UK Dog Sport Trial
On Saturday November 23rd 2024 we will be welcoming competitors to the farm for the first time to compete in 4 different levels the UK Dog Sport. The Trial is being run by Tracy Coutts of Amberslade K9 Dog Sports under UKDS rules and regulations.
UK Dog Sport (UKDS) is a new canine sport created for all different breeds of dogs to be able to participate in together with their respective handlers. The multi-disciplinary test levels are loosely based upon working trials exercises and involve three elements; nose work, control and agility but formulated so that all different sizes and abilities of dogs may have the opportunity to compete from the very basic ‘Foundation’ starting point right up to ‘Expert’ level.
The Agility section requires the dog to negotiate an ‘A’ frame, a tunnel and a clear jump.
Control will involve heelwork, recall, retrieve, send away, stay exercise and ‘speak on command’.
For the nose work element the dog will be required to find the judges articles within a set period of time in a designated grassed search square.
As competitors progress, the levels become more challenging and give those who want to, the opportunity to continue and improve, However, there is no requirement to rise through the levels and participants may remain working at one level for as long as they so wish.
One of my own German Shepherds, Remy will be taking part in this trial having been retired from his Competitive Obedience career following a total hip replacement in February of this year. The Amazing Andy Moore of Moore’s Orthopaedic clinic in Upton Grey, Basingstoke performed the very successful surgery and the long road to recovery was aided by Hollie’s expert physiotherapy services at the Burnside Rehabilitation centre also in Upon Grey. I have continued his rehabilitation and kept his brain active with the training for UKDS which we have both enjoyed immensely.
In between working Remy and helping out where required, I shall be armed with my 400mm long lens to capture the atmosphere of the day and hopefully encourage more people to get involved with this very enjoyable sport. If you like training and achieving qualifications with your dog, but without the challenging discipline of dressage style heelwork, the speed of agility and the physical demands of working trials, then maybe this is the dog sport for you!