you, to upload your dogs GPS data logged speed to our dog speed registry and see how your dog compares to others.
10 PROVEN TIPS TO SPEED UP A SLOW DOG! This information proudly presented by
Every dog does not respond to the same things, and the fix for the problem will not happen in two weeks. A commitment needs to be made for a longer period time, say six months or so, and that during the re-training period, it is better to not do trials and reinforce the old habits. Some of the things that worked for various individuals:
1) Build separation anxiety. Put the dog in the kennel at ringside after doing a warm-up, and run them right out of the kennel. Alternatively give the dog to someone else to hold and go completely out of sight for a period of time, maybe ten minutes or more. Then for some dogs but not others, stand within their sight but out of their reach, and play with another dog. Ignoring the dog worked, too. This was effective for about one out of three of the dogs, Ember included.
2) Never, well almost never lead out from the start and the table. The exception would be if there is a major handling trap or turn out there that really must be handled that way.
3) Practice lots of restrained recalls and races over obstacles to a prize. Do not hold the collar. The collar-hold actually slows some dogs down rather than speeds them up! Instead, have hold lightly by the flanks/front of the thighs. Start with just a race with your dog to the table to get a treat. You get a lead-out start of a couple of steps, and you need might need an assistant to guard the treat just in case it isn't earned. Then try doing jump/table, or tunnel, table, etc. Eventually, you can try other obstacle combinations too. You are also re-training for the day you can add the 'lead out from the start' back into your bag of tricks again. But even at that, use that lead-out sparingly.
4) Give up the "stop and wait" on contacts for slow dogs. Re-train for just running down through the contact zone. Slow dogs will almost never blow the contact IF you signal to the ground at the end of the contact, and YOUR EYES focus down there until you see the dog hit the yellow with your peripheral vision. The biggest trick to this is not lifting your eyes or hand too soon. If you look up to find the next obstacle, or flinch, the dog may jump the contact if they are responsive at all.
5) Try running the outside of the curve on the tunnel. Make noises like actually rubbing your hand on the tunnel - in training only, until your dog gets so fast that you can no longer beat them around the tunnel. Be sure not to touch the tunnel in competition.
6) Always do cross in fronts almost always. Use a blind cross or cross in front for turns at jumps, and never do a cross behind for ANY reason, ever! These cross in fronts are especially useful at tunnels! They are like magic to speed up your dog. Those blind crosses take lots of practice, but they actually work for slow dogs better than cross behinds, and are better than cross in fronts when the dog improves a little, but if the dog is still in that medium-speed zone.
7) Re-train the see-saw from ground zero If the see saw is a problem, it was for Ember and me, too, you will need to completely re-train it from ground zero. If you have an adjustable teeter, put it as low as possible, only an inch or so, if you can. If that is not an option, try putting two pause tables, one under each end, so that the tip is very little. Build this one gradually. Do insanely crazy things like race to the end, and sit on the floor cheering wildly, or pretending to eat his favorite treat. Try people food like cheese, bread, carrots or grapes instead of plain old boring dog treats.
8) Work on speedy weaves Use wires or channels to get a true run through them rather than just a trot.
9) Do puppy push ups on a regular basis Train sit, down, sit, down, sit, down, treat, sit, down, treat sit, down, sit, down, sit, down, etc. to improve table speed for drops and sits.
10) Never, ever run the course faster than your dog. In other words, do not get ahead of the dog. I was amazed by the fact that almost every dog that was slow to start with would get slower if the handler got ahead of the dog. It doesn't always make sense, but it is true.
These things take time. Not every strategy will work for every dog. You have to find out which ones work for your dog by trying them. Actually, there were other things that were tried too, but I don't remember them all!
For me, the biggest part of our recovery came with re-teaching the teeter for the fourth time at least! and with learning to use better handling strategies. I discovered that most of the problems we were having, including the stress-sniffing, and the mad idiot running around the ring when the frustration got bad enough, would come if the dog was unsure or confused by my handling.
How I handled things had a very major impact on the speed I could get out of my dog on any given run. How I handled gave the dog confidence, or confusion in any course situation, and, on any given day, once we were slow for the first run, it sometimes carried on for the rest of the day. So, work hardest on handling! Keep on working on it. It can be done. I did it, and so did nearly everyone in that class. You can, too!
