Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog Don’t Got Game

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

What do you do when your dog doesn’t share your passion for the sport of agility? Instead of being benched, the Hairy Dogfathers have some advice to share.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

I am a crazy dog person. I fully and freely admit this. My first dog, Huey, loved agility so much. Huey got older, and passed over the Rainbow Bridge. My agility friends found me another dog, Gamer. Gamer was bred by someone in the club, and all his family play agility. Gamer doesn’t. His mom does, his dad plays, all his siblings happily play. I have tried all sorts of things, and he just isn’t an agility dog. He doesn’t enjoy it, and I am not going make him do it. But here’s my problem… I would happily keep Gamer as a pet, and get a second dog to do agility with. My husband says that one dog is enough, and there’s no way we are getting a second! Agility was my outlet, my passion! I miss my friends there. What am I to do?

From, No more agility!?

Related:Exhilarating Workouts For You And Your Dog

Dear Agility,

Playing a sport with your dog can be so much fun, and can also be a good social outlet for you and your dog. It’s really too bad that Gamer isn’t into agility, total bummer. It’s understandable that you want to continue with the sport, and it’s unfortunate that your hubby isn’t open to getting a second dog right now. While you’re waiting for him to come around, why don’t you try a new dog sport? There are so many to choose from, some of my personal favorites include rally, disc dogging and canicross. Depending on what Gamer is into, I’m sure you can find a human/canine sport that suits the two of you, it may not be what you are used to, but I guarantee it will help you and Gamer grow closer and you will both have a lot of fun.

Game on!

Related:Dog-Powered Running: Get Fit With Canicross

Dear Agility,

I hear you! But honey, this isn’t all about you! Your dog is trying to tell you something here: he doesn’t like this sport. So play around with some other training. Perhaps some of your other agility friends are willing to cross over and try a new sport with you as well.

Now for the husband thinking you have enough dogs… well, I can relate to that! I certainly don’t understand it, but I have been there. Everyone has their limits, and one dog is his. You have to respect that. You don’t have to like it, but you have to respect it. Perhaps you and the hubby would be willing to foster another dog, just to see if four’s a crowd. Remember, your hubby has to live there too, so be fair to him!

Now, if you can’t get a second dog, and another sport doesn’t appeal to you, then consider helping out at your club. Be a super helper with setting up equipment, a timer at matches or take on a more formal role within the club’s organization.

Dogs don’t live forever. Enjoy Gamer for who he is.

Kevin

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Ask the Animal Communicator: Concerns About Pets in Costume

Pet clothing, including holiday costumes and everyday wear, is quite in vogue these days. And it can be a lot of fun to dress up your pet. But is it as fun for your dog as it is for you?
What Your Cat Really Thinks of You

Don’t you wish you could read your cat’s mind? Since you can’t, this article provides insight as to what your cat thinks of you Scientists…
Best GPS Cat Trackers and Collars

It’s a great idea to keep your kitties indoors, for several good reasons. But if you live in an area where it’s safe to let your cat spend some time outside, one way you can make sure she’ll stay safe and be easy to locate is by adding a GPS tracker to her collar. This type of product can also be useful if you let your feline friend explore your backyard while you supervise, in case she gets scared by something and runs off. And it’s also helpful if your pet has a tendency to run out the door even though she’s an indoor cat.
Springerdoodle

The Springerdoodle is a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle. It''s such a beloved breed because it has an outstanding personality.
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Normandy

Say hello to Normandy, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Normandy is a young male Labrador Retriever and Shar Pei mix from San Diego, CA. He…
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was bred for he Czechoslovak Special Forces as an attack dog but has come to be used for search and rescue.
American Fuzzy Lop

The American Fuzzy Lop is sweet, energetic rabbit that is known to be great for show, fur and pet purposes. It''s wool coat can be spun into yarn
Best Large Dog Beds for Big-Boned Pooches

Large dog beds should offer proper support for the dog''s body- this is particularly important for big dogs who are naturally prone to joint and hip issues.
Therapy Dogs May Be The Key To Less Stress And Loneliness At Colleges

Feeling stressed or depressed? Spending time with a furry friend may be just the thing you need. We all know it to be intuitively true: when we spend time wi…
Black Capped Lory

With its astonishing display of exotic colors and an intelligent and fun personality, it''s no wonder that Black Capped Lory is becoming a popular pet.
Blue Throated Macaw

The Blue Throated Macaw is an intelligent and friendly bird with great personalities and, due to their long lifespan, make a perfect life-long companion.
Understanding Asthma In Cats

This human affliction can also leave your cat short of breath - and it''s a serious health risk. here''s what you need to know about asthma in cats.
Keep Your Dog’s Head Above Water With The Watercollar PFD

Hedz UP Pets launches Kickstarter campaign to fund lifesaving Watercollar Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for dogs. Your dog can be pretty good at locating a…
7 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe All Year Round

April marks the beginning of Pet First Aid Awareness Month. To keep your pooch out of harm''s way, dog safety expert Melanie Monteiro offers up these tips.
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Simon

Meet Simon, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Simon is an adult male American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier Mix from Pe…