Andre Landry and Crash recently returned from the World Agility Championships in the Netherlands, where the Canadian team finished second in the medal count. They will soon be heading to England for another international competition.
As one of the top agility dogs in the country, the border collie often travels for competition.
He and owner Andre Landry recently returned from the World Agility Championships in The Netherlands.
Although Crash didn’t win any individual medals this time, the Canadian team finished second to Russia in medal count, with nine. More than 200 dogs from 16 countries took part in the five-day event.
“We got a fourth and a lot of near misses and we had a lot of fun,” said Landry. “The highlight for these competitions is the embodiment of the whole event. There’s an intoxicating atmosphere, camaraderie and everyone’s cheering for their teammates.”
Crash had good times for the courses and had clean runs throughout the competition.
Landry said the courses at high-level events are always challenging but mistakes are usually due to handler error.
During the winter Landry and Crash train at an indoor location in Pictou County each week and walk and run daily. When weather is suitable they can use agility obstacles in their backyard. Crash also gets weekly massages from equine and canine massage therapist Brittany Cameron.
Crash will take part in a competition in Ontario before heading to the World Agility Open in Buckingham, England in May.
“I’ve visited a lot of places but I’ve never been to England before,” said Landry. “It’s great. I get to see the world because my dog is really good at agility.”
Landry is now doing basic training with his new border collie pup, Pow, who he hopes will be his next agility star.
Dogged Determination
– Canine agility is a sport in which a handler directs a dog through a course including obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles and hoops.
– Dogs must perform off-leash and take each obstacle in the order it is numbered. Each dog is timed and faults are given for any mistakes.
– If the handler touches a dog it is disqualified.