1. Use a motivator your dog absolutely loves: Often I see people using a motivator that they think their instructor wants them to use instead of what their dog really goes crazy for. When I was training Mikki I used oven mitts because my dad used to wrestle with him when wearing them. They were a little unorthodox, but he loved to play with them and it was an interactive game between the two of us. Kash's favourite toy was a tennis ball which worked well for rewarding at a distance. I often tell my students that I don't care what they use as a motivator as long as the dog loves it and they can reward both close and away from themselves (from hand and throwing it).
2. Keep your training sessions short and to the point: When working with your dog during a training session, try working on specific skills instead of long sequences. This allows the dog to have a higher rate of reinforcement (more rewards in a short time) as well as not giving them time to get stressed about mistakes that may happen. Don't worry about practicing everything you have learned in class in the same session. Break it into small pieces that don't over face you or your dog.
3. Balance your training sessions A common response to trying to speed up your dog is to practice "speed circles" (large circulular sequences of equipment that involve little or no handling). The problem with this approach is that the dog only learns to have confidence on straight lines and not tighter turning sequences. These dogs tend to shut down as soon as a course involves them having to do tight turns. If you are working on acceleration exercises such as speed circles, make sure to balance it out with a deceleration exercise - ex. Include a 180 wrap and reward the dog for turning and accelerating afterwards. Always do more repetition of the skills the dog is weaker at - if you are trying to increase speed, end with rewarding a straight line. Balanced training sessions help the dog learn the difference between skills so they have the confidence to run faster on course.
4. Resist the Urge to "Cheerlead" your dog Often we try to motivate our dogs with our voices when they are going slower than we would like, but this can cause the dogs to tune out our verbal cues or refuse to run if we don't encourage them the entire way. This is difficult for the handler as well since it is distracting from focusing on our handling which provides the dog with the directions they need to confidently complete the course. Try doing your verbal encouragement before and after the sequence, not during. You can be as crazy and excited as you like before you start and immediately after but during the sequence try to focus on your dog and the handling instead of motivating them. If they don't like this change, start on very simple sequences so they can get used to you being quiet while running.
5. Try teaching handling skills without the equipment first By teaching handling skills on equipment, we are asking the dogs to multi-task right from the very beginning. This can be very daunting for the dogs and they can get overwhelmed and shut down quite easily. By building obstacle performance and teaching handling separately, the dog can become confident in each area before having to put them together.
Imagine your manager gave your two completely new tasks and expected you to be able to perform them both quickly and accurately without having any time to practice them individually!
This would likely create a very stressful situation for us, yet often that is what we expect from our dogs. By teaching the dog handling off of the equipment they have a chance to focus on the particular skill before being asked to multitask.
Step 1 Measure your dog. You will need to ensure the treadmill design is long enough and wide enough for your dog to use comfortably.
Step 2 Design the frame. Frames can be constructed out of wood or metal and can be made with side rails. The dog can be clipped to these rails to help keep him from falling off. Notches can be added to adjust the incline of the equipment, making the workout more challenging as the dog's performance improves. Rollers can be attached to the frame via axle and ball bearing, or using independent casings.
Step 3 Determine what sort of roller system you'd like to use. Unless you have a very small dog, the width should be between 15 and 18 inches. Large rollers will be positioned at each end of the frame with slightly smaller rollers along the length. A simple roller can be made by filling a piece of two-inch PVC pipe with foam and running an axle thorough the center. The rollers are then covered with polyurethane plastic; forming a base which is positioned and secured within the frame.
Step 4 Find a belt. Belts can be salvaged from old gym equipment, taking them straight from human powered machines. You will need a piece of approximately 10 feet long, depending on the size of your dog. To simplify the process a gravity roller section can be purchased from a conveyer company or occasionally found on EBay or Craigslist. Alternatively, you could incorporate carpet into your design, rather than a standard conveyor belt.
Step 5 Include a slip-out roller. When designing your dog treadmill, it will need to include a system for removing one or more of your rollers, in order to properly incorporate the belt. The belt will need to be fairly tight to work correctly. By slipping several of the rollers out one side, and sliding the belt into position, the belt can be pulled taut when the rollers are replaced.
