Jax puts best paw forward
Local Rottweiler breaks records at dog dancing competition.
A ROTTWEILER, Jax von Spargs and his New Germany owner, Lisa Robinson recently won second place for freestyle dancing at the National Digital Competition, hosted by the South African Dog Dancing Association.
According to Robinson, the 18 month old canine, affectionately known as Jax, was the youngest dog to compete in the event and was also the only dog from KwaZulu-Natal to qualify.
“Jax entered the competition as a rookie. By qualifying it means that he can now enter as a beginner, and is proficient in his basic dancing skills. This is extraordinary for a dog his age,” said Robinson.
Robinson, who is a qualified animal behaviourist and obedience trainer, has been training Jax since he was three months old. The intelligent pooch has been receiving training in obedience, man work, and carting.
Carting, also known ‘dryland mushing’, is a dog sport that requires dogs to pull a cart filled with supplies through an obstacle course, and is practiced all around the world. The competitions were initially held to keep sled dogs in top form during the off-seasons. “Man work is another dog sport that tests the intelligence and obedience of dogs. The dogs are required to attack a ‘suspect’, but they are only allowed to attack on command and should release the suspect on command. They are judged according to their command response,” said Robinson.
Young Jax has competed in many competitions for these sports and has also won several awards. Robinson hopes that more local residents will take interest in the sport.
