Stress Relief

[aardogs]

I just did two things that I had totally sworn off doing. I entered a USDAA show. On turf.

Yes I feel like a hiprocrite, but what can you do. I feel more comfortable entering USDAA now that 20" performance is an option for Panic. Every venue has it's issues of course, but USDAA was really pissing me off for awhile so it was good for me to take an extended break from it. I literally do not remember our last USDAA trial, but I'm pretty sure it was back in 2013.

Turf-wise, this facility has very nice, new, rubber infill turf, which is much different than the more common carpet turf that prompted me to swear off the stuff altogether. I have a new secret traction weapon as well--rosin. It's pretty commonly used as traction on basketball shoes and drag racing tires (damn) so I hope it serves Panic well. It also happens to be frequently used for printmaking, so I've been using the stuff all summer and have easy access to some.

Who knows, I might end that weekend frustrated at myself for trying to run on turf/do USDAA again. I hope not.

I genuinely feel as though not doing agility has had a noticable impact on my relationship with Panic. While we still do a lot of stuff together--training, hiking, walking, playing--I don't feel like there is any substitute for the intensity and teamwork involved in agility. I wanted to bite the bullet and enter at least one show this summer, and it'll be after I get home so we'll also have a week to go play at our dirt and grass facility. I think it'll be really good for both of us.

I've been taking Panic on long leash walks this week which I think has been helping him. Such an obvious thing to do, but historically I just don't take Panic for very many walks. He goes for runs with me, I take him hiking or to parks to run in fields, just not long neighborhood walks. But they seem to be good for him here--much better than going to crowded parks at least. Lots and lots of sniffing which is A++ stress relief.

Crazy to think my summer in Chicago is coming to a close so quickly. 

Comments

[nosemovie.livejournal.com]

I like this idea. And I've been enjoying performance in usdaa. Hope you do too.

[penichops.livejournal.com]

What is this mystery product? I suppose I should google it. But that would be work.

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Rosin, it's just solid tree sap! It's the same thing that people who play string instruments rub across their bows, if you've ever seen that. You can grind it into a powder and it makes for great traction apparently.

[dinahprincedaly.livejournal.com]

There are signs posted at the indoor facility where we take classes and compete that say grip sprays on paws are never allowed there---that must be your secret ingredient ?? I always wondered what it was

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

There is something made for tennis players that is essentially a sticky spray adhesive that they are probably referring to. I have that stuff, but it's pretty nasty and wears off very quickly so I don't like using it. It sucks that they don't allow it at all at some facilities though, that seems potentially dangerous for a lot of dogs who really need it.

This time I'm going to try rosin, which is just solid tree sap. You can grind it into a fine powder and coat it onto things for great traction.

[lmk10.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't use something sticky with rubber infill turf because the pellets could end up stuck to his feet - and, with enough of them, the traction would be worse. Or at least just uncomfortable. Also, as an aside, I'd be pretty annoyed if someone used sticky stuff on my turf - it's not like you can mop it. In the case of mats, some of the sticky sprays and cleaners can harm the floor surface and make them more slippery.

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree with you completely...So I'm not using sticky stuff ;) I used to have a sticky spray for tennis players but it was pretty nasty, left a terrible residue, so I gave up on that. What I'm talking about is using powdered rosin combined with magnesium carbonate, also a powder. I've been using both all summer in a printmaking capacity and just found out it's used for traction.

[moodypdx.livejournal.com]

I found that multiple daily walks and multiple get out of the city weekly runs really helped Freddie when we lived close in. Granted he was raised in the city, but it is still challenge to meet their needs.

And don't feel guilty about USDAA, I think about it at times, but luckily we have UKI. Go and have a great time, I'm sure Panic will.