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A greyhound which may be the 'fastest in the world' after it smashed a Sydney track record to win its first race start has been retired to stud because he can earn more money off the track. Shakey Jakey, still a year off his maximum potential racing speed, took an amazing 22-length lead to win Race 6 at Wentworth Park on April 6. Afterwards, an Australian syndicate offered owner David Pringle $700,000. Then he knocked back $1m - which may have been from Chinese investors - after consulting with his family and deciding to retire Shakey Jakey to stud.
Meanwhile, Mr Pringle lives in a humble fibro house while the prized greyhound and his mother live in a comfortable brick kennel. It was a thrill because he scored the most prestigious win in the country on one of the hardest tracks in the world and he didn't beat the record, he smashed it.
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I've never really been one to pay much attention to my dogs speed on course. Basically all that concerned me was getting out there and having fun, running fast seems to be fun so we try to do that. However, course time would be good to calculate every once in awhile to know how my dog is running compared to how she ran previously.
Here is a link, to a chart for calculating dog speed on the agility course. You just punch in the course yardage and your course time and it calculates the dog's speed in YPS (yards per second) and MPH (miles per hour). Check it out:
DOG's NEED FOR SPEED: OFF ROAD RACING This information proudly presented by WWW.OHIO.COM
This photo taken Jan. 13, 2010 shows Mike Schelin riding a motocross bike with his dog Opee, a 8-years-old blue merle Australian shepherd in Perris, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) Sue Manning, Associated Press
PERRIS, Calif. (AP) Opee is only 8, but he's already a popular veteran in the down and dirty sport of motocross.
He can pull 6 Gs. He's been the centerfold for Cycle News and poses regularly for fan photos. He's a survivor of the grueling Baja 500 and has racked up more than 10,000 hours on a dirt bike. Sometimes, you can barely see the 70-pound pooch - a blue merle Australian shepherd, through the dust on his goggles and his custom helmet, complete with cam. "I am his biggest fan," said Mike Schelin, Opee's owner, race partner and a purveyor of used motorcycle parts from a shop next to his mobile home. Schelin got the dog in 2001 shortly after his divorce. He raises him with other dogs and two horses at a spread he calls Miracle Flats. Known as "The Dogfather" to some in the sport, Schelin always takes a back seat to Opee.
"He was my instant best friend," Schelin said. "He slept in my tool bag. There was something about him. He's had charisma since Day One. I knew I had a dog who could make a difference."
Schelin, 41, realized he had a four-legged motocross fan as a pet when he started riding in the desert with Opee on the chase.
"I felt bad for him, he would run so long." So Schelin bought a four-wheeler and they went desert riding together. The dog didn't like the dust in his eyes, so Schelin got him goggles. One day, Opee ditched the four-wheeler and hopped on the motorcycle tank, where he's been ever since, Schelin said. If the bike isn't moving, Opee will just fall asleep on the tank. They keep it bare because they've never found a covering that's comfortable for the dog, Schelin said. Reaction to Opee was magic. He was an instant canine ambassador to off-roading. Finding sponsors was no problem and soon Opee had his own custom gear, including a specially made neck brace, inflatable vest, backpack, water supply and several jerseys. He got his American Motorcycle Association card and his SCORE International card, the latter so he could race in Baja.
The dog does lots of other things, too. He's been a search and rescuer, a California assistance dog and visits kids in hospitals with Schelin. They regularly work crowds at races in the area, including the Supercross in Anaheim. Opee appears to be Schelin's biggest fan as well. "From what I see, he loves Mike and would go anywhere with him," said Ricky Johnson, a seven-time national motorcycle champion who owns Perris Raceway near Schelin's place. Opee and Schelin race, but not to win. Because they're different and for safety's sake, they always start in the rear and they only compete with the cyclist in front of them, Schelin said.
Schelin's greatest triumph came when his five-member team with Opee in the driver's seat for 276 miles finished the cross-country Baja 500 with 10 minutes to spare in 17 hours, 49 minutes, 36 seconds and ahead of half the pack.
