We’re always looking for new things to introduce to our dogs that we think they would enjoy doing. We want to find activities that not only give our pups exercise and an outlet for their energy, but also something that is mentally stimulating as well. One way that we can give our dogs this great combination is through competitive dog sports. These are great ways for your dog to showcase their natural abilities and also is something that the two of you can work on and train for together. Your dog will love getting to try out these new skills and work hard at something and you’ll get to watch them grow and improve. Here are a few activities that you can try out with your pup!
Nosework Training for Your Dog
Nosework (or sometimes called scent work) is a somewhat new activity for dogs. This sport harnesses our dogs’ amazing sense of smell, which is often used for professional use in drug or bomb detection, as well as for rescuing humans. This sport is great for dogs of any breed, age, etc. (as long as they can smell) since all dogs are naturally so great at it!
There are likely different organizations that host Nosework competitions in your area. They’ll all be slightly different but be along the same lines. Your dog will need to detect three odors – birch, anise, and clove. These odors will be hidden from view in different locations: interiors, such as inside a building, exteriors (outside), vehicles, and in different containers like boxes, bags, etc.). Your pup will be given a set amount of time to go into the area and search for where the scent is coming from. Owners play an important part in Nosework competitions, because you will need to distinguish when your dog has found something through the body language and then alert. This makes the activity even more fun because it is a bond between the two of you. Awards are won on a pass/fail scale instead of speed.
There are plenty of videos and tools to help you train your dog to get better at this and it is easy to do in your own home, by hiding things around the house. Every dog will love getting to try it out and every kind of dog is great for it!
Flyball Dog Training
If your dog loves fetch or they love their ball toys more than anything, Flyball is a perfect competition for them. Its very fast paced and great for dogs that have a lot of energy and need lots of exercise. Here’s how it works: two teams of four dogs will race side by side on a 51 foot long course. Each dog runs the length. As they do, they will have to jump over hurdles. Then at the end they retrieve a ball from a Flyball box and then run back to the beginning of the course. Then the next dog goes. The winner of the race is the team that has all 4 dogs finish the fastest.
Flyball requires a little more agility and ability than Nosework. Your dog needs to be able to jump over hurdles and run fast, making it great for very fit dogs that love being outside and running around. Your pup also needs to get along with other dogs well, and be very friendly and socialized.
Barn Hunt Training
Another game that is equally fun for you and your dog is Barn Hunt. This competition takes place in a barn or fenced-in area, using hay bales as a maze with tunnels and other obstacles. Your dog goes through the maze to find a rat that is hidden somewhere in the hay. Barn Hunt is great for dogs that love to search and hunt, and are prey-driven. If your dog loves to bring your back “gifts” from your yard, they’d probably be great. Physically, your dog needs to be able to fit through the 18 inch opening of the two bales of hay and be comfortable climbing and tunneling. Depending on the level of difficulty, there will be 1 or more rats hidden, that neither you or your dog know. The dogs are given a certain time limit to find the rat and are scored on their navigation of the course, speed, and agility.
These are all great sports to increase your pup’s skills and for the two of you to bond. These are all things you can practice at work and get better at as a team. Good luck! Looking for professional dog training in Denver? We can help,
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