Doggy sports are a terrific way to improve your friendship while also getting you and your dog in shape! Dogs who have been trained using reward-based methods are eager to learn and try new things. Try out these classic canine-friendly sports.
Flyball
Flyball is a popular canine sport that most dogs enjoy—and it’s easy to understand why when you’re a spectator! Flyball is an obstacle race in which two teams of four dogs compete against each other.
Each team’s dogs leap over a series of jumps (typically four), sprint to a box, use their front paws to operate a catapult machine, catch the ball that shoots out, and race back to the start. The team that finishes first wins, but regardless of who comes out on top, everyone has a great time.
Disc Dog
This is a sport for dogs who enjoy catching flying discs as well as their owners who enjoy throwing them. You toss a dog flyer disc and your dog catches it. It’s a simple sport, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!
For every disc that your dog catches mid-air or from a far distance, you’ll earn a point. There is also a freestyle division that involves your dog performing tricks and jumping with numerous discs in a coordinated sequence to music.
Nosework
This sport is ideal for your four-legged friends that have difficulty interacting with other dogs or have excessive energy levels. What goes into it? To begin, dogs are taught to sniff out increasingly difficult hidden food.
Dogs learn to smell out a non-food aroma in exchange for a doggie treat. Watching your dog utilize his intellect and nose to find hidden food that humans can’t detect is a lot of fun.