Earthdog Event

[Tuesday]

I've found out that there is some type of Earthdog event in December here in Central Florida. I have an email out to the facility where it is being held (Son Light Ranch, Brooksville, FL) to find out a few details, but wanted to put it out here as well, maybe someone can give me more information.

We have never participated in ANY type of events with Murphy, but may possibly be interested in this. I chickened out on obedience with him recently.

Murphy is very intelligent when it comes to obedience, tracking, commands, etc. He can walk at heel on a loose lead, sit, stay, down, and of course, since he's a Cairn, come on his terms, though he's getting much better when baited with ultimate yummy treats.

He's just never been properly socialized with other dogs - completely our fault. I know from reading on here that dogs sort of sort things out for themselves, and I believe that he's not aggressive in the sense that he wouldn't bite, but he is dominant, and very screechy when he sees other people and dogs.

I'm not really sure what my questions are, but maybe some advice regarding Earthdog events from someone who has been there, done that.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

[bradl]

I bet you and Murphy will love it! I put this page together once to complement some earthdog cards I printed up to give to terrier people I met on my lunchtime walks to try and stimulate interest in checking out earthdog: http://www.earthdog.net/

Have a quick scan of that page - it's a quick easy read, not too detailed.

You're going to want to start with Introduction to Quarry and then move on (when ready) to the Junior test. My suggestion as a place to begin is to read the rules now (particularly the general sections and the sections describing the setup and conduct of the Intro class) and then ask any particular questions that your reading brings up.

None of the tests until Master involve working with another dog. Most clubs (not all) will have the intro area fenced, and sometimes the Junior too. When you go to the test, you will find that all of the tests begin with the judge giving an orientation - they will describe the test, what they are looking for, and solicit and answer any questions. I have to say I find earthdog to be the most relaxed, most fun, most "everyone cheering everyone else on" AKC-type event I have ever attended. I love it. I'd rather spend a day in the dirt with our dogs in their element (simulated though the "hunting" may be) than almost anything.

[Tuesday]

Thanks Brad, I've read through the information a couple of times, and will read through it again a million more times I am sure.

Since my original post, I found out that this is a REAL AKC event, and now my stomach is all in knots, because my super intelligent guy is really a little imp in disguise and my fear is that his mouth (think screechy bark) may get us banned from anything that has to do with AKC and this dog complex!

The even is being held by the Tampa Bay Terrier Club (http://www.tampabayterrierclub.com/), and will be held December 3rd and 4th. Luckily the Intro to Quarry is only on Saturday, everyone can live in peace on Sunday, because we'll have high-tailed it out of there by then.

I'm planning on reaching out to the Club this week (and if anyone here is involved w/ them I would LOVE to chat) and see if it's even the right thing to do to bring the little guy or wait. I do believe that he will do a great job, I just worry about my failings of not socializing him sooner. I do hope you are right in that the group is relaxed and encouraging. He's not a horrible dog, just a Cairn that is just a bit mouthy around others.

[kjwarnold]

Don't worry about that screechy bark, just multiply it by 20 and that's what you'll hear at an earthdog event! We call it the Cairn Screech of Death, meaning those rats (or squirrels, chipmunks, etc.) are going to die! While there may be lots of JRTs and other breeds there, you can be sure that any Cairns will sound a lot like Murphy. It will probably bother you more than anyone else because they're used to it!

Have fun!

[Tuesday]

We've given it a lot of thought, and what do we have to lose? It's not far away, it's an opportunity, and I will be more upset with myself if I don't take the opportunity.

And if ya'll say that the screeching is normal, then I will believe you.

Is there anything we can do to "practice" besides letting him screech at the squirrels like he always does?

[Tuesday]

Form is filled out, check is written! After I drop it in the big blue box tomorrow, it will be all over but the screeching!

December 3rd, Tampa Bay Terrier Club, watch out!!!

[bradl]

Have fun - we'll need a full report

[Tuesday]

Well, Murphy and I were so excited about this Saturday's Earthdog event, but unfortunately it has been cancelled. Not really sure why, because the email I received from the Tampa Bay Terrier Club did not explain - just said it was cancelled and our entry fee would be refunded. She did make mention of the even possibly being held in March, so we have hope for then.

[bradl]

Rats, I was looking forward to hearing about it. I'm so sorry you and Murphy will have to wait for another event. :-(

[BoldogKennel]

Sorry to hear that it was cancelled! That's no fun!!! Hope you get a chance to do another one soon!