A major plus of owning a furry friend is enjoying quality time together. If you’re looking for a new or fun activity to do together, try dog sports! There’s truly quite like the bonding and excitement that comes with this type of canine training.
Dog sports may provide a plethora of benefits to your pup including obedience training, improving their overall agility, providing mental stimulation, and that’s only the beginning.
When your four-legged friend is involved in some sort of dog sport, they may have a new found energy boost or pip in their step. You may find them glued to the dog event shows while you’re even making dinner. Maybe they’re dreaming of their turn up on the big screen next?
How to Start Your Dog in Sports
Dog sports are a great way to teach your puppers new skills. Since you and your pup need strong teamwork skills for this type of activity, you both deserve all the credit! Canine training requires dedication and continued persistence from you and your furry friend.
First things first, competition is not equal among all events in dog sports. You should be abl eto find an area that fits perfectly with what your pup can participate in, no matter what their current or soon-to-be skill level may be.
Head to the internet and look into obedience training and competitions as well as other dog sporting events that may be nearby. What are the entry requirements? Is owner handling involved?
If you’re wanting more information that what the internet can provide, try and find a local dog sporting event near you to see first-hand ‘what’s the 411?’. It may also be a solid idea to join your local brand of the American Kennel Club (AKC). This club can offer resources, group class information, and a wide array of different dog sports and events.
This is where you’ll most likely find out just when and how your doggo can compete in specific dog sports. You may even be able to connect with other doggos and their owners through the website. Something to quickly note though, your pet must be an AKC registered dog prior to taking part in an AKC competition.
Once you’ve picked a dog sporting event you want to try, start off low and slow with fido. DOn’t get too frustrated if they aren’t catching on quickly or if they aren’t really interested in the first place.
Not all doggos take a loving to the same dog sports – some may prefer one activity or skill over another. Trial and error may be your best friend in this case.
How Do I Train my Dog?
When you’re teaching your doggo new tricks, or in this case, a new sport, it’s crucial that you continue to use positive reinforcement at all times. This is a key training method that is employed by dog trainers who have made a fruitful career in dog sports.
When all is said and done, your pup only wants to please you, every time. They get so happy when you encourage them and praise them, maybe even reward them with yummy treats too. You dog may feel nervous about making mistakes and may be discouraged or scared to try something new again, cheer them on!
Praise and practice will win! Whether your pup is entering an informal competition or a more formal event that requires a certain entering standard, keep in mind that you’re both there for a bonding and enjoyable experience. This is a time for you and fido to relax and have fun!
What Sport is Best for Your Dog?
Here’s where the juicy goodness comes to play! What sports or activities does your pup already love to do? Do they love to play fetch? Run fast? Swim? Maybe they are the first to sprint around the dog park as fast as they can get off that leash.
Knowing what your pup already likes and enjoys can help guide you towards a dog sport that they may enjoy and perform well at.
In today’s day and age, there are so many trials and events available to canines. More and more innovative dog sports are being offered yearly. Here are some dog sports that may benefit you and your pup! Check out the deets below.
1. Water Sports
Does your pup love water? Jumps right in every chance they can get? If yes is your answer, your pup may do well in a sport called dock diving or splash dogs. Each dog gets a running start along a water dock while their owner pitches an object out into the water for the doggo to get.
The purpose of this sport is to see which dog can jump the farthest off the dock. The owners should attempt to throw the ball as far as possible here. If your dog is an English Setter or Irish Steer, for example, their breed may be very well suited for this type of sport.
2. Obedience Sports
One of the most traditional and oldest sports around: obedience training. The AKC hosts numerous obedience events every year. Although the rules are changing as time continues, the core of the sport comes down to your dog’s ability to follow commands.
For instance, your dog is judged on how quickly they can respond to a task when they are asked to sit, jump, go, heel, or perform certain tasks. A dog who can respond right away with laser focus may do really well here.
