Agility
Agility is a fast-paced companion event where dogs race against a clock through an obstacle course that includes jumps, tunnels, an A-frame, weave poles, and other obstacles. The dog works off-lead in this event and must correctly complete each obstacle in the order predetermined for that day. The owner must quickly communicate accurate instructions to the dog as he or she moves from one obstacle to the next, until crossing the finish line. Jump heights are determined by a dog's height, making it possible for dogs of any size to compete fairly in agility.
The AKC offers three types of agility titling classes: 1. the Standard class includes obstacles such as the dog walk, the A-frame, and seesaw; 2. the Jumpers with Weaves class only has jumps, tunnels and weave poles; and 3. the Fifteen and Send Time class (FAST) has a variety of all obstacles. All agility classes offer increasing levels of difficulty to earn Novice, Open, and Excellent titles, and dogs exhibiting superior performance can go on to earn a Master Agility Champion (MACH) title. For more information on agility, visit the AKC website on the subject. Earthdog
Westies were bred as a type of hunting dog, in which they would pursue the prey into ground, locate the prey in its natural den and bark underground to let the handler know where the prey is located. The handler then would dig down to capture the prey. However, through the course of time some of this natural instinct was lost in search for the picture perfect Westie.
If you have a Westie who likes to bark at critters that invade your backyard, and possibly even chase those critters, chances are your Westie may have some natural instinct that needs to be developed. If your Westie is given a chance to bark and chase those critters, a natural hunter may emerge. When to Start Training? Some Westie breeders will start a form of underground or tunnel work when their pups are starting to become active and playful. Westie pups love to play games like running and chasing and even hide and seek. A large cardboard shoe box with a hole cut out on either side will allow the pups to start to get familiar with being in semi-dark enclosed areas as well as allow them to crawl through the box or even hide inside. A piece of PVC pipe that is 6 inches in diameter by about 12 or 15 inches in length will allow the pups to learn to run through. Make sure the PVC pipe is securely fastened to the side of the pen so that it does not roll around. When a Westie pup starts to grow, a piece of 6 to 8 inch diameter by 3 to 10 feet in length plastic corrugated drain pipe (found at most plumbing supply stores) can be used as an above ground back yard tunnel. Westies love to play chase and run through the tunnel. AKC Earthdog Tests If your Westie has exhibited any natural hunting instinct, you can enter an AKC Earthdog Test. The purpose for these tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a gauge to measure their dog's natural and trained hunting abilities when exposed to a simulated hunting situation. Earthdog Tests are not only fun for dogs, but you will have an opportunity to observe an exciting dog performance event, and if you give your Westie a chance you might be surprised. Earthdog tests (the term terrier comes from the Latin word terra, meaning earth) are one of the most relaxed and enjoyable activities you can do with your Westie. The tests are meant to test the dog's ability to hunt. Westies were originally bred to help farmers in Scotland hunt and kill rodents and small mammals such as foxes and badgers that damaged crops and preyed on farm animals. The success of Westies at Earthdog tests demonstrates that this ability is still natural for them. The AKC states in its regulations that "The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs natural abilities when exposed to a hunting situation. The non-competitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry, and progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is capable of being trained to follow game to ground and work its quarry." "Going to ground" at an Earthdog test means that a dog enters and navigates the "artificial earth" - a man-made tunnel meant to simulate an animal's den. The tunnels are made from three 9" wide boards fastened together to create a top and two sides, which is then buried in sections to create the various configurations of tunnels needed for the tests. At the end of the tunnel there is a cage with rats in it, which the dogs can see but not reach. The tunnel and the entrance to it are scented as an animal's natural lair would be. The dog is released near the entrance to the tunnel, and must enter the tunnel, follow it to the end, and then "work" the quarry (scratch, bark or dig at the cage). There are four levels of titles you can pursue at AKC tests: Novice (NE), Junior (JE), Senior (SE), and Master (ME). There is also an Introduction to Quarry class at tests, which is meant to introduce the dog and handler to going to ground. In this class, you do not compete for a title; instead, handlers and judges assist young or inexperienced dogs to enter the tunnel, follow it to the end, and begin to work the quarry. The best way to understand the tests is to go and observe one. Locations and dates for AKC Earthdog tests are listed in the back of the Events section of the AKC Gazette, or on the AKC web page. Also see AKC rules and regulations for additional information on Earthdog tests. |
Conformation
Conformation events, or dog shows as they are commonly called, are one of many types of events in which AKC-registered purebred Westies may compete. Dog shows are mainly intended to evaluate breeding stock. Dog shows range in size from large all-breed shows, with thousands of dogs entered, to small local specialty shows, featuring a specific breed. A dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
There are three types of conformation dog shows: 1. All-breed shows offer competitions for the breeds of dogs recognized by the AKC. The all-breed shows are the type commonly seen on television. 2. Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed, such as the Westie. The WHWTCSET hosts a Specialty show in July of each year. 3. Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven recognized groups. Westies show in the Terrier group. To be eligible to compete in Conformation, a Westie must: 1. be registered with the American Kennel Club, 2. be 6 months of age or older, and 3. meet the eligibility requirements in the written standard for Westies. Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock. For more information on agility, visit the AKC website on the subject. Where all conformance show dogs aspire to be, GCH CH TullyBloom's Royal Pallas wins Best Opposite Sex at the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Canine Good Citizen® (CGC)
The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) certification program was started in 1989 to reward dogs with good manners. The CGC program consists of two parts, stressing responsible pet ownership as well as basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the ten-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
To learn more about the AKC's Canine Good Citizen program, visit the AKC website on the subject. Lure CoursingAn event typically reserved for sighthounds, more and more Westies are getting in on the fun. The dogs chase an artificial lure in an open field and are judged on the dog's overall ability, speed, endurance, agility, and how well they follow the lure. Non-sighthounds may pass their Coursing Ability Test (CAT), and ten qualifying scores in a CAT result in eligibility for Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA).
More information about Lure Coursing is available on the AKC Website. |
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