“It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”, Archie Griffen. We all know the age-old adage, but it is also true that some dogs are born to be athletes.
There are many sports for dogs, from running with horses on a racetrack to herding sheep through hilly terrain or even paddling across an ocean in a kayak.
It’s not just about competitive dog sports, either. There are plenty of other sports dogs can do for fun and fitness. If your furry friend isn’t chasing a ball in the park, they’re making you chase them around your house! Dogs need physical exercises and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re looking for a new way to keep your dog active, read on for some ideas about the best types of sports for dogs.
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List of Dog Sports in Kenya
| Sport | Best Dog Breeds |
| Hiking & Running (speed and energy) |
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| Agility Sports (obstacle) |
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| Race-walking (leg work) |
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| Sledding & Skijoring (pulling) |
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| Canine Disc (Jumping & Catching) |
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| Puppy Playgroup |
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| Dog Dancing (Dancing) |
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| Canine Freestyle |
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| Herding Competition (herding) |
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| Scent Tracking (smell) |
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| Tug-of-War (strength) |
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List of Dog Sports
1. Hiking and Running
If your dog loves to run, taking them hiking is a great way to combine the two activities. You will get some exercise in scenic surroundings, and your dog will love exploring new territory.
Be sure to dehydrate and take breaks often, so your dog doesn’t overheat.
If you aren’t ready for a long hike, a good old-fashioned run in the park will do just fine. Again, be sure to bring water and take regular breaks for your pup to rest and refuel.
2. Agility Sports
As the name suggests, this is an agile dog sport. The agility course is perfect for dogs who love to jump and climb. The obstacles are simple enough for small breeds yet challenging enough to engage even the most experienced canine.
Agility is a great way to get some exercise, bond, and work on your furry friend’s training.
The sport isn’t only a ton of fun but also practical. Many dog owners use the skills they learn at home and on walks! It will be an excellent way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated when you’re not around.
3. Race-walking
Many of us have seen racewalkers in marathon races, but did you know that this is a sport you can do at home with your pooch? The rules for race-walking are simple: the dog and handler must stay below a certain speed.
This low-impact activity is perfect for seniors. It is also an ideal fat dog sport as it helps them build muscle, lose weight and gain confidence without putting too much strain on their joints.
It’s also an activity that can be done for many years (unlike running), so you and your pup will have enough time to enjoy it.
4. Sledding and Skijoring
If your dog loves to pull, why not try sledding or skijoring? Sledding is a favorite activity for many dogs as they’re allowed to run full pelt through the snow.
You should be careful where you go so that no one gets hurt. But if this sounds like your kind of winter adventure, then you and your dog will have a great time together.
Skijoring is similar, but instead of being pulled on a sled behind the owner, the pooch pulls their trainer along on skis or snowboards attached to them with a special belt around both waists.
Skijoring is a great exercise and a fun way to stay active in winter.
5. Canine Disc
This relatively new sport is perfect for dogs who love to fetch.
The game is played much like Ultimate Frisbee, only with one significant difference: the disc is made specifically for dogs and is soft and lightweight, not to hurt their mouths.
This swift dog sport will keep your buddy entertained for hours on end. It’s also a great way to get some exercise without having to leave the house.
6. Puppy Playgroup
If you’re looking for a low-key way to keep your dog active, consider signing them up for a puppy playgroup. These sessions are usually held in a park or other open spaces and allow dogs of all ages to run and play together.
This is an excellent way for your pup to socialize with other dogs, learn how to behave, and get some much-needed exercise. Puppy playgroups are usually held once or twice a week, making them an easy addition to your weekly routine.
7. Dog Dancing
If your dog can pull the famous Michael Jackson Moon Walk, this activity is a perfect match. But the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. You can start with the basic moves before trying the “Got Talent” styles.
Dog dancing is just as it sounds – a dance routine performed by a dog and its handler.
It’s been featured on several TV shows, including America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, and can be done to any music.
This is an excellent activity for dogs who love to perform and perfect for showing your pup’s talents.
8. Canine Freestyle
The dog sport involves creating and performing choreographed routines with your furry friend to music.
