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Dog sports and competitions: A fun and active lifestyle for your furry friend


Dog sports and competitions: A fun and active lifestyle for your furry friend

Dogs are naturally athletic creatures, and they love to have fun. Dog sports and competitions are a great way to bond with your dog, provide them with exercise and mental stimulation, and challenge them to learn new skills.


There are many different types of dog sports and competitions available, so there is sure to be one that is a good fit for your dog's personality and interests. Some of the most popular dog sports include:

  • Agility: Dogs race through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, ramps, and other challenges.

  • Obedience: Dogs perform a variety of commands, such as sit, stay, come, and heel.

  • Rally: Dogs and handlers navigate a course of obedience signs, completing each exercise as they go.

  • Tracking: Dogs use their sense of smell to follow a scent trail.

  • Herding: Dogs herd livestock, such as sheep or cattle.

  • Lure coursing: Dogs chase a mechanical lure around a track.

  • Schutzhund/IGP, PSA, Mondioring, French Ring and more: Dogs demonstrate advanced levels of obedience, protection, and other advanced training capabilities.

In addition to these traditional dog sports, there are also a number of newer and more unique competitions available, such as:


Barn hunt: Dogs search for rats hidden in hay bales.

  • Dock diving: Dogs jump off of a dock into a pool of water to retrieve a toy.

  • Freestyle: Dogs and handlers perform a choreographed routine of tricks and dances.

  • Nosework: Dogs use their sense of smell to find hidden targets.

If you are interested in getting involved in dog sports and competitions, there are a few things you need to do to get started:

  1. Choose a sport that is a good fit for your dog's personality and interests.

  2. Find a qualified club, trainer or instructor to help you get started.

  3. Socialize your dog to other dogs and people.

  4. Practice regularly.

Once you and your dog are ready, you can start competing in local events. There are also a number of regional and national competitions held throughout the year.


Dog sports and competitions are a great way to bond with your dog, provide them with exercise and mental stimulation, and challenge them to learn new skills. If you are looking for a fun and active lifestyle for your furry friend, dog sports are a great option to consider.


Here are some tips for following a dog lifestyle and activities:

  • Provide your dog with regular exercise. Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Dog sports are a great way to give your dog the exercise they need, but you can also take them for walks, runs, or hikes.

  • Feed your dog a healthy diet. A healthy diet will give your dog the energy they need to be active and participate in dog sports. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food for your dog's individual needs. Also discuss with them when you should be feeding your dog (IE: not before physical activities or directly after).

  • Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. This will help to ensure that your dog is healthy and fit to participate in dog sports.

  • Socialize your dog. It is important to socialize your dog to other dogs and people, especially if you plan to compete in dog sports. This will help your dog to be comfortable in new environments and around new people.

  • Have fun! Dog sports and activities should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. If you are not having fun, your dog probably isn't either.

If you are looking for a fun and active lifestyle for your dog, dog sports are a great option to consider. There are many different types of dog sports available, so there is sure to be one that is a good fit for your dog's personality and interests.



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We LOVE Lure Coursing. Both Course Ability and FastCat.

Our girls took to it immediately. I encourage anyone that has the slightest bit of interest to try it.

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