About Dog Sports
What Are Dog Sports?
Dog sports are activities built around your dog’s natural abilities, like running, jumping, chasing, and using their nose. They range widely in how much training they take. FastCAT, a timed 100 yard dash, needs almost no preparation. Nosework can be learned at home or online. Agility usually calls for an in person training facility and a year or more of practice.
Tens of thousands of events are held across the US each year, where your dog can put those skills to work in a competition, often called a “trial.” You and your dog can earn ribbons, certificates, and titles by placing first, second, or third, or by completing the course successfully under the rules of the sport. Each time you qualify, your dog moves up to the next level of difficulty.
Beyond competitions, many clubs hold practice events in a trial like setting, or simply for fun. Every sport has its own name for these. You might hear them called a Fun Run in lure coursing, a Sniff ‘n’ Go in nosework, or a Fun Match in agility.
How Much Time Do These Sports Take?
When my son started grade school, we tried a variety of after school activities. Soccer was a favorite, with one weekday practice and a game on the weekend. Dog sports turned out to be much the same. I read up on the different sports, classes, and trainers, figured out what my dog enjoyed and excelled at, and settled into a rhythm of about one practice a week, with a little extra at home, plus an occasional trial or event on the weekend.
What Are the Benefits?
There are many reasons to try a dog sport. It is a great outlet for physical and mental exercise, and learning new skills together is wonderful bonding time. It builds trust, and you and your furry partner learn to read each other.
Types of Dog Sports
- Agility
- Dock Diving
- Flyball
- Rally
- Disc Dog