The world of dog sports has really taken off in the last 10 years and there’s a sport for just about every type of dog. Training for one of the dog sports is a fabulous way to bond with your dog, and it’s great exercise — for you and your dog.
There are over 50 recognized dog sports active in the United States. A few of the more popular and unique ones are described below.
Agility: An obstacle course for dogs where a handler directs the dog through tunnels, over hurdles and across teeter-totters. Each course is different and the team is judged on speed and accuracy.
Disc dog: Humans throw Frisbee-like discs for the dogs to catch. Various events, such as longest catch and freestyle, allow dogs to grow in the sport.
Dock Diving: Dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water. Handlers throw a toy into the water to get the dog to jump for it.
Flyball: Basically a relay race with four dogs on a team. Dogs race over hurdles to a tennis ball launcher, catch the ball and return to their owner with the ball. Then the next dog on the team goes.
Freestyle: Dancing with dogs — creative obedience and dance moves set to music with the dog and handler competing as a team.
Herding trials: Dogs, directed by their handlers, move sheep around a field, fences and gates.
Lure coursing: Dogs chase a mechanical lure across a field. The course mimics that of a prey animal with sudden turns and unanticipated moves. This sport is great for site hounds.
Rally: The dog and human team follow a course consisting of 10 to 20 signs that instruct the team what to do. Handlers are allowed to encourage their dog during the trial.
Treibball: The dog must gather and drive eight large exercise balls into a soccer goal. He is directed by a handler who can only use whistles, verbal or hand signals to direct his dog.
Participating with your dog in a sport is one of the best ways to keep your dog challenged mentally and physically while making the most of his natural instincts. It’s also a great way to meet other people who enjoy spending time with their dogs.
For more information on dog sports, an internet search can help you find a local club.
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Chocolate Walk: Nov. 10
Tickets: $25 through Oct. 31, $35 from Nov. 1-10. Buy tickets online at bchumane.org/chocolate-walk or in person at the Brown County Visitors Center or Brown County Art Gallery.
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