Although we think of dog sport competitions as fairly recent events, they are probably as old as time. Picture a group of dog owners congregating in a meadow many centuries ago. You know what comes next….a discussion of whose dog is the best. Voila! Competition dog sports are born. Today, we have a wide variety of activities available for dogs and their owners. Whether you are looking for an event in which you show off your dog’s natural talents or you want to demonstrate precision teamwork, there is a dog sport for you.
There are a multitude of reasons that explain why people enjoy competing with their dog. Some like to have a physical activity they can do with their canine companion. Others thrive on competition and want to demonstrate their dog’s skills. For most of us, we find it’s pure unadulterated fun. Regardless of your reason for becoming involved in dog sports, you’ll discover an enriched relationship with your four-legged partner. The enhanced relationship alone is reason enough to get involved in dog sports.
If you like active endeavors, Agility is one of the fastest growing competition dog sports in the nation. It’s the ultimate game for you and your dog. In agility, the dog and handler team race the clock as they negotiate an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other obstacles. Dogs of all breeds and sizes, as well as handlers of all ages, can compete in agility.
Flyball is another active sport for dog and handler teams. In flyball, teams of four dogs perform a relay race at lightening speeds. The dogs race over hurdles to a box at the end of the lane to retrieve a ball and then dash back to their owners. The owners get almost as much exercise in this sport as they cheer the dogs on encouraging faster and faster runs.
For a sport that is as much fun to watch as it is to participate in, take a look at Disc Dogs. Disc dog teams perform incredible stunts as the dogs soar through the air to catch a flying disc. You can’t help but appreciate the teamwork involved perfecting these routines.
Dock Diving may well be the favorite sport of all water-loving dog breeds. In their minds, what could be better than a pool, a bumper to retrieve, and someone to throw it for you? The top winning Dock Dogs launch themselves from a dock to land in the water more than 30 feet away. Dock diving is not just for the young, big dogs. Tiny tots and senior dogs have their divisions as well. Watch the looks on the dogs’ faces and you’ll agree…they think dock diving is the supreme weekend outing.
Love music, love dance, love dogs? Then canine freestyle may be exactly what you are looking for. Choreographed sequences set to music showcase the team’s expertise as they perform intricate routines based on obedience training, tricks and dance moves.
Are you a perfectionist? If so, check out Obedience and Rally. These two popular dog sports turn training and movement into the art of precision training and handling. Dog and handler teams complete a series of specific exercises. The team is judged on the accuracy of execution the exercises and the excitement of the dog while working.
For those who love to see the dogs do what comes naturally, many competition dog sports have been developed to take advantage of instinctive traits. Tracking and Nosework will appeal to those dogs who love to use their sense of smell. For dogs that love the chase, lure coursing provides a safe outlet in which natural prey drive takes over as dogs chase a lure through the fields. There are activities that match each style of hunting for retrievers, spaniels, pointers, and hounds. Terriers will love the Earth Dog and Barn hunt events. Herding dogs love to compete as they move cattle, sheep, and even ducks through gates and across pastures. Sledding, skijoring, and carting are favorite sports for the dogs that love to pull. No matter what your dog’s natural instincts tell him to do, there is a sport that will allow him to take advantage of what nature gave him.
Whether you decide to actively compete in dog sports or just enjoy training what comes naturally to you and your dog, the connection that you have with your dog will become stronger. Training and competing with your dog is fun. Spending time with your best friend is priceless.
