Jenn goes to Treibball Instructor Training

Quite a bummer that Jenn was gone all week with Jet at Treibball Instructor Training.  What is Treibball you ask?  Well, Treibball, also called "urban herding" or "dog ball" is basically like combining sheep herding, soccer and billiards (but without the sheep).   Sound interesting?  Jenn sure thought so to, and luckily, she was able to attend this training at the last minute.

Treibball began in Germany to give energetic dogs some much needed mental and physical stimulation. It’s a sport for dogs of all ages and sizes–promoting better teamwork and communication between dog and handler. It’s great fun for any energetic dog who works well off-leash and needs a job, or any dog who likes to herd and doesn’t have sheep.  It’s also a great low-impact activity for older dogs (and older handlers).  And you can do it indoors too.  The game involves eight yoga balls that the dog has to drive into a goal one by one, starting with the "point ball".  Easier said than done! 

Check out this dog demonstrating the basics of the game of Treibball:

 

 And here's a video of Jenn and Jet working on some to Treibball's essential skills:

In Treibball, dogs learn self control, build confidence, and get an appropriate outlet for physical and mental drives.  Handlers learn to give dogs appropriate signals and direction.  Teamwork is essential and every facet of Treibball fosters a completely reward based approach.  Sounds awesome!  Jet was very happy to pose with Jenn's certificate.

  I think Jenn's really happy she decided to become a Treibball instructor.

 

She plans to offer an "urban herding" class in the fall for her students which you can check out on her website, Blue Dog Creature Coaching.  For more info on Treibball, check out the American Treibball Association website. 

Visiting Moore County's Pet Responsiblity Committee

Jenn and other members of K9 Kindness spent the day in Carthage learning all about the fantastic, multi-faceted humane education program going on in Moore County.  K9 Kindness would like to replicate this program in Orange County.  Other humane educators were there from all over North Carolina. 

 

The Moore County Pet Responsibility Committee developed a six week curriculum for 4th graders that addresses what children (and their parents) can do to help the animals and also teaches good judgement, integrity, kindness, respect and responsibility.   This all volunteer program reaches over 1000 students each year. 

Students learn about the importance of spay/neuter, the responsibilities of caring for pets, the importance of training, and how to be an advocate for animals.  They also have an essay contest called the "Speuter Bowl" where the winning essay receives a free spay or neuter for their family pet. 

 

Sounds so cool!  Want to get involved and support K9 Kindness' effort to implement a similar program in Orange County?  Check out the K9 Kindness website for more info.