"The average person races eight times before he finishes," he said. In the beginning, Schelin had trouble seeing around Opee, but they worked out shifts and leans and it's seldom a problem now. Schelin also uses voice commands. "When we come up to a jump, I tell him to set it up and he will drop down and give me more of a view," Schelin said. If they're at the bottom of a cliff or big hill and there's too much weight, he just tells Opee to get off and meet him at the top. Schelin doesn't go racing without Opee these days. "I can't go as fast without him. I can't jump as far without him. I don't feel as safe without him. He's become a natural part of the bike with me. We have this natural rhythm.". Even the most skilled motocross racer has a plaster cast past and Opee is no exception. His worst crash came in the 2006 Baja 500. "We took a spill at 75 mph in the dirt and went into a 40-foot skid," Schelin said. The dog isn't attached to the bike or Schelin in any way. He skinned his nose and scraped his paw. Schelin sliced his leg. The injuries weren't enough to put them out of the race though.
"I would never do anything to hurt my dog," Schelin said. "Opee keeps me in check at all times. If he doesn't jump up on the bike, we don't go." Schelin is not only racing partner but stage dad for his dog, with a few goals for the future: Do a back flip with Opee into a foam pit - see Opee recognized as the fastest dog on the planet - he's written to Guinness, take a tandem skydive and go to the movies to see Opee in a major motion picture. Schelin answered a Hollywood agent's TV ad three years ago, but he hasn't heard back and is looking for representation. Opee, he said, is too talented to go undiscovered. The only thing missing is the cape.
20 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR RUNNERS RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG This information proudly presented by WWW.HEALTH.COM and by Amanda MacMillan
Man's best workout buddy Your dog may be the ultimate exercise partner. Think about it: dogs are always eager to spend more time with you, they have plenty of excess energy to burn, and temptation to skip a scheduled sweat session melts away when your furry friend stands at the front door, leash in mouth, ready to log a few miles with you. Before you hit the pavement, though, you'll need to train your pooch to run with you. Here's how to make your run enjoyable and rewarding for both you and your best (furry) friend.
Do: Give it a try Just like humans, dogs need daily exercise for their health and happiness. And again, just like humans, American pets have a pudge problem: an estimated 52% of dogs are overweight or obese. Walking or running with your dog on a leash is one way to get you both moving more. Not all dogs are cut out to log multiple miles at once, but many can learn to be great running partners. Even if you think your dog is too hyper or too poorly behaved to jog alongside you, he may just need some training and some time to get used to it.
Don't: Assume your dog's a runner Before you hit the road, consider your dog's health, build, and breed. Older pups may have joint problems that can slow them down or make running uncomfortable. Dogs with short legs may not be able to keep up with the pace you'd like to maintain, while larger breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to arthritis, says Arumburu. Then, if your furry friend is a chihuahua, bulldog, pug, or other snort-nosed, flat-faced breed - also known as brachycephalic, running may simply require too much exertion. Their squished faces are cute, but they tend to have narrowed nostrils and partially obstructed airways, which make breathing difficult when they work too hard.
Don't: Start them too young Running on hard surfaces can damage a puppy's joints and bones that haven't fully formed yet. "You really should wait until a young dog's growth plates have started to close, and that time frame really varies by breed and size of dog," says Sharon Wirant, an animal behaviorist with the ASPCA. "A much smaller dog like a Jack Russell Terrier could probably start going on regular runs earlier than a larger dog, like a Great Dane, whose growth plates will take longer to seal up," she says. If your puppy is still growing or hasn't started running with you yet, ask your vet about when it's safe to start.
Do: Start out slow "A sedentary person can't just jump off the couch one day and run 5 miles, and neither can a sedentary dog," says Aramburu. "Too much too soon increases your dog's risk of injury, just as it would a human's." Find a beginner 5K training plan that will let you and your pooch progress at a safe, healthy pace. Many of these plans combine intervals of walking and jogging, so there's plenty of time for active recovery and catching your breath.
Do: Teach basic commands A dog that misbehaves on walks probably isn't ready to run. It's also important to teach a "Leave It" command, so that your dog will ignore or walk away from tempting items, like trash, roadkill, or sticks they might come across on a path. Teaching them to "Sit" and "Stay" is also helpful, especially at traffic crossings. If you have trouble training your dog any of these commands, consider an obedience class or dog trainer.
DOGS IN CAR PHOTOS These photos proudly presented by
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