Dog Agility in Germany

Questions About Dog Agility in Germany

My dog is a Border Collie named Max. He has just turned eight and is still obsessed with the sport of agility. We have just moved to Germany, and we've never owned any of our own agility equipment because of the cost, so we're resorting to building the equipment. However I cannot find a plank that can be used for the Teeter in any of the neighboring stores.

Here are all of my questions.

1. Where can I find a plank, and do you have any building plans for an agility teeter?
2. How do I locate a dog agility class oversees in Germany?
3. We are also going to take in a couple of puppies in about four months. when is it okay to begin agility training them?
4. Border Collies are supposed to love the water, but Max doesn't like to swim. Is this normal?
5. Max is large for his breed, standing 25 inches tall and weighing 58 pounds. He wears out the pads of feet. The vet recommended a spray to help them heal, but is there anything else I can do for Max?

Thanks~~ Jessica

Expert Reply

Hi Jessica,

Let me address your questions one by one.

1. Have you tried lumber companies near where you live? Most will even cut the plank down to size for you. Here are plans for building a teeter.
2. You'll find an email address for Diana Martin, the German Agility representative to Agility International here. I'm sure she can help you locate a training club.
3. You can begin acclimating the pups to some of the agility equipment as early as four months old. Just be careful, and don't force the issue. This will make them far more ready for serious training when the day arrives. I believe that Diana Martin could also give you good advice on this topic.
4. There are exceptions to the personality description in every breed standards. If Max doesn't enjoy the water, there's probably no need to push the issue.
5. As for Max's feet, you can use the spray as your vet advises. You might also want to get him some doggie boots to wear running. He can't wear them in competition, but this would give his pads additional relief. A quick Internet search for "dog boots" should reveal a number of online shops.

Thanks, and I hope you find these answers useful!

~~ Kelly