Friday 30 December 2011

interview with a PRO: Matteo Gaddoni


Matteo is the coach and captain of Team Hard Disc Dogs from Italy. Several times world and European champion in Frisbee.  Since 2006 has also started practicing disc dog and now one of the greatest players even in this sport. A wonderful interview to close the year in the most beautiful of the way


Matteo and the warm up questions...


What sound or noise do you love? 
I love the sound of the sea and of the wind.. but also a flying disc produces a nice sound!


What song plays in your head this week ?
What a shame – Rolling Stones


Last time you opened the fridge / why?
10 minutes ago for a cold beer




Ok , I think is enough , let's pass to the interview
Could you tell our readers a little about yourself
My name is Matteo, I'm from Forlì, Italy. I started playing disc with friends, then I felt in love for freestyle disc and then went crazy for disc dog. My dogs are: Spike, 4 years old, border collie and Flower, 3 years old rescued border collie. Beside discdogging I enjoy also doing agility with Flower and obedience with Spike.

How did you get involved with frisbee?
I was 5 years old when I had my first rounded piece of plastic experience, I still remember that day, even if I hated the disc at that time: it was a very bad mold and it was impossible to make it fly straight. Then ten years later me and some good friends started to play throw and catch. We were addicted: spending full days at the park or at the beach.


You are a champion, that's indisputable, but did you also have some mentor or someone who inspires you, perhaps in the past ?
Of course yes! Everybody takes inspiration from others, the key is to make it yours, make it fitting to your style, instead of brutal copying without any personal feeling.
I try to pick up and learn something from everyone, but the most influeantial players for freestyle disc were: Tom Leitner, Rodney Sanchez, Pipo Lopez, Arthur Coddington and Randy Silvey; for discdog I had: Jochen Schleicher, Julia Zimmermann, Connie Sawiki and, of course, Lawrence Frederick.


Are you interested in other sports or hobbies as well as the Frisbee?
I love scuba diving and skiing even if in the last years I'm more focused on spending the more I can with my dogs, so I'm more on trekking in the last period. Love listening to music and watching movies, but the time is never enough.I also love bricolage but not always bricolage loves me.


When did you realize that your passion was to become something more?
It was during an interview, they asked me: 'what if your girlfriend will ask you: »me or frisbee« ' and my reply was quite easy: 'it would be the end of our relationship'.
I know it could sound very hard and not gentle, but this represent how much is importante frisbee for me.


What make you “special“?
Everybody is special. I think my values are on being sincere and trasparent which means sharing my feelings without filters to everybody around me, whether if the feelings are good or bad... I can't lie! So when I'm showing off a freestyle routine people can feel the energy and they get envolved easily in the mood.

Tell me a little bit about your start in dog sports?
I was in Berlin in the 2006 for the freestyle worlds and for the first time I saw a disc dog demonstration by Jochen Schleicher.. it was such a thrill! My first attempt was with my father's hunting dog, a very nice breton spaniel. I was trying to make her to catch a frisbee while my father was grawling at me: 'stop to ruin my hunting dog!'
So I had to quit and wait two long years before I could manage to get my own dog: the great Spike, my first border collie.


How much time you devote to training during the week (frisbee and disc dog)
My dogs are having some fun with disc almost everyday, except when we practice agility and obedience or when the weather is really bad. I practice some throws everyday as well, but I'm not freestyling myself so much anymore, I'm more focused on dogs in the last year. It's not easy to keep up with training two different sports, even if they can appear similar, they are long way different each other.


Where you see yourself in the 2015?
On some good green field having fun with my dogs! I don't have any special plan.. I just live my life day by day, trying to spend more time that I can with my dogs. I would love to see thousands of discdoggers with the same spirit we are playing now: having fun with the dogs.

