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

Terripoo

The hybrid Terripoo brings the smarts of the Miniature Poodle together with the mischievous nature of the Australian Terrier.
Labrala

The Labrala melds the gentle nature of the Labrador Retriever with the active disposition of the Vizsla to produce a wonderful family pet.
Schweizer Laufhund

The intelligent Schweizer Laufhund is a Swedish hunting dog breed that was used in the development of numerous scent hounds.
Is a Dog’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human’s?

You''ve seen the things that have gone into your dog''s mouth - that''s why it''s hard to believe that a dog''s mouth is really cleaner than a human''s mouth.
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Daisy

Things look better upside down – just as the winner of our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. This is Daisy, a 2-year-old Siberian Hu…
Types of Dogs You’ll Meet on the Campground

Summer time - when city dogs pack up their families for some adventures in the woods. Here''s the definitive list of every dog you will meet on the campground.
All About Spaying Dogs

So you might have heard about spaying, but be wondering what all the fuss is about. Spaying can be a controversial issue. Some people swear by it.
Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog bears a striking resemblance to the Bulldog, but it has clearly been influenced by other breeds like the Bullmastiff and the Boxer.
Product Review: Animo Dog Activity and Behaviour Monitor

Keep a close eye on your dog''s behavior and activity, even when you''re not around. We took the Animo Dog Activity and Behaviour Monitor out for a walk and here''s what we think.
Study Reveals That Cats Really Don’t Need Us

A recent study says that we need cats more than they need us (*Sniff!). Don''t worry - at least our dogs will always turn to us for the basic necessities.
Ram Cichlids

Ram Cichlids (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) are a species of freshwater cichlid that can be found in slow-moving waters throughout the Orinoco River basin.
Best Cat Ball Toys

Cats can go bouncy for balls! If your feline can''t get enough of them, here is our list of the best cat ball toys.
Black & Decker Now Offers a New Line of Smart Pet Products

Black & Decker is known for its extensive line of home improvement products. And by partnering with Wagz, Inc., the brand dips its paw into the pet market.
American Bobtail

Fun, playful, affectionate and endlessly interested in whatever their humans are doing, the American Bobtail cheerfully initiates games of fetch.
Black Headed Caique

The Black Headed Caique is the definition of a parrot - colorful, smart and inquisitive. These feathered explorers are a ton of fun!