Spring is round the corner together with extreme dog races. What can we look forward to this year? And what is this dog sport all about?
Extreme Dog Race, Hard Dog Race Base, Dirty Dog Challenge... These are only a few of the many dog sports events that are relatively popular in the Czech Republic and that - as their names suggest - are characterised by their physical demands on both the dog and his handler. They take place in a challenging terrain full of natural as well as artificial obstacles. Sweat, mud and especially adrenalin are their inseparable part and weather has no say on the day.
OCR, which in the community of extreme sports fans stands for obstacle course racing, is about overcoming obstacles on a set route. Based on the world-renowned Spartan Race, dog OCR races often combine obstacle run with overcoming difficult terrain - hills, water as well as mud. Even though the competitors are often professional mushers, participation is open to anyone. The main idea is to enjoy the free time and fun with your dog companion without injuries and trouble.
Overview of this year's events
The Dirty Dog Challenge offers several races both for individuals and teams. The first one has already taken place this February. You can put your strength to a test together with around a hundred competitors and their dog companions in May (14 May in Sokolov) and then every subsequent month until September 2022. Participation in the entire obstacle race series is not compulsory, you can challenge yourself in the mountainous and water terrain with just a single race. However, it is definitely good not to underestimate the training and start as soon as possible.
The Extreme Dog Race is proud to be labeled "the first dog race" under the auspices of the Czech Obstacle Racing Association here in the Czech Republic. This year's race is organised for 19 November 2022 and will take place at the legendary Velká Pardubická steeplechase racetrack. The EDR, as well as the Dirty Dog Challenge, offers a series of races that precede the climax of the steeplechase. The first challenge takes place in May at the premises of the former military complex in Milovice. The event is called Military Tankodrom Milovice on 21 May.
Hard Dog Race Base with their motto "Six legs, two hearts, one victory" will traditionally take place towards the end of the year in Hynčice pod Sušinou on a 6 km-long track featuring 16 obstacles. Although this year's race hasn't been officially announced by the organisers yet, it is more than probable that you can look forward to it this November. But Hard Dog Race also offers other events - from cross-country running to mud race, to the proper wilderness on a 22 km-long track. The HDR races take place not only in the Czech Republic but also in Hungary or Poland.
There is no better way to strengthen the relationship with your furry friend than in a proper challenge. :)
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...