Where you find the inspiration for new tricks ?
Usually I watch videos from competitions and try to find something new for me and my dogs, but sometimes it happens that practicing some trick, something else comes to my mind... and even few tricks came out of a dream while sleeping. And to be sincere.. two weeks in Jacksonville with Lawrence gave me inspirations for at least 5 years of discdogging :)


Favorite trick?
The next one i'm gonna learn! That's the main reason beside my love for disc sports like freestyle and discdog.. you are never done! There is always something new to learn and add to the bag.. to me it's very challenging and motivating: you got a new trick? Ok! Now do it upside down, or lefthanded, adding a spin, a jump, trying the other way around... it's endless!


Can you give our readers some tips that they should remember when training their dog?
Keep it fun and safe. Get inspirations from other players but make it yours by finding and building your own style. Be sincere and honest to you, to your dogs and to all the frisbee family.


What advice would give to someone participating at his first competition?
Go off and show us what you can do! Play like being at your usual field, don't think about judges, spectators.. just focus on your dog and on your game. Be positive and smile, your first competition is happening once in your life :)


What are your greatest satisfactions in your carrer?
The bigger one is the »frisbee family«. In these years I met so many people and got so many good friends all around the world that the world itself looks different to me right now. It's amazing to have frisbee friends in Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Puerto Rico, Berlin, Karlsruhe, Prague, Amsterdam...

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
One of my main strenghts is patience: this helps me with dogs and with people :) One of my main weaknesses is my memory: it's really hard for me memorizing people's names, appointments, agility traks...


If you do not practice this sport what would you have done in your life ?
Not sure, but probably I would go on and emprove my diving skills, I love scuba diving and taking underwater pictures.


Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview! Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Frisbee is an awesome sport, the spirit of the people involved is great, even if we see time by time some bad habits.. the only thing we can do is to point out the bad in order to make it evident to everybody coming into the sport.


visit www.frisbeehd.com


Photos are a courtesy of Stefania Crosara



AWI EC 2011 Matteo Flower
By gaddoz





BCC 2009 Freestyle Finals Gaddoz & Spike
By gaddoz



FPAW 2010 Seattle
FreestyleDisc Players Association World Championships Paul Kenny - Jake Gauthier - Matteo Gaddoni / 2nd Place
by gaddoz

Thursday 29 December 2011

2012 sheep dog in Switzerland


On www.ssds.ch the official page of the Swiss Sheep Dog Society you can find all the dates for the sheep dog trials in Switzerland for the 2012 season.
check it out!
The first trial is on the 1st of Janaury 2012 in Bettwieses. More informations here


2012 sheep dog in Switzerland link


video
Sheepdog Cliff Training Bettwiesen
by a883433

8 jan agility in Lempäälä (FIN)


On the 8th of janaury the Tampereen Seudun Koirakerho ry (TAMSK) organize an agility competition in Lempäälä , Finland.
deadline 31 december


more informations here


video
Nora & Aida agility A Lempäälä 8.10.2011
by Norsson86

Wednesday 28 December 2011

OPSION Winter indoor competitions


The OPSION club organize three agility competitions  at the indoor Equestrian hall of the Riding Club in Hradci Králové ,Czech Rep. One event each month , the first will be on the 21st of january.


All the dates are:


OPSION 022: 21. – 22. 1. 2012, judge: Jitka Maroušková (Novotná)
OPSION 023: 25. – 26. 2. 2012, judge: Tomáš Glabazňa
OPSION 024: 24. – 25. 3. 2012 , judge: Lenka Pánková


more informations here


video
OPSION 015 - Anicka & Comik, A2
by Axamitka100

2012 dog dance in Czech Rep.


On the Dog Dancing Club Czech Republic official page http://www.dogdancingclubcr.cz/ you can find all the dates for the Czechs heelwork to music and freestyle competitions for the 2012 season.
The first events is on the 11th of februars 2012 . The SUPER DANCE DOG more informations here




2012 dog dance in Czech Rep. link


video
Vanda Gregorová & Brutus, Dog Dancing Show 2006
by VandaGregorova

Monday 26 December 2011

5 questions with : Karolina Pettersson




name: Karolina Pettersson
sport: dog dance
country: Sweden




The first thing that you do when you wake up?
Get dressed and take the dogs outside


Where do you see yourself in the 2015? 
I hope that I´ll have the opportunety to work a least part time with teaching obedience, freestyle and agility. Maybe I´ll have a new pumi as my companion together with Zing. I hope at that time we (Zing and I) have had loads of fun experiences together behind us.


