Disc dog duo compete at world class level
By Patrick Raftis |
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| For most of us, tossing a frisbee for the family pet is just a fun way to pass some time and get Fido some exercise. However a couple of Minto canine aficionados have turned their interest in discs and dogs into a high-intensity hobby that has provided them with an opportunity to travel and compete across North America and led to national and world championships in numerous disc dog disciplines. Angela Ewtushik and Rick Rauwerda, own and operate R & R Pet Paradise, a dog boarding kennel located on a spacious country property between Harriston and Mount Forest. The couple got into disc dog competition separately and met on the disc dog circuit. Recognizing a match made in dog heaven, they purchased the kennel business together in 2009 and continued to compete in events all over the continent. In disc dog competitions, dogs and their owners participate in events such as distance catching, choreographed freestyle catching and agility. The connection between handler and dog is the key to the sport, which involves human and canine working together as a team. The sport originated in the United States in the 1970s and exploded into prominence after August 5, 1974 when Alex Stein, a 19-year-old college student from Ohio, and his dog, Ashley Whippet, jumped the fence at a nationally broadcast baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Stein and his dog astonished the crowd with their disc tossing/catching antics and, although Stein was eventually escorted off the field and arrested, the nationally televised exhibition did much to fuel interest in the sport. Disc dog competition began to gain in popularity in Canada around the year 2000. Rick and Angela developed their interest in the activity separately. “I had always wanted to play frisbee with a dog,” said Rick. “Then I found out we could compete.” An animal nutritionist by profession, Angela’s passion has always been working with dogs. “I have lived with dogs all my life and in the past 10 years have become very involved in dog training and dogsports. I have owned various breeds and enjoy the challenge of working with the ‘unusual’ breeds,” she states. In 2010 alone, Angela and Rick have competed in British Columbia, Florida, Missouri, Tennessee and Georgia, as well as various events around Ontario. “All of our vacation and holiday time is devoted to going to competitions,” says Angela. Although the pair and their pets boast a lengthy list of medal-winning performances, they fund their hobby through their own resources. Competition prizes and sponsorships do help with the expense of discs, dog food and nutritional supplements. In addition to caring for dogs on their 10-run kennel operation, Rick and Angela have seven dogs of their own. Rally, a six-year-old Pyrenean Shepherd is Angela’s usual competition partner, while Rick works primarily with RiffRaff, a four-year-old border collie. Several of their other dogs compete as well, while others pitch in with other activities such as carting, or working as therapy dogs at a local nursing home. With large crowds cheering and clapping and television cameras often on hand, the competition dogs are generally unfazed by the attention of an audience. “Some dogs would shut down in this environment, while there are others that excel -- and ours excel,” said Angela. Rally took that trait to another level last fall, when performing the role of “Sandy” onstage during the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild’s production of the musical Annie. Though it was his first live stage show, Rally hit his marks and generally delighted the audiences with each appearance. Angela, Rick and their dogs have finished in the top 10 in every competition they have entered in the past two years. In 2009, Angela and Rally earned a medal as top three finishers in all their competitions. Among the highlights of their 2010 season for Rick and Riff were first place finishes in Toss and Fetch at the Florida Challenge, the AWI Worlds Qualifier in Colorado, the Skyhoundz Canadian Qualifier in Brampton and the USDDN Canadian Qualfier in Ottawa, as well as the top award for Freestyle at the Colorado event. Angela and Rallys’ accomplishments last year included placing first in Open and Pairs Freestyle at the Skyhoundz Canadian Qualifier in Brampton and first in Freestyle Flying Disc at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge in Whistler, British Columbia. The Whistler event also included some unique agility events, one of which involved the human partner skiing slalom-style around a set of flags, while the canine partner ran simultaneously around a separate set of poles. The latter event was made up specifically for the competition to demonstrate the capabilities of dog and handler. “There were only three of us who could get our dogs to do it,” Angela recalls proudly. As a team, Rick and Angela won the Pairs Freestyle event (which involves two handlers and a dog) at the 2009 Skyhoundz World Championships. They also both hold world records in distance throw/catch competition. Staying competitive at the top level of the sport requires practice for both dog and handler. Rick and Angela work with their dogs at least one or two days a week to keep them sharp. “The dogs don’t forget what they’ve learned, but they need to stay in shape,” Angela explains. However, Rick notes, too much practice can affect a dog’s interest level in playing catch, so he scales back the routine as an event approaches. “With Riff, she hardly practices right before a competition,” he notes. Because they expect more from their dogs physically, than a typical house pet, Angela and Rick help ensure their pets’ good health by having them adjusted regularly by a certified chiropractic veterinarian from the Mount Forest area. While disc dogs need to be fit, disciplined and adept at running and catching, the handler’s agility and aim is also key to success at the sport. “You could have absolutely the best dog in the world, but if you can’t throw, you’ve got nothing,” says Angela. In addition to their skills on the field, Rally and Riff have developed another distinction rare in canines. They are accomplished frequent fliers, with over 20 flights apiece under their collars. Competitions aren’t the only reason the teams hit the road. Rick, Angela and their dogs also participate in disc dog demonstrations at events like the Royal Winter Fair, the Holstein Rodeo and Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest. With their larger dogs, Gander, a Newfoundland, and Briar, a Bernese Mountain Dog, they also offer dog cart rides at various charity events. Considered among the top authorities on disc dog competition in Canada, Angela and Rick have also travelled as far as Calgary and Vancouver to give seminars on the sport. Competitive requirements aside, the disc dog circuit is the couple’s primary leisure activity and they enjoy the travel and chance to socialize with other dog lovers at the events. “We try to keep it as relaxing and fun as possible,” says Rick. As for the dogs -- they take much the same approach. “The dog doesn’t care if you’re at an event or demonstration, or what ribbon or award you get. They just want to play frisbee,” states Angela. See for yourself Anyone interested in checking out disc dog action will soon have an opportunity to do so first-hand, Rick and Angela recently received approval to host a disc dog competition at Quardream Equestrian Centre, RR 4, Mount Forest, on March 26-27. Spectators are welcome (people only, no dogs) and admission is free. There will be a heated viewing area, and lots to see and do. For more information, contact Angela at rrpetparadise@hotmail.com or call 519-338-2223. You can also find information on the upcoming competition, as well as photos and video of disc dog events at www.rrpetparadise.com. |
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| Angela Ewtushik watches as Rally leaps for a disc during an event. Steven Donahue/See Spot Run Photography |
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| Rick Rauwerda and Riff perform the chest vault manoeuvre at a competition. Jeff Hoot photo |
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| Angela and Rally compete in a winter agility event at Whistler, B.C. Steven Donahue/See Spot Run Photography |