Canine freestyle lets you use dance moves, acrobatics, and gymnastics to create unique tricks for your pooch. This activity will keep both of you entertained while giving your dog a great workout.
9. Herding Competition
This sport is perfect for those dogs bred to work. Herding competitions involve having your dog herd sheep or other animals around a course in the fastest time possible.
This activity is ideal for dogs who love to run and are naturally obedient. Some of the best breeds for this sport are Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and English Shepherds.
10. Scent Work or Tracking
The sport allows dogs to use their powerful noses to track scents like they would do naturally when hunting for food or working as police dogs. This activity will keep your pooch entertained and active while also practicing a useful skill in their daily lives.
The sport is relatively new, but it’s growing steadily over the past few years. The best thing about scent work? It doesn’t require any training or special skills, so you can start as soon as your dog is ready!
11. Tug-of-War
This is a classic game that both you and your dog will love. Tug-of-war is a great way to burn off some energy, and it’s also enjoyable.
Just make sure to keep the games fair – if your dog starts winning all the time, they may get bored!
Dog Sports FAQs
Which Sport is Ideal for My Dog?
So, which of these sports is perfect for your pup? It depends on their personality and what they love to do. Agility or obedience trials may be a good fit if your dog loves to run.
If they love to play fetch, you may want to try out some jumping competitions. And if they’re always sticking their head in your business, they might like scent work or tracking.
The possibilities are endless! And with all these sports, there’s never a dull moment with your dog by your side. Rather than keeping them cooped up at home, why not try getting active together? There is no doubt that you and your furry friend will have a blast.
So, now that you know about some of the best sports for dogs, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start training! And don’t forget to post pictures of your pup in action on our Facebook page – we love seeing all the fantastic things our readers’ dogs can do.
Can Puppies Do Sports?
Yes, puppies can do sports! Just like humans, it’s essential to start them off young and get them active to develop good habits that will last a lifetime. There are many different sports you can do with your pup, so find one that both of you will enjoy.
Does My Dog Need Sports Training?
Yes, your dog will need training for any sport they want to do. Training not only means you’ll be able to teach the pup all of the fun new tricks and skills they can use in the ring, but it will also make sure that both of you are safe while having a great time with each other!
What is Agility?
Agility is a dog sport where the handler directs the canine through an obstacle course that includes tunnels, ramps, and jumps.
The sport helps your pup learn to use their balance and body awareness while also practicing obedience skills like following voice commands or hand signals. Agility can be done with any breed of dog. However, breeds such as Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Hungarian Vizslas are excellent.
What is Flyball?
Flyball entails a relay race in which 4 dogs compete to see who can bring back a tennis ball the fastest.
This sport is perfect for active breeds like Retrievers, Spaniels, and Border Collies. It’s also an excellent way to keep your pup active while practicing their obedience skills.
What is Disc Dogs?
Disc dogs, or dog disc competitions, are just like the name says: it involves playing with a disc! You can teach your dog an arsenal of tricks using this flying toy as motivation for doing some amazing stunts.
Disc dog is an excellent sport for breeds that love to chase things, like Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and German Shepherds.
What is Nose Work?
Nose work is a fun sport in which your dog uses their sense of smell to find hidden objects.
This activity can be done indoors or outdoors and is perfect for breeds that love to sniff things out, like Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Cocker Spaniels. It’s also a great way to keep your pup mentally stimulated.
What is Rally-O?
Rally obedience is a sport in which the handler and dog navigate through an obstacle course together, completing a series of predetermined exercises in the correct order and with the right timing.
This dog sport is perfect for active, intelligent breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds. The breeds can learn to follow voice commands or hand signals while using their sense of smell. It’s an ideal way to keep your pup physically and mentally stimulated.
What is Tracking?
Tracking is a sport where the handler and dog follow a scent trail together, looking for specific objects along the way. It’s perfect for natural hunter breeds, like Retrievers, Spaniels, and Bloodhounds.
So there you have it – the top sports for dogs! Whether your pup loves to chase things, use its nose, or obey commands, there’s a sport for them!
