Beyond Fetch: Other Canine Activities

When people think of dog activities probably one of the first things that comes to mind is a dog show. Another thing that pops into many minds is playing fetch in the backyard.
Well, there are many more activities open to all dogs than people realize! Regardless of the size or background of your dog, there is some activity that you can do for fun or outright competition. Some sports are group specific like terrier trials while others are open to any dog. Lets look at some of the options you have that go beyond fetch.

Why should we allow our dogs to express themselves? Aren’t they happy just being pets? Well, yes and no. Dogs are often very happy being our companion, but many breeds have a long heritage of doing something and would really like something do to with their human by their side. Domestics dogs were used by humans for many functions, allow a dog to use the brain he was born with helps alleviate boredom, is good for the health of the dog (and human) and tightens the bond between man and beast.


Now, let’s look at some of the dog sports available to you!

Obedience is open to both purebreds and the United Kennel Club has opened it to crosses as well (American Kennel Club is for purebreds only). Starting with basic Novice and going up to Utility and even to Obedience Trial Championships, Obedience tests the dog and handler working as a team. As dogs advance, they get tested over jumps and later scent articles. Basic Obedience is also a strong background for many sports and is a great way to build a working relationship with your dog.

Agility is open to any dog of any breed or cross. It combines speed and accuracy over a series of obstacles. Jumps, tunnels, weave poles, A-frames and many others are combines to test the skill of dog and human. The more advanced the dog, the harder the course. Though some of the most common breeds in Agility are Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Jack Russell Terriers, any dog or cross can compete.

Tracking is another sport open to all dogs. A track is laid and the dog’s ability to follow it is tested. Some breeds, scent hounds, were bred specifically for tracking, but any dog has the capabilities.

Lure Coursing is for sight hounds like Afghans, Basenjis, Greyhounds, Whippets, Borzois and the other sight hound breeds. A fake lure (generally white plastic bags) is pulled across a set course to mimic fleeing prey. The dog’s ability to follow the lure and time it takes are judged.

Field Trials, Hunt Tests and Coonhound Tests mimic hunting scenarios for those with sporting breeds.

Herding tests are designed to allow herding breed to do what they were bred for.

Earthdog Trials give smaller terriers and Dachshunds a chance to show off their old hunting skills.

Weight Pulling and Sledding (and the less familiar Skijoring) show off strength and endurance.

Schutzhund is a combination of protection, tracking and obedience that requires a very stable dog and handler.

Flying Disc competitions allow a dog to show agility, speed and accuracy – as well as some great gymnastics.

Freestyle Obedience – also called Dancing with you dog – takes basic heeling work to a new high! If you like to dance and would like to include your dog, try this sport.


GETTING STARTED
Getting started in a sport is as easy as clicking your mouse or picking up the phone. Many local kennel clubs have members who are involved in sports. The American Kennel Club and United Kennel Clubs have lists of various local and all-breed clubs. Many sports have their own parent clubs with multiple smaller clubs all over the country. Here is a list of various places to help get you started! If you are not in the United States, check with your national dog registry or local kennel clubs for information on dog activities available to you!

Multi-Sports (Obedience, Agility, Herding, Lure Coursing, Earthdog, various hunt tests)

The American Kennel Club www.akc.org
5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-3390

United Kennel Club, Inc. www.ukcdogs.com
100 E. Kilgore Rd,
Kalamazoo, MI 49002-5584
(Crossbreeds in some sports are allowed)


Agility

United States Dog Agility Association, www.usdaa.com
PO Box 850955
Richardson, Texas 75085-0955
(All dogs)

North American Dog Agility Council, Inc. www.nadac.com
HCR 2 Box 277
St Maries, ID 83861
(all dogs)


Lure Coursing

American Sighthound Field Association, www.asfa.org


Weight Pulling

International Weight Pull Association, www.eskimo.com/~samoyed/iwpa


Earthdog

American Working Terrier Association, www.dirt-dog.com/awta


Freestyle

Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc., www.canine-freestyle.org/


Schutzhund

DVG America, www.dvgamerica.com
An All Breed Schutzhund Organization


Flying Disc

International Disc Dog Handlers Association, www.iddha.com