I would like to see more people in the Tampa Bay area take advantage of some great opportunities to "work" your terriers and have a great time. If you own a Jack Russell Terrier or similar breed, you are probably always looking for ways to help them burn off their boundless energy. There are many opportunities for you and your terrier to participate in racing, simulated hunting, and other activities. Some people are super competitive and some of us (like me) just enjoy bonding with our pets. I did not know that my Jack Russell could get involved because I never filled out the kennel club registration papers, and I didn't know what the events were all about.
**You should know that your dog does NOT have to be registered with any kennel club, nor must you have all their lineage documented.** Some breed clubs require your dog to be purebred (simply by meeting the breed standards), but neutered/spayed and rescued dogs can participate! And most clubs will limit their sanctioned events to the purebred dogs, but also offer a handful of non-sanctioned events for all terriers or other breeds.
The Sunshine State Jack Russell Terrier Club (SSJRTC), for example, offers a wide range of events at three annual trials, such as:
-Flats and hurdles racing
-Go to Ground and Super Earth GTG
-Agility
-Conformation
-Brush Hunt
-Lure Chase
-ThunderTunnel
-Trailing and Locating
-Youth handler
Most of these events require no training to get started...they make use of the terrier's natural instincts. The atmosphere for agility and conformation are MUCH more laid back than at most typical "dog shows" and there are even conformation categories for neutered/spayed dogs! The rules of Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) sanctioned agility include a novice on-lead category so that handler/terrier teams with even basic agility training can enter, which is a great way to get low pressure trial experience.
This is just one club; there are others out there offering similar events, some of which are breed-specific and some not. You can learn more about SSJRTC at http://www.ssjrtc.com.
Here are two videos we made to provide a glimpse into a trial weekend with our dog, Jack. These events are not just giving Jack a chance to do "what he was bred to do" but we have a blast right along with him. I promise that no matter which breed you own, or what club you may join, giving your dog an outlet for his natural talents and abilities will be a rewarding experience for you both.
