Dog Sports for Every Breed
Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved
by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's
life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports
that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his
breed, of course.
Agility
This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e.,
contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her
handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and
body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major
requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy
are the names of this game.
Carting
Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly
involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like
firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It
is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is
well-known and practiced all over the world.
Frisbee Dog
Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a
dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a
choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The
division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the
handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most
popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.
Flyball
This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against
each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount
four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other.
Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball
that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is
spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective
handlers while carrying the ball.
Scootering
It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter
in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport
done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves
fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter
is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear
harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.
Sheepdog Trial
Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog
sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a
field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their
handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more
popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia
and other farming nations.
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