Greetings, Doria! Dachshunds are indeed very fine coursers when they wish to be <G>. At my very first Border Raids, a miniature dachsie named Balki was awarded the lure for being the fiercest courser on the day!
I am Samira, and I am the Houndmaster for the Queen's pack in Midrealm. Where exactly are you located? We'll probably meet at an event this year. A quick list of camping with dogs thoughts: Bring a crate. At some events, dogs are restricted from certain areas (such as merchants' row).Also, some of my dogs have learnt to unzip the tent in the middle of the night. SO kind of them not to wish to disturb me! LOL Just be sure not to leave them in the crate in a closed up tent in the heat of the day. Sounds like a no-brainer, but that tent that had frost on the walls at dawn could be close to 100 F a couple of hours later. Bring water from home, or bottled water. Nothing spoils an otherwise fun event faster than a six-hour drive home in a truck with a dog with the Dire Rears. Make copies of your dogs' shot records and keep them permanently with your tourney gear...and in an accessible place, since you sometimes have to show them at troll. Rabies tags are NOT considered proof of vaccination. It would be a good idea as well, if your dog requires any meds, to keep a supply of them in your tourney gear as well. Finding a vet in a strange city on a weekend to get replacements is NOT fun. You'll want to bring some sort of turnout, so your dog can relax off the leash once in a while (under supervision, of course). For a dachshund, an ex-pen should be sufficient. You'll probably want to put together a basic doggie first aid kit. Mine's not so basic, but it serves for both dogs and people. Find out in advance if the event has any particular restrictions, such as dogs having to camp on Kennel Lands. Most of us tend to camp together, anyway--it's more fun that way, and we can share kennel-watching duties. Needless to say, remember that he's YOUR dog, and needs YOUR attention, particularly in a strange situation. Don't plan a non-stop series of activities at an event without allowing a lot of down-time with the dog. :) Again obviously, never leave your dog unattended in camp. If he's been barking and howling non-stop for the last 3 hours, you will be met by a delegation of unhappy people when you return. <G> That having been said, sometimes it's unavoidable for short periods, like during coursing or processions, when we all have to go and one dog can't, for some reason. I've been known to tape a note to my pavilion: "The dog is NOT dying, and is not in agony; She is merely VERY angry at being left behind." (A couple of mine have cultivated a fine repetoire of screams, moans and screeching howls). Always keep your dog under some sort of physical restraint--crate, leash, turnout--no matter HOW well-trained you think he is. It's strange surroundings, with lots of distractions. And finally, alwaysalwaysalways clean up after your dog! Learn to keep poop bags with you at all times. If you forget, you can probably get one from someone else, but you will not be popular if you make a habit of it. A quick (yeah, I know, I said that LAST time!) note on coursing: It's recommended that you not feed or water your dog before coursing, to help prevent bloat/torsion. It's also wise to make sure your dog has had sufficient time to cool down and relax before offering water or food after he's run. Most of all...have fun! YIS, THL Samira Umm' al Harith Houndmaster, Huntly Pack > Greetings everyone! > > My name is Doria Angelina and I'm from the MidRealm. I have a very > fast (but short!) dashund named Deimos. We can't wait to start > coursing in the SCA. I have been working with him getting him to > chase a white plastic grocery bag. He's a natural! I just wondered > if anyone had any tips for us since coursing isn't huge in my area. > I'm also looking for good tips on dogs and camping in the sca. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater? Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good! http://us.click.yahoo.com/pkgkPB/SOnJAA/Zx0JAA/PJ_qlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SCA_Coursing/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
