Dog Clubs and working dogs

Muddy Zuk · Post by **Muddy Zuk** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:50 pm

Just wondering what dog clubs there are out there and if anyone knows of any for working dogs? I don't want my pair to be just ornamental house pets. Ideally if there is any coarsing on offer anywhere this is what i am after, i can see a bountiful supply of Rabbit in the parks for them to chase but knowing Finland this is probably illegal and i am about to be flamed for wanting to hunt with my dogs

Also does anyone have any experience of the Finnish Kennel Club? The vet asked if i wish to join but i don't know if its worthwhile?I have disagreed withthe kennel club in the UK as i disagree with their ethics and politics regarding some breeds.

Muddy "let the flaming begin" Zuk

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Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:25 pm

Well, theres a load of agility and whatnot clubs.

Rosamunda · Post by **Rosamunda** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:29 pm

There are plenty of working dogs in Finland and hunting is taken very seriously. I suggest a subscription to "Koiramme" if you want to find out more. The kennel club of Finland has its HQ in Espoo and a good website: http://www.kennelliitto.fi

There are a ton of breed specific clubs too (most of them are linked in the Kennel Club). I think these are probably your best starting point for breed specific training and/or hunting.

We have a flat coated retriever which we train (retrieving ducks) but we don't go to shows or kennel club meetings (yet). My SO also has part ownership in a hunting dog (with his hunting club) but we aren't involved in the training.

Muddy Zuk · Post by **Muddy Zuk** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:01 pm

Thanks Penelope, i think i will just join the club and see how it goes. for the first time i actually have an inclination to do something doggy with my dogs. i suspect hunting deer will be out of the question so rabbits or hare are next best thing

i may even consider showing them if possible, their father is a show winner from home but their mother is just a pretty girl.
I have recently acquired a 1 year old mongrel who i think would be god for agility or obedience if i could just undo the bad habits her owner taught her

Rosamunda · Post by **Rosamunda** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 4:16 pm

To hunt deer you would have to join a club which is NOT easy and then they usually have their own dogs and their own dog handler and are pretty fussy about the breeds etc. Not sure about hare and rabbits (no hunting licence needed for those... in fact Helsinki has started culling rabbits), our dog is definitely not a sniffer, just a retriever. Your local municipality (eg Helsinki, Espoo etc) will have dog parks where you can practice obedience and agility training with all the props. We have one near our home in Olari, I have never used it but there are usually people+dogs in there when we walk past.
http://www.espoo.fi/default.asp?path=1; ... ;8383;8386

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 4:21 pm

penelope wrote:no hunting licence needed for those...

No, but you still have to be a landowner, with a valid permit, in the season...

Rosamunda · Post by **Rosamunda** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 4:45 pm

Sure.... if you are carrying a rifle.....

Muddy Zuk · Post by **Muddy Zuk** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:58 pm

Well i'm kinda used to things not being easy, it is Finland after all

the bred is Scottish Deerhound so pretty much upto the job. although at 10 weeks they are a little small just now but they are practicing on the older dog

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