Sports and Activities for You and Your Dog

Agility — In Canada, Agility is now the fastest growing dog sport in the country and is enjoyed by people of all ages and dogs of all kinds. Backpacking / Hiking — Any size or shape of dog can enjoy backpacking but there are a few issues to consider before getting started. Beagling — The sport of Beagling was first developed around 1400 AD. Camping With Man's Best Friend &0151; Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by all types of dogs. Canine Good Citizen / Canine Good Neighbour — These are certification programs that test dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. Canoeing — Enjoying the great outdoors out on the lake with your dog is the perfect way to spend a day. Conformation — Understanding Canadian Conformation Dog Shows and additional information. Disc Dog — The sport of canine frisbee, or disc dog, is a rapidly growing sport in Canada and can be enjoyed by just about any dog. It is also a fun way for your dog to stay healthy and fit.

Ch. Paquestone's 24 Karat Gold (Gem) Competing in an AAC Agility Trial. Photo courtesy of: InStyle Fawn and Brindle Great Danes

Dock Diving — See Dock Dogs — (More Information coming soon) High-Flying Canine Competitions Dock Dogs Date: July 31 to August 4, 2008 and July 30 to August 4, 2008 Location: Strathmore, AB and Regina, SK Dock Dogs – the independent governing and sanctioning body for dock jumping and dock diving canine performance sports, will be teaming up with the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore (July 31 to August 4) and the Brandt Centre in Regina (July 30 to August 4) to entertain and dazzle the fans with almost a week of high-flying canine competitions. All competitions are open to any and all dogs, which is what sets Dock Dogs apart from its competition. As long as your canine is six months or older they are eligible no matter what breed, size or shape. For classification purposes, there are both lapdog and veteran dog classes. Similarly, the competition is open to any and all handlers. The Junior Handler class allows those between the ages of 7-14 to compete with their dog as well. Along with a number of Big Air waves of competition, the weekend will also feature the Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve competitions. The Big Air portion of competition requires the dog to run down a 40 foot dock, dive into a pool, and retrieve their toy – all while being electronically judged on the length of their jump. The Extreme Vertical competition challenges the dogs to jump for height, as they are required to snag a bumper suspended five feet above the water. With each successful catch, the height increases by 2 inches until there is only one winner. The Speed Retrieve tests the dog’s speed swimming abilities. After running down the dock and jumping into the water, the dogs are electronically timed on how quickly they can retrieve a duck at the end of the pool. Dock Dogs will be in your area for their first Canadian show of the year and they expect it to be another great showing of canine ability. In preparation for the event, this is to get the word out to fellow dog lovers about the show and see if you are interested to see if you might have the next world record holder waiting in the wings. For more information or to sign up for the competition, visit the Dock Dogs website — www.dockdogs.com; e-mail the Dock Dogs main office at info@dockdogs.com; call Adam at Chicago's Dock Dog office - 708-485-9260; or call the Dock Dogs main headquarters in Ohio - 330-241-4975. Draftdog or Carting — Several breeds of dogs were specifically bred to assist people by pulling carts, wagons or sleds. As a sport, draft work can be done by almost any breed provided the equipment is proportioned to the size and strength of the dog. Earthdog Den Trials — These are simulations of hunting situations, usually held in a field in which a dog tracks the game by scent to the constructed game's lair, burrow, or tunnel. Dachshunds and smaller terriers were bred to chase an animal out of its earth, tunnel, lair or den and to face fox, badger or otter. Flyball — A dog relay competition whereby teams of four dogs race each other over a set of hurdles to retrieve a tennis ball. This is an excellent sport for high energy dogs who love to chase balls. Flyball is an exciting race for dogs and is the fastest growing dog sport in North America. French Ring Sport — The oldest and most popular dog sport in France and one of the most exciting dog sports to reach North America. Greyhound Racing — The information provided in this section is for those who are interested in learning more about the sport of Greyhound racing. Herding or Stock Dog — Herding livestock is one of the oldest jobs for dogs. There are many breeds of herding dogs as well as many different types of herding. Today, dogs are still active in working with livestock and there is also the sport of herding whereby Herding Trials are held by various clubs and kennels. Hunting with Dogs — Dogs have been bred for the purposes of hunting with people for hundreds of years. Whether hunting for food or sport, various breeds of dog have been used to help flush, retrieve, sniff out and track animals for the hunter. Hunting Dogs: Training Equipment That Is Essential — Article by Freddy Cedano Hunting Dog — Books, DVDs, Equipment & More Lure Coursing — Lure coursing is a modern day version of the original practice of "coursing" sighthounds. A course is set up in a large field, using corner pulleys, string and a machine which pulls the string through all the pulleys in a set pattern so as to mimic game running away from a predator. Mondioring — Mondioring is a FCI authorized international protection sport developed in the late 1980s. This dog sport allows competitors from around the world to compete in one common dog sport — representing French Ring, Belgian Ring, Schutzhund and KNPV. Obedience — Competitive Obedience is another popular dog sport with several titles available. Pointing — Information coming soon. Rally Obedience — In Canada, through CARO, open to ALL dogs, purebred or mixed breed, pets or titled champions as well as physically challenged dogs and/or handlers. Retrieving — Field Trials and Hunt Tests. Scent Hurdling — Information coming soon. Schutzhund — Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog." Not just a sport, Schutzhund is the historical means by which genetic breed temperament has been tested and maintained. Schutzhund training concentrates on three areas: Tracking, Obedience, and Protection work. Scootering — Information coming soon. Skijoring — Skijoring is Norwegian for ski driving and dates back to the gold rush days in Scandinavian countries. In Scandinavia, Skijoring is used as a training technique for Nordic-style mushing which combines one dog or more, a small sled and a skier. Skijoring caught on in North America in the 1980s and today in Canada there are competitive Skijoring races held in conjunction with dog sled races, and recreational Skijoring is also gaining popularity. Skijoring by Shelley Ramsay NEW — Article added 21 December 2007 Sledding — Sled dog sports are often referred to as "mushing". There are several different types of events around the world largely dependent on tradition and climate. The three main styles are known as: Nome, Nordic and Dryland. Spaniel Field Trials — Information coming soon. Tracking — Tracking tests are designed to test a dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent as well as their ability to locate and "indicate" any items left on the track. Tracking is a team sport whereby the handler working with his/her dog demonstrates a real understanding of the dog's commitment to the task as hand. Communication between dog and handler is of utmost importance. Travelling with your Dog — Various articles and information about travelling with your dog. Water Rescue — Information coming soon.