With longer days and warmer weather around the corner, favorite outdoor activities will once again be ours to enjoy. For those with dogs that love to run around outside or play endless rounds of fetch, there’s a new sporting event perfect for a morning date with your canine friend.
Debbie Tringale, founder/owner of Me and My Dogs, has created Recreational Dog Sports, a series of agility, disc dog, and flyball events that allow dogs to play sports without the stress of competition or getting a “title” running interference. According to Tringale, “It’s a great opportunity for new people to learn the skills of a dog sport in a noncompetitive setting.”
Dogs have the option of being scored, but their owners decide whether or not they wish to share their dog’s results. Tringale’s “additive point” scoring system allows one point to be awarded “each time the handler and dog team successfully executes in their sport.”
Owners don’t have to be skilled coaches in any of the sports in order for their dog to participate. On Mar. 8 and Apr. 19, there will be “training seminars” inside Circle A Arena in Rising Fawn, Ga. Special, easy, and hard classes will all be led by experienced trainers who will teach the game, explain the rules, and provide the equipment.
Events will start on May 10 and will be held on the “Second Saturday” of each month. The arena has plenty of parking, bleachers to cheer on your dog, and cabins for those planning weekend trips. Training classes will start at 9 a.m. and run until noon. Doors will open at 8 a.m. with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m. The cost is $30 per dog. For more information and to register your dog, visit MeAndMyDogs.biz/RDS
Circle A Arena is located at 1379 Newsome Gap Rd., Rising Fawn, Ga.
— Madeline Chambliss