 Above: Nina comes through the Tyre as it's set at the lowest height of 200. Smaller dogs are sometimes granted slightly longer course times during competition, to allow them a fairer chance to pass and place against the larger dogs, who are able cover more ground with each stride. In her very first competition in March this year, Nina earned a First Place in Novice Agility. Unfortunately, she didn't gain a pass, due to 'tripping across' the Broad Jump instead of jumping it. Still, it's an excellent result, and due to the determination and hard work put in while training. Below: Having just cleared a jump, the little Papillon gathers her muscular legs beneath her to power along to the next obstacle at her handler's urging. | Nina is our newest addition to the Gippsland Agility trialling dogs, and also the smallest. She is a Papillon, a toy breed known mostly for the beautiful fringing on their ears. As her handler likes to say, "Nina wasn't pretty enough to be a Show Dog', which just means that she doesn't comply in conformation and colour to the ideal breed standard. This doesn't stop her handler trying new things, and she is absolutely dedicated to Agility. Nina has surprising drive and speed for a little dog, and can often outpace some of our older dogs quite easily! She is a feisty little thing, who's focus is held by both toys and food during training. Her handler tends to 'mix it up' a bit to keep the rewards as fresh and exciting as possible. Also because Nina has a very little tummy, and it's easy to fill her up quickly when just using food treats. |
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