|
Dogged Pursuit: My Year of Competing Dusty, the World's Least Likely Agility Dog |  | Author: Robert Rodi
Publisher: Hudson Street Press
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $3.66
as of 11/21/2009 23:39 MST details
You Save: $21.29 (85%)
New (45) Used (25) Collectible (1) from $3.66
Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 22105
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2
ISBN: 1594630542
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.70888
EAN: 9781594630545
ASIN: 1594630542
Publication Date: June 11, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Best in Show meets Marley and Me in the hilarious (mis)adventures of an unlikely duo competing for glory on the pro dog circuit
An urban intellectual and a scruffy, disobedient Sheltie team up to conquer the Canine Agility pro-circuit in this hysterical account of the quest for glory in the competitive dog world. A cousin to the popular best-in-breed show, agility competitions resemble doggie boot camp: dogs scamper across teeter-totters, jump tires, and scoot down tunnels-without leashed guidance from a human. Taking home ribbons requires a focused handler and a cooperative dog.
Robert Rodi is a self-proclaimed Blue-stater who prefers fine wine and Italian literature (in Italian) to SUVs and suburban sprawl. His dog Dusty's scrawny build and skittish personality make him an unnatural competitor. Nevertheless, Rodi recounts a year filled with victories, failures, and hysterical personalities, and the loving bond between one man and his bug-eyed dog.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 17
 Whose fault? Wonder no longer ... November 14, 2009
Just the Facts, Ma'am (Florida)
As someone experienced in agility, I enjoyed reading about it. But I think it's unfortunate that it somewhat feeds the mentality of "Whose fault? - dog or handler?" Mistakes on the course are 99 percent the handler's "fault."
If our dogs knock down bars, or duck under jumps, it's often because we didn't given them methodical jump training, or we sent them to the jump at the wrong angle. If they come out of the weave poles, you can bet they're losing their balance. That's a practice issue. Even running around or sniffing - that's stress. I get tired of seeing people coming out of the ring poking fun at their dogs or withholding Rover's treats because he couldn't do the agility poles this day. I wish some of them could see their own handling!
If this book inspires anyone to try agility - here's the best advice: never blame your dog, even in your own head. The ribbons and glory mentality is pretty immature. Aim for a great time with your dog. Consistently make agility the most fun your dog can possibly imagine - and you'll be amazed how he improves.
 Dogged Pursuit. September 19, 2009
J. W. Bookwalter III
This is a cute book. It is entertaining and provides a pleasant read. I was not disappointed. It did take the time to explain some of the intricacies of agility competition.
 Laugh after laugh - a great read! September 12, 2009
Berry Best
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. I competed in agility for many years - the author captured the humor perfectly. If you love dogs, or just love to laugh - read this book.
A Must-Read for all Sheltie Owners August 20, 2009
Mary S. Schaeffer (PA,USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Through the years I've owned and loved nine wonderful shelties. I've also entered most of them in pre-agility classes. These things in common with the author would have made reading this book an interesting experience. But his marvelous and clever style of writing, and his sharp wit made this an unforgettable,and thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Most ot all, Rodi's genuine love for Dusty and quest to understand him were touching and admirable to a fellow-sheltie -lover; and completely won me over ! I'm one of those stoic pople who claim they never laugh out loud while reading, but this book changed me completely.
Hilariously true-to-life August 2, 2009
imvho
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I rarely laugh out loud when reading a book, but with this one I lost count of the times I cackled or giggled or even occasionally guffawed. Like the author, I adopted a shy/reactive, irresponsibly-bred, small herding dog (Mini Aussie) from a rescue and have been working with him in Agility, and have experienced almost every one of the awkward situations about which Mr. Rodi writes so vividly. But thanks to the fluid, fun, and engaging voice in which this book is written, it should appeal to anyone who loves dogs, whether or not they're involved with agility &/or shy dogs, and whether they're the type who wears "I (heart) My Dog" T-Shirts or Brooks Brothers pinpoint oxfords. The only frustration I felt was that, due to the author's frequent references to Dusty's odd & scrappy appearance, I kept pining for pictures. But then I discovered, late in the book, that he had posted a few videos of Dusty on YouTube. Very cool!
Fair warning: As others have said, this book is hard to put down. I rarely finish a book in less than 4-5 weeks due to a hectic schedule, but once I started this, I couldn't leave it lie. I polished it off in 3 days...then passed it on to my agility teacher, with the most effusive and heartfelt recommendation I could think of: "You just GOTTA read this!"
Showing reviews 1-5 of 17
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Working Dogs | |
