Month: March 2015

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In the Moog for Crufts

by Mark Laker
MoogLast month I wrote about my new puppy Moog and how he’s progressing. Well this month he’s still growing in size and learning incredibly quickly too. I find it amazing just how quickly puppies learn and develop their behaviours.
Moog has his daily rations measured out, which is fed mainly from the hand and a bit in his various food bowls. Of course it’s easy at this stage to over or under feed, both, of which are not ideal, so measuring out his daily quantities ensures he gets all the major vitamins, proteins and nutrients etc. that young dogs need.
I attended a seminar recently where an expert in this field  was explaining exactly what a working dog needs in their diets in order to develop well developed muscle and bone structures etc … It made me realise just how big getting the right balance was at this key stage.
Thankfully food is still a big incentive for Moog, so his recalls, puppy games and play can still be rewarded with treats. It’ll be interesting see how long we can maintain this before other distractions from the outside world feature on his reward  list!
I’m at Crufts this weekend, an event I always enjoy. I’ll be watching as much of the agility as I can and helping on the Agility1st stand too. I hope to see you there… And all the best if you’re  competing.
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SLED DOG ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND CSJ CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES DAY & NIGHT RACE – CULBIN FOREST 31 JANUARY

By Tracy Thomas

On a weekend when the snow was probably at it’s deepest on every road to Moray, our dedicated mushers made their way to Culbin Forest for the SDAS CSJ Championship series day and night race.  Anyone traveling north on the A9 will agree they’d have been quicker parking up their vans and having their dogs take them to the venue on a sled! …oh, but for the legal implications…

Typically, the snow hadn’t settled in the forest, but some flooding gave the race organisers a nice, last minute, challenge to re-think the race route! Culbin is a large forest with loads of lovely twisty trails and as some last minute sign checks were completed, participants started to arrive.

The morning race got under way, it was enjoyable, very relaxed, with a lovely atmosphere, the newly chosen trail didn’t disappoint, twisty and windy sections to keep the dogs interested, with some long straights to build up a bit of speed. To live closer to this forest and train in it regularly would be fantastic, there are miles and miles of grassy trails.

The start & finish points were close to the parking area, keeping everyone close together, friends old & new chatted and shared stories of their experiences on the trails.

The snow fell throughout the day, adding to the atmosphere

 snow imageAlmost 50 teams raced at the event, with a number of entrants taking part in more than one class, some raced round the course as a bike-jor team, at phenomenal speed, to have a quick change of dog and equipment, and do it all again on a scooter!

 annelise

spaniel

Juniors included, completing the course on a rig before cani-crossing with their beloved pets, & not just once, but twice in the same day! These guys & girls follow in their parents footsteps, developing a passion for the sport from an early age.

juniors

rebecca After a short break to rest and eat, it was time to go again! Everyone helping out to get marshals in place and competitors to the start line, the trail was equally enjoyable in the dark & before long we were announcing the winners, who received some tasty treats for their dogs, CSJ 100% Salmon Fishcuits, CSJ Salmon Oil and CSJ herbs.

Thank you so much to CSJ for their continued sponsorship, it’s great to receive products we can use, I know my dogs love the Fish Cuits! Huge thanks to our members who travelled to attend this race, many we know had as much as 15 to 20 hour journeys home through the snow.

Race images taken by, and used with kind permission of  AGlew@Journey Beyond

Just 2 more race weekends left for this season, Ford Estate on 7 & 8 March and Bowland Estate, 3 stage event on 21 & 22 March, where the SDAS CSJ Championship Series winners will be revealed.

More sleddog news on our website

ford poster  Bowlands poster

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CSJ calendar

We’re going to be popping up all over the place in dog sports and events this year.

Here are a few shows where you can find us:

3rd – 4th April:  Midlands Border Collie, Ibstock, Leicestershire – come and see us on the CSJ stand

15th – 17th May:  WAO, The Netherlands – we’re sponsoring the World Agility Open – come and see us on the CSJ stand

3rd – 5th July: Scone Palace Game Fair , Perthshire – we’re sponsoring the Highland Agility Final – come and see us on the CSJ stand

31st July – 2nd Aug: CLA, Harewood House, Leeds – we’re sponsoring the Wales Team – come and meet Phil and Ceri

13th Aug – 16th Aug: Kennel Club Agility Festival, Rockingham Castle – we’re sponsoring the KC International Agility Festival – come and see us on the CSJ stand

5th – 6th Sept: Litchfield obedience – come and see us on the CSJ stand

We’re getting involved in more and more shows and events all the time, so watch this space.

More news on our website