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Post by grizabella on Jun 9, 2011 22:22:52 GMT -5
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Post by Gazinghound on Jun 13, 2011 21:54:23 GMT -5
That looks like a great place. Ours doesn't have water troughs. ;D And I like the idea of sectioning it, too. I took Ulla and Rusty to visit it a few days ago; definitely so much better now! It's a long, deep field, set nicely in a woodsy area, surrounded by a sturdy metal fence that's got to be at least six feet, since it's taller than I am. There's a smaller area inside that seems to be either for smaller dogs, or ones who want to be separated from the majority. Rust went nuts as we walked through the rest of the park, trying to chase small critters. My mom was walking him and didn't feel like taking him into the park because he wasn't reacting very well to the other dogs. It was unlike him, since he's typically friendly, but he may have felt overwhelmed and overstimulated. A young Husky jumped up on his shoulders right away, which he didn't take very kindly to. I brought Ulla in for a few minutes, and at first she was awesome...started walking around a bit near the front, then mostly followed me as though she were still on the lead. Unfortunately, some people don't pay any attention to their dogs, and for the not-so-very-social sort who don't appreciate being constantly barraged and sniffed by overly boisterous and friendly pooches (such as my girl), the park quickly turns into a place to escape rather than enjoy.  (She can sniff as much as she likes, but it doesn't work the other way around...xD) I figure we can try again on a weekday, when it ought to be a lot emptier, and I'll bring along our own toys and treats so I can engage her in something fun while we're there. What a cool place it is, though...all the doggies running free...you get to observe all their different personalities. And the breeds! You never know what you'll run into. I made a list. ^^ No other sighthounds (as usual, she won much admiration and many compliments and questions), but the most remarkable one had to be either a really big, heavy Bluetick Coonhound or a Grand Bleu de Gascogne--which would just be a ridiculously rare sighting.  |
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Post by grizabella on Jun 15, 2011 5:07:31 GMT -5
Your dog park sounds great, especially the lovely high fences! I really sounds lovely. ;D I do love watching dogs interacting and breed-spotting! Maybe try a different time of day as well? My main concern about dog parks is that, too many dogs being overwhelming. I might try and go early in the morning, at least to start with, when there's not likely to be as many dogs. It must be so frustrating when people take their dogs to the park and think that means they can just let the dogs run riot. |
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Post by Gazinghound on Jun 18, 2011 1:12:32 GMT -5
Yes yes, and I wanted to return there today, but of course it went and thunderstormed/rained all day, so I'll try to go Monday instead. ^_^ Perhaps earlier would be better, if a lot of other people don't think to go then. Some people really are just pathetically irresponsible...giving dogs the freedom to play together doesn't mean that you don't have to do anything if yours is obviously annoying another.  |
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Post by grizabella on Aug 3, 2011 5:36:40 GMT -5
Edit: Actually, now I'm looking at constructing my own course using a simple motor, pulleys, and string with a bag clipped on...I think with a little help I may be able to assemble one that's much larger, longer, and can be arranged into many more different configurations without having to reset it each time the line zips around once. If you do you'll have to post some pictures (and maybe give tips on making one for Bella, she'd love her own mini lure course) ;D |
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Post by Gazinghound on Aug 7, 2011 1:56:57 GMT -5
I'm sure she would! Oh, I'll definitely share if I can ever get one made, but I know it's going to be a much slower process than I'd like, because finding those components is a lot more difficult than it sounded...  |
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Post by grizabella on Sept 27, 2011 6:48:15 GMT -5
Today I discovered a huge fenced school oval close to my house, where people are allowed to take their dogs out of school hours. I took Bella to have a little run and play this evening and she had a blast!  Will have to take some photos soon. ;D |
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Post by rockabillygoaty on Oct 11, 2011 9:09:34 GMT -5
Oooooh wow, I didn't know you could actually buy a lure coursing machine! That's definitley going on my shopping list for the future. ;D It reminds me a bit of the lure they've set up for the cheetahs at the zoo, I've never seen them use it but I imagine it's a sight to be seen! This was in a Hunting site I am on a while ago! I am going to get one myself as it happens, and going to start a small club up in South Wales. www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/204675-lure/One of the boys I know has one, and says I can borrow it any time, but I think I would rather ahve my own, in case anything goes wrong with it! |
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Post by grizabella on Oct 12, 2011 18:02:06 GMT -5
I have happy news, Bella and I will be going lure coursing at the end of the month! It's really great because they will be holding a 'puppy run' so youngsters can have a go without overdoing it, so my wee madam can try it. It's looking like there'll be four other Salukis there- I'm excited! ;D
Lure machines are so expensive to buy, definitley on my 'one day' list though.
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Post by rockabillygoaty on Oct 13, 2011 5:31:38 GMT -5
Thats great to hear!
Gotta let us have some pics of her running!
Vids would be nice too, lol.
If you look at the link I sent you, you can see that, the lure is made up of, a starter motor from a car, a button switch on a leangth of lead, a frame to hold it all together, a spool to hold the line, line of course, and a lure of some kind!
Some over here use Rabbit skins, or just rags/bags!
Get someone over there to knock one up for you, and I am shure you will have orders pouring in quickly, lol.
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Post by Gazinghound on Nov 18, 2011 15:42:05 GMT -5
How great!  I SO wish there were an organization or even a place for coursing in my area. I'm still trying to see whether I or my dad can find a suitable motor, line, pulleys, and something to mimic prey, so that we can construct what I imagine would be a pretty simple and inexpensive contraption around the backyard. He's put some thought into it as well, but not turned up anything yet, and I really don't know where to locate such components. |
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(She can sniff as much as she likes, but it doesn't work the other way around...xD)
Will have to take some photos soon. ;D
