North American Sport Dogs continues to gain popularity in Florida
North American Dog Sports (NASDA) trials
Eustis, Florida
March 2024
We spent the weekend at Florida K9 in Eustis, Florida for the North American Dog Sports (NASDA) trials. Approximately 30 miles north of downtown Orlando, the three day trial maxed out in teams competing on Saturday. Florida Judge Dianne Antine Fuller and Ady Sherrer came down from Arkansas as a guest judge worked two fields at the same time to manage the great turn out and keep things moving.
When most think of dog sports, they may imagine various high energy games as seen on TV. From racing, to frisbee, and dock diving or agility. What you may not realize is there are some sports that your couch potato pup might enjoy far more and even has a nose for. The NASDA trials pit handler and dog in a fun series of tests of that nose. Searching for rats, retrieving lost items, and tracking down deer scents.
Encourage ALL dogs to play the exciting NASDA Working Dog events. This includes but is not limited to purebred, mixed breeds, companion dogs, or titled champions… and, ‘welcome physically challenged dogs or handlers. - NASDA
The games are only in their third year in Florida and already gaining momentum as a popular “low impact” sport for many dog owners. No need to run, climb, or jump, but you can if you want to. It is your choice, not a necessary reality. All the dogs we watched seemed to love it.
Dog sports and activities have come a long way. In the 1970’s agility was first nationally broadcast and, in the USA, the early roots of “Disc Dog” and “Dock Diving” were forming. Herding trials, Hunt and Coursing have been a staple for generations, but the high speed and athletics we see in most televised dog games are not reflective of most household dogs. Not the eye, but the nose defines what many dog owners know about their furry friend’s special superpower.
North American Dog Sports (NASDA)
Started in 2016 by Liz Carter and a small group of friends, NASDA reflects the grass roots origins of many of N. Americas most popular and unique dog sports. It started in a back yard.
As an effort to provide an easier entry to a game for any breed of dog to a hybrid hunting, tracking and search series of games in both outdoor and urban locations. It is still a new sport in Florida and introduced though a special introduction Seminar last year at Central Florida K9 in Eustis, Florida. Since then, more clubs throughout the state have hosted NASDA events including the Dog Training Club of Tampa, Treasured Canine Academy, and more being added as this sport gains traction across the state.
Trials are designed to resemble both historic working and competitive field work as closely as possible. - NASDA
Games based on scent tracking are not new. From the Hunt Tests to AKC Scent Work, they have existed a very long time, but as with most older games associated with Kennel Clubs, they were also breed restrictive and even a little repetitive after time. This has led to two variants open to all dogs to emerge as Barn Hunt Association and NASDA have both risen from the demands for more variety, accessibility and including for all dogs and handlers.
Unlike Barn Hunt which is completely focused on finding live rats (the rats are very safe), in NASDA trials, finding live vermin is only one of several games.
Today dogs can search for: shed ungulate antler (Shed Dog), live Rats (Urban Locating and Trailing & Locating), human items (Lost Items). Additional games, such as Den Sport are in development and planning stages. – Dianne Anstine Fuller
Central Florida K9 (CFK9)
The Central Florida K9 facility resembles an equestrian center more than a dog training and sports facility. With a long driveway entrance, fields separated by pasture fencing and several buildings for indoor classes, activities, an office, shop, and large kennels including a grooming state. The facility is manned 24/7 by kennel staff and available for most dog sports and activities. With a permanent Dock Diving pool, open acreage, woods, including a private dog park and ample parking (limited RV hookups), the venue is becoming a top spot for many events in central Florida.
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Accessibility is a core element in the NASDA games. Not just the handler but for dogs with disabilities too and it is strongly encouraged to trainers, and event organizers to make accommodations to allow as many to play as possible who may not be able to participate in other team sports with their dogs.
NASDA allows dogs and handlers with physical disabilities to compete, provided that they are not in pain and able to safely navigate the environment. Some accommodation may be made with permission of the judge and trial hosts, provided the difficulty level of the test remains equivalent for all competitors. - NASDA
The Central Florida K9 (CFK9) facility is one of the states premiere dog sports locations and one of only a very few “Hero Dogz” venues. Easy to access parking, and ADA compliant restroom and access to buildings.
The venue proactively supports a better experience for anyone or any pups time at the facility.
Wrapping Up
It is also a good day when spent in rural Florida with any dogs having a great time, it is especially good when you witness people coming together, being supportive of one another and enjoying the day as a community. From the venue to the buzzing enthusiasm of the competitors. This is the third time we have covered a NASDA event and CFK9 has become a frequent destination.
Take the first step and get in touch with your local clubs and check for events in your area. Come on out and see for yourselves. Your own dogs will thank you for it later!
Location and Contact information is at the end of this article.
We hope to see you and your best furry friends out their this year.
If you have further inquires, please contact us at info@badazzdogz.net
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More Information:
North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA)
Central Florida K9 (CFK9)
Dog Training Club of Tampa
Treasured Canine Academy
As with all events Bad Azz Dogz features, it is the hope you will consider coming out into our amazing Florida Bad Azz Dogz world of fun and activities near you.
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