And to get Fido dressed for the big game, how about a doggie football jersey so you can share your team spirit?

Ready? Set? PLAY!

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Sussex, New Brunswick, is gearing up for the Agility Association of Canada’s National Agility Championships, which run August 7 through 10.

Among the events planned are Nationals Pre-Qualifier rounds (standard, jumpers, gamblers); Rally Obedience Trial; Nationals Rounds (Standard 1, Jumpers 1) and Steeplechase 1; Nationals Rounds (Standard 2, Gamblers 1) and Steeplechase 2; Nationals “Maritime Kitchen Party” Banquet; Nationals rounds (Jumpers 2, Gamblers 2); plus plenty of awards each day, as well as opening and closing ceremonies.

Not located in Canada, eh? If you’re interested in learning more about canine agility, try the United States Dog Agility Association.

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If you live, work or play anywhere within driving distance of Imperial Beach, Calif., head there this Saturday, June 28, for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, the nation’s original surfing competition for Fido.

Last year, 47 dogs hit the waves and more than 1,000 spectators watched the events, and more than $10,000 was raised for Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s Good Neighbor Council.

Event Schedule

• 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Optional surfing lessons by the Coronado Surfing Academy for less experienced canines
• 11 - 11:45 a.m. Heat One: Small Dogs (40 pounds and under)
• 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Heat Two: Large Dogs (41 pounds and over
• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Heat Three: Tandem Surfing for Dogs & Owners
• 1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Furry fashion show
• 1:45 - 2 p.m. Award ceremony

Each dog and team will have three waves (or chances) to impress the judges and will be scored on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability.

Prizes:
The first place winner of each heat will score a ton of great prizes, including a getaway at Loews Coronado Bay Resort and a feature in Modern Dog magazine.

At this San Diego dog surfing event, canines, owners and spectators can enjoy puppy portraits, mutt massages, goody bags and a variety of burgers, dogs and snacks prepared by the chefs of Loews.

All proceeds benefit Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s Good Neighbor Council.

Competition Fees:
$45 for Heats One or Two, $50 for Heat Three (if registered by June 27).

Attendance is free.

Each registered dog will receive a goody bag filled with tons of great prizes, including a competition medal. Goody bags are limited and only guaranteed for dogs registered by June 27.

Click here to register.

For more information, click here.

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Whether your dog was built for swimming or not, there are plenty of hazards in and around pools, hot tubs, ponds, etc., that can prove deadly.

In addition to drowning, dogs can experience hypothermia (low body temperature) from unheated pools, ponds, and other bodies of water.

Severe hypothermia signs can include dilated pupils, stupor or coma, pale or blue gums, decreased heart and respiratory rate, and shivering. If signs are present, wrap your dog in a blanket, and use hot water bottles to provide heat (do NOT use heating pads, as they can cause burns). Take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Problematic Pool Covers
Some seemingly “solid” pool coverings (such as solar covers) can be deceiving for dogs, who think they are walking on solid ground only to sink and become trapped under or twisted in the cover.

Keys to Water Safety
According to Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori, the keys to water safety for dogs are prevention, preparedness and awareness.

Prevention
No dog should have unsupervised access to any body of water (swimming pools are best fenced off for safety for everyone). There are also pool escape tools like the Skamper-Ramp  made for dogs.

Prevention also includes teaching your dog what to do in the pool, so it’s important to work with him in the pool to help him learn where the steps are so he can get out easily.

Your dog should also come to you when called, even swimming. If your dog isn’t great at recall, have extra retrieving toys on hand, so when your dog is heading into a dangerous area, you can lure him back with a toy thrown closer in.

Preparedness
Before letting your dog swim, survey the area, paying attention to currents, tides, underwater hazards and the condition of the water (FYI-in late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water can be toxic).

Get prepared with first aid and CPR for your pets, too. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them.

It also doesn’t hurt to get your dog a personal floatation device.

Awareness
Be aware of your dog’s health and condition–even swimming dogs get hot and need fresh water, and when your dog gets tired, it’s time to stop.

By following a few safety precautions, this can be a great summer to swim with your dog.

For more pool safety products for pets, click here.

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Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the late 70s.

Legend has it that Herbert Wagner first showed it on the Johnny Carson Show to millions of Americans. Soon after, dog trainers and dog clubs were making and using Flyball Boxes.

In the early 80s, the sport became so popular that the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was formed, and they are the worldwide authority for Flyball.

What It Is
Flyball is a relay race with four dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, four hurdles spaced 10 feet apart, and a box.

The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51 foot overall length.

The dogs jump the hurdles and steps on a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the four hurdles.

When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog goes.

Winning Flyball
The first team to have all four dogs run a course without errors wins the heat.

Tournaments are usually organized in either a double elimination or round robin format.

Double elimination is usually best of three or best of five. Round robin is usually best three out of five, and the first team to win three heats receives one point towards their standing in the tournament.

The hurdles’ height are dependent on the height of the dogs in the team – four inches below the shoulder height of the shortest dog, eight inches is the minimum height and 16 inches is the maximum height.

Point System
The dogs earn points towards flyball titles based on the teams time:

Less than 32 secs: each dog receives 1 point
Less than 28 secs: each dog receives 5 points
Less than 24 secs: each dog receives 25 points

For more information about flyball fun, click here.

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