Working Trials Peeps- equipment help!

[Sarah_K]

Hey everyone,

hope you're enjoying the slightly cooler weather!

Obie and I have taken up working trials as he's got his Gold Good Citizen and without structured training we will both become slightly more disobedient. Now, no laughing at the back- Bichon crosses with the attention span of a gnat can attempt it We've hit a bit of a road block with the dumbbell. I can't find anything manufactured that is small enough and light enough to fit his teeny tiny mouth. I've got a home made bodge job, but the ends aren't really big enough. Is there anywhere that makes them to your own specifications? Needs to be light as he only weighs 5.5kg and the centre part about 5cm long.

Think we have everything else we need. His favourite part is search squares. He's picked it up really fast. Love watching him work!

Thanks in advance!

 

[blackcob]

I’m sure I’ve seen a dinky one in a wholesaler catalogue - Company of Animals?

Edit: https://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/product/clix-dumbbell

 

[Sarah_K]

Brill, that looks perfect! Thank you very much. Will get one ordered

 

[MurphysMinder]

Good luck with the working trials. Little dogs are certainly perfectly capable, there have been a couple of Lancashire Heelers who have qualified at CD and UD Ex.

 

[blackcob]

Pics of dinky dog with dinky dumbbell are obligatory.

 

[satinbaze]

For working trials I would get a white dumbbell as coloured ones can be easily “lost” in long grass. You will loose marks if the dog has to hunt for the dumbbell. Pet Needs do dumbbells of various sizes my cavalier used one from them

 

[Sarah_K]

Thanks everyone. Will take pics of said dog and dumbbell once he gets himself out of bed from today's exertions- WT training. Couldn't find my white insulating tape (know I've got some somewhere) so the dumbbell centre is green, the worst possible colour. I also need to practice throwing it! He was very good again this morning. To finish off we tried the 2 minute sit stay (not our forte as it doesn't involve moving). Was an amusing line up- GSD, Lab, Flatcoat, Lab, Lab and Obie, who looked like a wet mop.

Trainer mentioned she's hosting a trial early next year and that with some hard work we're all capable of entering it. Was some shuffles and excuses made