Ya know - the beginning agility thread is getting a little absurd, so I'm
changing the subject line! ;-D

Life worth living is not without risk. we risk our hearts when we give them to
others, we risk our lives everytime we step out our doors, drive our cars, take
a plane flight, whatever. I may be more conservative about some activities
than others, less so than others for other activities (like driving at um,,,,,
excessive speeds). I don't criticize those who take higher risks than I do,
because life itself carries risks,

As far as my dogs are concerned, they thrive on activity. I could keep them in
a lucite cubs I suppose, but what fun would that be? Even though it makes me
nervous, Franklin loves big ocean waves (surfer quality). While I wouldn't let
him out there TOO far or with a hurricane brewing, I realize that I risk his
life everytime I let him be a bit of a daredevil.

Flyball, although generally more injurious to people, is not without risk. My
dogs love it though, so risk is weighed and i go for it. With breed genetics,
Franklin could be diagnosed and die from cancer at any moment in his life -
that what if's can't stop us from enjoying activities that bring us
fulfillment.

I choose to throw balls and frisbees to minimize potential damage (no
leaping!), because of my dogs' structure. I condition my dogs and take
reasonable precautions - crating them in cars, teaching them good jumping,
deciding when rain makes things too slippery, whatever.

Choose to be overprotective, conservative but thoughfully risk-taking, or
all-out "whatever", but criticizing those who choose to risk "maybes" is a
little over the top.

Janet Boss
Best Friends Dog Obedience
"Nice Manners for the Family Pet"
Voted "Best of Baltimore 2001" - Baltimore Magazine
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com
http://photos.yahoo.com/bestfriendsobedience