Dog sports: A great bonding tool for you and your pup!
Dogs don’t have to be athletic or “purebred” to be a star in doggie sports. There are plenty of canine sports that do exercise the body, but there are also several that primarily exercise the mind! Some sports are strictly for purebred dogs, but there are many that now allow mixed-breed dogs. If you have a canine pal that is longing for an extracurricular activity, check out these activities to pursue with your pup.
AKC Conformation
This is the most well known of the dogs sports. In this event, dogs go head to head based primarily on looks and conformation. These competitions for formed to keep the breeding of purebred dogs to a standard, so your dog must be purebred to compete. In this, your dog will be placed into a category based on its breed: sporting, hound, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and miscellaneous. There are also different classes based on both age and experience. Your dog will be judged based on how they relate to the “breed standard” as outlined by the AKC. Dogs will receive points that assist in obtaining titles for the dog. For more information, visit the AKC Conformation site.
AKC Rally Obedience
AKC Rally is all about having fun with your dog. You and your dog will not be competing against other dogs, but will be instead held to a standard. AKC Rally involves a course made of signs that give you different tasks to do with your dog. A typical course will include things such as having your dog sit while you walk around him; having your dog heel; and having your dog lay down while you walk away. All dogs will start off with 100 points and will receive deductions if necessary. You must finish the course with at least 70 points to qualify. There are multiple levels of Rally, but at the most basic level (novice) dogs may be on leash (although it must be loose!). Mixed breed dogs can still participate in this sport. One of the main things that is fabulous about Rally is that the dog must display a willingness to work and enjoyment while competing! Owners may also talk and encourage their dogs physically while competing. Learn more about AKC Rally.
Obedience
Obedience is similar to Rally, but stricter. Mixed breed dogs may participate in obedience. There is a big focus on accuracy and precision. Dogs are held to a standard and must make a certain number of points to qualify. At the most basic level, dogs are judged on good canine companion skills including heeling both on and off leash, coming when called, standing for examination and solid sits and downs both alone and around dogs. You may not talk to your dog during the trials, but may use hand signals. More information about AKC Obedience.
Field
Field events include many different sports for many different dogs. Pointers, Retrievers, Spaniels, and Hounds compete in hunt tests and field trials, while herding breeds participate in herding competitions, sighthounds participate in lure coursing tests and earthdogs (small terriers and dachshunds) participate in earthdog tests. Only purebred dogs may participate in field. These competitions are different and unique, but test the dog’s ability to perform a task with precision. More information on field.
Agility
Agility is one of the most physical and exciting sports for both you and your dog. In agility, dogs run a course made up of jumps, tunnels, bridges, and other fun objects. This activity not only strengthens the bond between you and your dog, but provides mental and physical stimulation for your canine companion. Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in the United States! Mixed-breed dogs are allowed to compete in Agility trials. Agility is a time and fault sport and there are multiple levels to compete in. More information on agility.
Tracking
Tracking gives a new meaning to your dog’s nose! In this sport, dogs track articles (such as a glove or wallet) based on scent alone. As the dog becomes more experienced, they will have to track scents that make multiple turns over a large distance! This sport is open to mixed breed dogs, but as it becomes more popular spaces become more limited. More information on tracking.
Dock Dogs
A favorite among the Sit Means Sit family, Dock Dogs is a canine competition where dogs run off a dock and jump into a pool of water. Dogs can be judged on three things: vertical height, distance in the air, and speed of the retrieve of an object at the end of the pool. Sit Means Sit Austin actually offers an introductory class for Dock Dogs during the warmer months. Check our calendar for more information, and for more information on the overall sport, check out: www.dockdogs.com
Whatever you decide to do with your dog, don’t forget to exercise both his mind and body! Dogs love to be challenged and also love to have a job… and dog sports are one of many ways to accomplish those goals. Also, there are other clubs that do similar types of activities but might have a better schedule or location for you. Or may take mixed breeds where another club might not. So check out the type of activity that sounds good and then research options.
Obedience is Key!
Any of these activities require good obedience. If your dog does not have good obedience, then everything else she tries to learn and you try to do with her will be more difficult. Also, a good obedience program teaches your dog to like to learn, and to work with you, and pay more attention to you, making learning anything new easier and more fun. Please call or email us so we can help you with getting that obedience solid!