This issue’s spotlight shines on Tulla, who represents the tallest breed of dog and one seldom seen in the agility ring: the Irish Wolfhound. But Tulla’s owner & handler, Traci Kinard, tells us that Tulla loves the sport & delights in hearing the crowds cheer her on! She says they are proud to represent giant breeds & show that all dogs can enjoy agility.
Call name: Tulla
Breed: Irish Wolfhound
Registered name: Largh Pah Tualtha Ree Skye of Scotland’s Mis Acres AXP OJP ACT 2
Age: 5 years
Owner: Traci Kinard
City/State: Anderson, SC
Team name & division: Pawmetto After-Pawty (Regulation Senior)
Have you had Tulla since she was a puppy & how did she come into your life?
I adopted Tulla when she was a pup from Largh Pah Retreat; she is the descendant of my first Wolfhound, Keeva.
It is unusual to see giant breeds in agility. What led you to train her for the sport and what has the training journey been like with her?
I wanted to keep her mind and body busy and grow our bond. We tried lure coursing and Fast CAT, which I thought she would love, but she had absolutely no interest in either. I took her to watch an agility match and I knew it was something I was interested in, but wasn’t sure how she would take to it. I signed her up for classes and she took right to it…I couldn’t keep her off the A-Frame! The further into our agility journey that we got, the more I realized she was getting a little bored and I could only work her in very short sessions, a couple times a week, and the other days keep her active through treadmill time, walks and hikes. As long as we don’t overdo it, she continues to love her time in the ring and with her agility friends.
What advice do you have for other owners of giant breeds who want to get involved in agility?
Handlers need to know that giant breeds can’t be run like other sizes; they have different challenges. If Tulla is running fast on a course with a tight 180-degree turn, she physically will not be able to make the turn. If there is a jump close to the table, then coming off the table, she will land where she needs to take off for the jump, so I have to work on shortening her stride without slowing her down. I also run her in Preferred because you always have to think of their joints. Definitely make it fun for them and remember you may have to think outside of the box with handling options because of their size.
What is her favorite reward?
By far, hands down her favorite reward are the cheers of the crowd. She runs faster and with a great big smile if she hears the crowd cheering. Her name means Princess of the People, and she takes that meaning seriously.
Is she involved in other sports?
We have just recently started Barn Hunt, and she loves it.
What is her greatest achievement?
She has an uncanny ability to make people smile. From the nursing home to the agility arena and all places in between, she will greet anyone and make sure they leave smiling.
What do you like best about being part of a league team?
Definitely the fun atmosphere, great practice for the pups in a relaxed environment, and time with other agility peeps
Goals for the future for Tulla?
She has made it to Masters in Standard. My goal is to get her into Masters level for JWW with the hopes of making it to invitationals, just to let people know that giant breeds can do it too!