Looking for a fun New Year’s Resolution you will actually keep? How about trying out a new dog sport? There are so many fun and exciting events you and your dog can do together. You don’t have to compete, you can just do it for fun, bonding and exercise.
#1 – Rally
Originally created as a way to ease into competition obedience, rally is perfect for those who want to brush up on obedience skills without the “seriousness” of the obedience ring. The first level is all on leash and you are free to praise your dog as much as you like.
#2 – Canine Freestyle
Think of this as dancing with your dog. Set to music and often with costumes, you and your dog do a routine comprised of obedience and trick maneuvers. It’s fun and if you want to compete, a lot of the competitions are done via the internet, so you can video at home – perfect for dogs that don’t do well in public places.
#3 – Rally-FrEe
A combination of Rally and Canine Freestyle, it’s just one more way for you and your dog to get better at obedience and tricks while having fun.
#4 – Barn Hunt
Have a dog with a nose? Then this sport is for you! Your dog will hunt through straw/hale bales, tunneling and climbing, to find the rats hidden within the course.
#5 – Lure Coursing
Based on a dog’s chase (predator) instinct, dogs chase after a “bunny lure” (usually a white plastic bag) down a long straight stretch of ground. It perfect for those dogs that love to chase!
#6 – Earthdog
Have a terrier breed or a dachshund? Earthdog trials are just for you! They were created to test your dog’s natural hunting ability of vermin underground.
#7 – Skijoring
Since it’s winter, why not try a snow sport? Skijoring is perfect for anyone with a larger breed (it doesn’t have to be a husky or malamute!) that likes to pull. Whether you compete or just go out with your friends, it’s a fun way to spend the winter months.
#8 – Urban Mushing
If you don’t like the cold or have no snow, you can try urban mushing. It’s just like skijoring or sledding, except you are on dirt or concrete and your ride has wheels. It could be a specially made mushing scooter or a just a skateboard, scooter, even a bicycle!
#9 – Treibball
Have a dog that loves to herd or chase balls? This newer sport has gained rapid popularity, especially for people who want to herd but have no access to sheep. Instead of livestock, your dog will herd around large yoga balls. It’s so much fun to watch and even more fun to try.
#10 – Dock Dogs
This is the perfect sport of dogs that like to fetch and love water. Dogs jump into a giant pool to fetch a toy. They have different categories such as jump height and length. As you can see, the dogs love it!
Toledo, United States.
