If you're anything like me, your dog isn't just a pet; they're your partner in adventure, your loyal running buddy, and the furry confidant who never misses a chance to join in on your active lifestyle. Today, I'm here to introduce you to a world where you and your four-legged athlete can not only compete together but have an absolute blast while doing it.
From high-energy sprints to synchronized dance routines, there's a dog sport out there for every duo. The bond between people and their dogs is truly remarkable, and it's something we can celebrate by exploring these ten exhilarating dog sports. Not only will you and your pup have the time of your lives, but you'll also strengthen your connection and create lasting memories.
The Benefits of Dog Sports
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each sport, let's talk about why you should consider giving dog sports a shot.
Imagine a scenario where your daily run becomes a thrilling canicross race, or your post-workday stress relief is transformed into a fun-filled game of canine freestyle dancing. These sports offer more than just exercise – they're a chance to bond with your furry friend on a whole new level.
Agility: Navigating the Obstacle Course
Agility is like doggy parkour, and it's a great way for you and your dog to unleash your inner athletes. The sport involves guiding your pup through a timed obstacle course, testing their agility, speed, and obedience.
There are different venues that you can compete in that give you different obstacles in each. AKC is what most people think of when they think agility, but in the US, we have UKC, UKI, NADAC, AKC, CPE, and USDAA. I'm using the acronyms cause that's how you can find the styles fastest if you search AKC Agility, NADAC Agility, etc.
Agility is one of the longer sports before you see any competition. You can expect to train for about 2 years to get the fundamentals down if you want to compete on a high level with a medium sized dog. For health and safety reasons you typically cannot compete a dog before they are 18 months old.
Canine Freestyle Dancing: Dancing with Your Dog
If you've ever felt the urge to dance around the living room with your dog, then canine freestyle dancing is your stage. This sport combines music, choreography, and your dog's innate grace (or lack thereof), creating a harmonious dance routine.
Freestyle Dancing is also called Heelwork to Music Freestyle. A wonderful combination of tricks, heelwork, and camaraderie between human and their dog. If you want to look up amazing performances, I think Crufts YouTube channel has the best camera angles for really cool tricks. Personally Jen and Daquri are one of my favorite performances as is the 2018 International Freestyle winner Lucie Plevova & Jump.
Flyball: The Ultimate Relay Race
Flyball is like the Olympics for dogs. It's a relay race where teams of four dogs leap over hurdles, trigger a spring-loaded box to release a tennis ball, and then race back with their prize.
While it's gaining traction stateside, we are no where near as competitive as they are in the UK in this sport. With Belgium being the top team for the last two years at the Crufts Flyball competition. They broke their old record from 2022 this year running the race in 14.16 seconds and their team name is Roadrunners Beep Beep which I love so so so much as a team name. The cool part though, we are getting more and more clubs starting this sport. This is another sport that will take a decent amount of training and focus from your dog as it is not only a team relay, you are competing against another team of dogs only a few yards away from you and the energy in the space is not a perfect fit for all dogs.
Disc Dog: Catching Air with Canine Frisbee
When it comes to fun and athleticism, few sports rival the excitement of disc dog, a.k.a. canine Frisbee. This high-flying sport takes your favorite game of catch to a whole new level, and it's a perfect way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with your energetic pup.
I was introduced to disc dog by TikTok specifically the user @fairlyodddogs. About a year later Merle started to show interest in the sport. We started with me holding the Frisbee out so he could grab at it then play a bit of tug, then I started changing the height I'd hold it at so he'd have to think about how to get it, as his confidence grew I started letting go of the Frisbee right before he got it (I later learned at a clinic we went to hosted by @SmokingGunsWorkingDogs that these are called tossers. At that same clinic I got an actual disc dog Frisbee, the difference being they are a bit shallower and much less sharp on the edges than one you'd get at the dollar store or pet store. I also learned how to throw rollers and was introduced to the part of the sport that combines disc and agility and we got Merle to go through a tunnel for the first time ever! As your dog gains confidence and you learn new skills you can continue to add in tricks and start adding distance to the throws.
Dock Diving: Making a Splash
If your dog loves the water and has a passion for leaping into lakes, rivers, or swimming pools, then dock diving might be their dream sport. Dock diving, also known as "dock jumping," is all about making a splash and celebrating your dog's natural instincts.
Dock diving competitions typically involve a dog running along a dock and leaping as far as possible into the water to retrieve a toy. The distance a dog can jump is measured, and each jump is more impressive than the last.
My first experience with dock diving was as a kid at the State Fair. I want to say Purina had brought a dock out and was showing off their jumpers. All I remember was being enthralled by this concept and it was hot. Middle of July in Missouri, so it hadn't rained in a couple weeks and was probably in the 90s daily. The gate stewards let me hang around the whole day when I wasn't in the goat showing arena and they even let me get in the pool to help dogs get their confidence up to jump.
