INTERVIEW WITH HCFDC PRESIDENT LEROY GOLDEN (01/2011)
We’ve decided to embark on a new project here at www.houstonfrisbeedogs.com. From time to time, we’ll interview a club officer, member, or other disc dogger that can share what they have learned about this great pastime with the rest of us. We’ll post their answers on the website to share with the rest of the disc dog world. For our inaugural interview we decided to interview Houston Canine Frisbee Dog Club President LeRoy Golden. As everybody knows, President LeRoy is quite an inspiration in the disc dog world with super pups Karma and Bruzair, both Pit Bulls who help educate the community about the breed and their athletic abilities. He is a familiar site at every demo, every playday, and every competition, and we love that he is just as fast to greet our pups as he is their owners. I remember him getting down on the ground with my pup when we first started playing. Mr. Golden is truly a diplomat in the disc dog world and he took a few minutes to answer our questions. We look forward to interviewing other members of the disc dog community and sharing their answers too. Please check back often for more interviews.
HCFDC: Now, first of all we see you at events around the country and we know you have earned a number of awards and honors with your dogs, are there any particular disc dog award and honors you have won that readers should know about?
LG: Karma and Bruzair win all the awards I win every time we play.
HCFDC: Do you mind telling us how old you are?
LG: 60.
HCFDC: Tell us about your disc dogs? How many do you have, what are their names, breeds, and favorite moves on the disc dog field?
LG: Karma is a Pit Bull Terrier, her favorite move is catching the disc. Bruzair is also a Pit Bull Terrier, he likes anything to do with chasing or catching the disc, he also loves to flip.
HCFDC: What do you do to pay for all the discs your dogs go through?
LG: I’m the Senior Facilities Project Manager at the University of Texas M D Anderson. I’m basically the owners rep to the General Contractors.
HCFDC: How long have you been involved in K-9 disc activities?
LG: 4 years.
HCFDC: How did you get started in K-9 disc competitions?
LG: I threw a disc just to get rid of it and Karma brought it back to me.
HCFDC: Do you consider K-9 disc a hobby, game, sport or something else?
LG: A hobby I hope to someday turn into something to do on the side to make a little extra cash.
HCFDC: What attracted you to K-9 disc and what is it you have come to love about it?
LG: The love in Karma's eyes when we play.
HCFDC: Was there a pivotal moment when you knew you had a disc dog on your hands?
LG: The minute Karma brought the first disc to me.
HCFDC: Do you prefer the AWI, Skyhoundz, UFO, USDDN, or some other competition format?
LG: I like all the formats, but I do think the USDDN rules especially for Toss and Catch level the field somewhat.
HCFDC: Would you rather participate in a disc dog demo or a competition?
LG: I love a competition, but any time I can play with the dogs is a good time for us.
HCFDC: Do you have a favorite type of disc that you prefer to compete with? Do your dogs?
LG: I like the Hero brand. The 235Xtra is great for freestyle and T/C they are tough, last a long time and perform well. I use the Hero Super Xtra for heavy winds and to practice with. They weigh more so the wind does not affect them as much and they are almost indestructible.
HCFDC: Not to get too off topic but the Hero products have really proven themselves.
HCFDC: Would you rather judge or compete?
LG: Compete for sure, judging is a tough job!
HCFDC: If you could compete in just one event or venue with your dogs in a year, but you could pick any one of them, which one would you choose and why?
LG: There are a lot of great venues. I think any sanctioned event with a Quad on the second day, like the Florida challenge, or the Colorado UFO with the Quad on the second day.
HCFDC: Along those lines, do you recall any specific competition or event venues that you thought were especially great?
LG: I really enjoyed the UFO finals in San Diego this year.
HCFDC: What do you see for the future of the K-9 disc world?
LG: I think it will continue to grow. When I started a big event was maybe 25 or so competitors in open freestyle, now days it may be 60.
HCFDC: What do you think of the new Skyhoundz competition titling system that was recently announced?
LG: I think it is probably a good thing, I really have not looked into it.
HCFDC: Do you participate in any other K-9 activities with your dogs such as agility, flyball, therapy dog work or tracking?
LG: Karma is a therapy dog and I am working with my other dogs learning different tricks.
HCFDC: Do you have any funny stories you like to share about your dogs either on or off the disc dog field?
LG: There is always something going on especially with 10 dogs in the house. I remember one day, it was the UFO finals last year in Houston, and the last day, Karma did not make the cut so with everything I had to do with the event I decided to leave her at home. We left her in the house and took Lula Belle to get some exposure and socialization. When we got home and Karma had eaten a hole in the door to get out of the house. Not just a hole big enough to get out, but most of the lower half of the door was gone. She knew we were going to play disc and she did not think it was fair for us to go without her.
HCFDC: For those who might be looking to adopt or foster a potential disc dog, what characteristics or attributes should they consider in a dog?
LG: Drive and focus are needed. I am all about adopting.
HCFDC: How many disc dogs is too many for one person to have?
LG: That is a personal/finical issue, If you have the time/money and interest it's up to you.
HCFDC: What advice do you have for those just starting out in disc dog competitions?
LG: Just remember it's all about having fun with the dogs, winning is icing on the cake.
HCFDC: How do you know when it is time to retire a dog from disc dog activities?
LG: I have not reached that point yet, but I think you just have to consider the dog and its health.
HCFDC: What can you tell us about the future of the Houston Canine Frisbee Dog Club?
LG: I hope it continues to grow. For some it is something to do when they have time and for others it is a passion. I hope we have more members who it becomes a passion for.
HCFDC: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
LG: Just remember have fun with your dogs as often as you can, they give us their all, and they are only here for a short while.
HCFDC: Thanks for your time and for sharing your disc dog experiences with us. You are a great leader for our organization and we appreciate all you do.