What is the favorite toy for your dogs
Squeeky animals :)


A place where you would like to move to start all over again
New Zealand, I was there in 2005 and that was such a nice place. I loved the nature and the variations.


Something that makes you happy ?
My »sunshine« Zing of course :)






video
Lina and Zing in the Nordic Championship in HTM and Freestyle 2011 (Lillestrøm, Norway)Day 2, individual finals. Lina and Zing won Silver.
by elisafab

2012 Obedience in Portugal


On obediencia.cpc.pt(the official Obedience page of Portugal) you can find the complete calendars of obedience events in Portugal in the 2012


2012 Obedience in Portugal link


video
IV TROFÉU DE OBEDIENCE CIC LAGOS Março 2011
by Fcasals1

Sunday 25 December 2011

dogsportmag.eu : Special Christmas GIFT!



quote from dogsportmag.eu :
Here, we find ourselves at the end of another year. Winter has arrived and it is time to make way for the New Year that lies ahead!
On Euro Dog Sport Magazine we have prepared a special gift to all readers(hope you like it) a digital magazine ,a collection of photos and interview with a result of 100 pages!
A very interesting issue , also becouse is the first try for us. I do not want to reveal what is hidden inside, discover by yourself .
A special thanks to all those who collaborated in this project / gift .
before leaving the 2011 for a great 2012 enjoy these last days of the year .
May the dawning of this New Year, fill your heart with new hopes, open up new horizons and bring for you promises of brighter tomorrows. May you have a great New Year !


HERE IS THE LINK

Saturday 24 December 2011

2012 Canicross in Netherlands


On www.canicrossnederland.nl  you can find all the dates about canicross events in Netherlands for the 2012 season.


2012 Canicross in Netherlands link


video
Canicross Hilversum 2 Spril 2011
by Samojedski

9th Dogdance international tournament in Winterthur


From the 3rd to the 5th of February 2012 you can be a part of the 9th Dogdance international tournament in Winterthur ,Switzerland.
the judges are:
Monika Fritz, Austria
Nora Karlyik, Hungary
Gaby Oswald, Switzerland
Carmen Mayer, Germany (Saturday and Sunday)
Christine Szakacs, Switzerland
Beate Warnat, Germany


deadline 6th january 2012


more informations here


video
1. Platz beim Int. Dogdance-Turnier in WInterthur 2011 - Klasse 1 - Gruppe 1 - Anja Jakob und Merlin
by clickntrick

2012 Mondioring in France


On chienplus.com you can find all the dates of Mondioring events in France for the 2012 season.
check it!


2012 Mondioring in France link


video
Urbann du cescc armissan.Concours perpignan ring2 octobre 2007
by BABASS34

Wednesday 21 December 2011

5 questions with : Polona Bonač




name: Polona Bonač
sport: Agility...all around
country: Slovenia
polona.agility-slo.net


If you had one wish?
I would wish for a couple more hours each day.


Something that makes you angry?
Lately I am mostly angry at myself for being totally disorganized. When you have to balance studies, work and training it is really not the best quality to have.


Something that makes you happy?
Being outside on a beautiful day. Or on a rainy day as well, as long as I know that I will come home to a worm shower, hot tea and nice cozy bed.


Last thing that you do before you go to bed?
I have to wrestle my way into my bed first... Not so easy with a very spoiled cat and at least two dogs who think the bed is there for their comfort...


If you could choose anywhere in the world ,where would you wish to built a new home?
Although I love many different parts of Europe, I am quite sure I would stay in Slovenia. Our little country has everything I need. Beautiful nature in many different forms.








