Ask Stetson
By Tonya Landon
Ask Stetson
Q. I watched a TV show about dogs playing in a sport called “Agility.” I am wondering if my dog would like to try something like that. He isn’t a purebred but likes to play. How do I get started? – Fred
A. Humans have the privilege of leaving the house and going to work, socializing with friends, and going and doing fun things. We are our dog’s world, and it is up to us to make sure the dogs in our care live fulfilled lives emotionally, physically and mentally.
One way to help enrich your dog’s life is becoming involved in a dog sport. There is a dog sport for almost every type of dog: tall or short, slow or fast, purebred or mixed. Joining a dog sport will give your dog something to do, create a closer bond between you and your dog, and enrich both of your lives. Many people worry that they have to go professional in a dog sport, but you don’t. Most people participate in dog sports just for fun. But you never know: you may try a sport and find your dog has a hidden talent to go pro!
Here are the most popular dog sports to check into:
- Agility: Parkour
- Barn Hunt
- Canine Freestyle
- Carting: Weight Pulling, Carts
- Competition Obedience
- Conformation Showing
- Disc Dog: Frisbee
- Dock Jumping
- Dog Hiking, Pack Hiking
- Earthdog Trials
- Field Trials
- Flyball Racing: Catchball
- Herding: Sheepdog, Stockdog, Treibball
- Lure Coursing (see “Lure Coursing” on page __ for additional information)
- Mushing: Wheelchair, Scootering, Skijoring, Skateboarding, Canicross, Bikejoring
- Nosework: Mantrailing, Scent or Tracking
- Protection Sports: Schutzhund, French Ring, KNPV
- Rally Obedience
- Retrieving Trials
- Sighthound Racing
- Water Work/Rescue
There is a sport for pretty much any dog that is healthy and active. Do you have a herding breed? Look into sports that include herding, hiking, agility, rally, and treibball. Do you have a spunky terrier? Look into earthdog or barn hunt. Some great sports for fast or high-energy dogs include lure coursing, skijouring, flyball, bikejouring, and canicross. Have a dog that is more serious? Look into nosework, obedience trials, agility, or protection sports. Do you have a strong dog that loves to pull? Check into weight pulling, mushing, carting, or skateboarding. Have a retriever? Try dock diving, retrieving trials, disc dog, or water work. Your dog will love you for it!
