Sports for Dogs

CaniX

Ever heard of CaniX? It is a form of cross country running with your dog. It is appropriate for any size of dog, big or small. To do CaniX with your dog, you will need a running harness, a flexible lead and a walking belt. CaniX is a great way to get exercise for you and for your dog at the same time. CaniX UK says that you should aim for 30 minutes of running with your dog five times a week. The idea is to get your dog to pull you to run faster. There are worldwide CaniX clubs around that hold races that you can participate in.

Bikejoring

Bikejoring is a dog mushing activity where a dog or team of dogs is attached to a harness that pulls you and your bicycle behind them. Any breed of dog can be used, but the most popular breeds for bikejoring include Pit Bulls, Huskies, Samoyeds, Malamutes, Sled Hounds and Pointers. Bikejoring is usually done cross country on soft trails. Just like CaniX, you can participate in bikejoring races.

Rally Obedience

Also known as Rally-O, rally obedience is a sport where the dog and handler work together to complete a course that has been designed by the judge. In this competition, they go through about 10 or 20 stations where there are tasks assigned to be completed. The team moves at their own pace, completing various obedience tasks. Judges observe the performance of the team and keep a scorecard accordingly. Rally trials are held by the American Kennel Club who has specific requirements for participation. For more information, visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Flyball

Flyball is a relay race for dogs. You are part of a team of four other dogs. Your dog has to race over a series of jumps on a 51-foot course. There are 4 hurdles that the dog must jump over. He then triggers the release of the ball, has to retrieve the ball and race back to the start/finish line. The next dog then repeats the process. This dog sport started in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s in Southern California. The first flyball tournament was held in 1983 in the United States. To learn more, visit the North American Flyball Association.

Disc Dog

Also known as Frisbee dog, disc dog is where the trainer works with the dog, throwing the Frisbee for him to catch. Distance catching is involved, as well as freestyle catching, which is throwing with a few tricks included. Contestants are given 60 seconds to make as many throws as they can, on a field that has increasingly longer distances. Dogs receive points for catches based on the distance of the throw, with mid-air catches getting extra points. This dog sport got its start in the early 1970’s.

Agility 

A sport of racing against the clock, agility involves your dog navigating a challenging obstacle course, with you guiding him. Agility can be a high-paced running sport for handlers as well as dogs. Agility can be done just for fun, or competitively. Dog agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports of our time. As a lot of running and jumping are involved, you want to make sure that your dog is okay to participate in a sport that is hard on their joints. To be suited for agility, your dog should not mind being around dogs or other people. This is because competitions often involves hundreds of dogs and their handlers. As competitions are off lead, an agility dog must be under control at all times and be able to respond to basic obedience commands. In order to perform agility, the dog needs to be motivated by something they like, such as food or a tennis ball.

Would you train your dog for one of these?

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