Polona and Sja - Medium Team Standard Run at World Championships 2008
by klickerklok

Tuesday 20 December 2011

results and videos : Olympia Agility Stakes FINALS


On EURO DOG SPORT MAGAZINE you can find all the results of the Olympia Agility Stakes Finals. Here are the links to the articles.


results: The Kennel Club ABC Dog Agility Stakes Final
results: The Kennel Club ABC Agility Speed Jumping
results : The Kennel Club Novice Dog Agility Stakes Finals
results: The Kennel Club Novice Dog Agility Pairs Relay
results: The Kennel Club Novice Dog Agility Stakes Semi Finals
results: The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Stakes Final
results : The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Pairs Relay
results: The Kennel Club Large Dog Agility Stakes Semi Finals
results: The Kennel Club Small Dog Agility Stakes Finals
results: The Kennel Club Small Dog Agility Pairs Relay
results: KC Olympia Medium Agility Stakes


videos
Angela Williams and Tif (Nedlo Jitterbug) - Winners KC Olympia Agility Final 2011
by moonlightm1



Olympia Novice Agility Pairs - 2nd Place
by LittleTitch21



Lee Gibson & Taddymoor Scott @ Olympia 2011
by ginauk84



Brentmoor Jynx Novice Agility Stakes Semi Finals
by LittleTitch21

2012 indoor Discdogging Turnier Switzerland




















On the 25 February 2012 the DiscDog Ostschwiiz organize a indoor disc dog competition at the Reithalle Mäder, Balgach (Switzerland).The competition will run under the USDDN rules (Freestyle and Mini Distance.
The judges are:
Alexandra Taetz -dog
Andreas Keller -player
Alen Soldic -team
Melanie Stricker - catch


deadline 30 janaury 2012
more informations here


video
Timo und Ronja 1. Lauf Indoor-Discdogging Turnier 2011
by alensoldic

1st Canicross blanc


On the 14th January 2012 you can be a part of the " 1er Canicross blanc" , a canicross by night ,Running, Walking in snow at night with your
... dog race open to all ... in La Plagne-Montalbert (73) in France.
deadline 10 january


more informations here


video
San Adrian de juarros Canicross 2007
by RubioApertura

Monday 19 December 2011

Hamar hundekjørerfestival 2012


On the 7th and 8th od Janaury 2012 you can join the Hamar hundekjørerfestival
2012 , a famous sled dog race organized by the HAMAR TREKKHUNDKLUBB in Norway.E-cup and V-cup in the middle distance and sprint in Hamar Sled Dog Arena, Gåsbu .
Skijoring is only Saturday.
Kids Classes sled only Sunday
All sled classes run over 2 heats. 1 heat on Saturday and 1 heat on Sunday


deadline 22 december 2011


more informations here


video
Hamar / Gasbu 4 Huskies + 2 Hounds
by meinhuskyforum

Sunday 18 December 2011

results and videos : 1st round Slovenian WinterCup 2011/2012


Here you have the results and videos of the 1st round of the Slovenian Agility WinterCup 2011/2012.The event was held in Prestranek on the 17th december 2011 , organized by the ŠKD Postojna.


results here


videos
A1L, First Place! Fastest time! Clean run!
Slovenian Winter Cup, Prestranek 17.12.2011

by akivilo


jumping Prestranek 17.12.2011
by AlicaBonnie

Friday 16 December 2011

2012 dog trekking in Czech Rep.


On www.dogtrekking.info you have all the dates of dog rekking events in the Czech Rep. for the 2012 season.
The first event of the year will be in April the ŠLAPANICKÝ DOGTREKKING (6th April) 81km.More informations here


2012 dog trekking in Czech Rep. link


video
I° Dog Trekking Malamute Friend's
by 77Anouk

Thursday 15 December 2011

2012 canicross in the UK


On cani-cross.co.uk you can find all the dates of canicross,bikejoring events in the United Kingdom for the 2012.


2012 canicross in the UK link


video
2011 Dirty Dog Dryland Derby CaniX Men & Women
by rebrown30

2012 rally obedience in Slovenia


On the official Slovenian Rally Obedience page rally-o.si are available all the dates of Rally-O events in Slovenia for the 2012
check it!


2012 Rally Obedience in Slovenia link


video
RO Barje 17.4.2011 (1st place)
by KailiBC

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