What type of 'work'?

My sister wants to find an outlet for Ziggy's energy in the form of some sort of doggy sport.

He's a JRT, almost a year old, with a VERY high prey drive... he will switch off from us and chase rats madly if he gets the chance

Unfortunately because he's got a dodgy hip, it really limits what we can do with him. Anything with jumps is out of course... we were thinking of something along the lines of tracking but have no idea where to start.... any ideas from you terrier people?

Earth dog trials ?

Thanks for the reply SB... I didn't know they did earth dog trials in this country thought it was just in the US?

Can anyone elaborate on what goes on and how to do it, and if there's any clubs or anything?

It is quite a popuar sport here for terriers. Don't know about the UK.

If you search Google for "earth dog trials" or "earthdog trials" you will find lots of info.

thanks SB

Do you (or anyone else) know anything about tracking?

No earthdog trials here, not allowed!

I thought Ziggy had a luxating patella, probably got my wires crossed though.
Dawn.

Hi Dawn,

We thought there was something wrong with Ziggy's patella but he had an x ray and it's actually his hip... it's not too bad but he needs to take it easy on the impact

perhaps u can set up some of ur own tracking, like out on walks and in your garden.

Tracking can be very strenuous as it can be over a long distance, if you just want a bit of fun, do tracks over a short distance in the garden, on local walks etc.. Most of the stuff JRT's were designed for are active things, and killing things, Ziggy cant do one of those, dont think you could do the other!
Dawn.

Thanks Dawn Yeah you're right... I don't have the stomach for the killing part! Although I'm sure he would be fantastic at it!

Ziggy can do active stuff, he has very good stamina and is very fit, we have just been advised not to let him jump for now.