Last year I learned that Dock Diving (NADD) nationals is held in Springfield every year at the same time as BarnHunt nationals so I went and got to watch some of the best jumpers in the world. I cannot describe the energy at the fairgrounds that week. It was absolutely insane.
Canicross: Running Together
If you're a passionate runner and your dog has boundless energy, canicross might be your perfect match. This exciting sport involves running or hiking with your pup by your side, connected through a specially designed harness and a waist belt. It's not just a way to keep fit together; it's a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
This is a sport that you do not want to start without a plan. One get vet clearance as your dog's growth plates need to be closed before you run so you don't risk damaging joints in the long term, then just as humans do, dog's ligaments and joints need to have time to build up to distances. You wouldn't go run a half-marathon without proper training, so asking your dog to go from 0 to a 5k is also dangerous. They can injure their legs, hips or shoulders. And CCL tears or hip problems are no joke. Just like humans dogs need to stretch out and cool down after a run and have a good warm-up beforehand.
If possible you want to have the dogs run on grass more, but you may have a dog like mine that prefers the paved paths, if that's the case, just keep an eye on their gate and check paws after every run to make sure they are not showing any pain or injuries. A cut paw pad can bleed like you wouldn't believe. For safety always have water on you, if your dog starts to over heat, get their paws and belly wet and have them lay in the shade until they tell you they are good to go. Even Dolly as crazy drivey as she is, had to stop for multiple breaks on a training run when it was about 90 degrees out. So they will tell you, but if you can catch it and get them to slow down and take a break before a possible emergency happens that is always the preferred way to handle heat. I haven't had them run in the snow yet, but it's going to be a similar process, but you may want to look into how cold your area gets and how to make sure your dog is properly adjusted to the temperature and when it is too cold to have them out running based on their breed.
Getting started in canicross is easy. All you need is a good-quality harness and belt, and you're ready to hit the trails. With the wind in your hair and your dog as your trusty sidekick, you'll experience the joys of the great outdoors like never before.
Lure Coursing: The Thrill of the Chase
Is your dog a natural-born hunter, always chasing after squirrels in the backyard? If so, lure coursing could be the ideal outlet for their instincts. This exciting sport simulates the thrill of the chase, letting your dog pursue a mechanized lure with all the intensity and excitement they desire.
Lure coursing is a sport that has its roots in hunting, but it's been adapted for the safety and enjoyment of both dogs and their owners. The lure, typically a white plastic bag, zooms across a field, while dogs chase after it, demonstrating their incredible speed and agility.
Lure coursing is not just about the chase; it's also about celebrating your dog's natural instincts and athleticism. It's a sport that provides both physical and mental stimulation, making it perfect for dogs of all breeds.
If you can't find a lure coursing race or club near you to try, check out the smaller version called FastCAT. It's essentially the dog 100 meter dash. Same concept, dog chases the lure and we see how fast they go. For FastCAT you will need 2 people or if you don't have another person, be ready to make a new friend at the trial. You will also need 2 leashes. One person releases the dog and the second catches them at the end, since it's not a loop like most lure coursing courses are, each person will need a leash.
Dog Surfing: Riding the Waves
If you and your water-loving pup are seeking an exhilarating adventure, look no further than dog surfing. Whether you're by the coast, a lake, or even a pool, dog surfing allows your furry friend to ride the waves and celebrate their athletic spirit.
Now I live in Missouri, so everything I know about dog surfing is from watching videos, but there's this lab who I follow on IG @rippinrosiedog who absolutely loves the sport and surfing with her human. My theory is the Missouri version of this would be wake-board riding, which I'm not sure how safe that would be since you're decently close to the boat and that could go bad fast.
Dog surfing is a celebration of your dog's love for the water, their balance, and their boundless energy. It's not about winning competitions; it's about sharing unforgettable moments of riding the waves together.
Unleash the Athlete in You and Your Dog
As we wrap up our journey through these ten exhilarating dog sports, it's clear that the bond between us and our dogs is something truly special. We've explored a world of excitement, athleticism, and connection that goes beyond the typical walks in the park. Whether your dog is a high-energy Border Collie, an agile Labrador, an alert Yorkie, or an adventurous Husky, there's a dog sport that can bring out the best in both of you.
Remember, it's not about winning medals or accolades; it's about embracing the journey, enjoying the experiences, and celebrating the unique connection you share with your four-legged companion. These sports allow you to strengthen that bond, share unforgettable moments, and keep both you and your dog physically and mentally engaged.
These sports not only keep you and your pup active and engaged but also help you create lasting memories. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to stay safe, take things at your own pace, and, most importantly, have fun.
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