GETTING "BIT BY THE BUG:"  People who compete with their dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, skijoring, lure coursing, flyball, or in any competitive dog sport are said to have been "bitten by the agility/flyball/you fill in the blank bug."  Most will admit that they never intended to participate in such competitions and only wanted to learn how to have a well-behaved pet or let their pet enjoy what they were bred to do.

At some point, they might have stayed after class to watch another class competing in exercises that are more complicated and the transformation process begins.  They see how much fun people are having with their dogs and they decide to try it out for themselves.  Rarely are they disappointed.

With all the varied types of events in which to compete there is virtually something for every breed of dog.  Explore the possibilities and risk "getting bit."

Please note that you should get adequate instruction from a qualified trainer and have your dog's physical health checked by your veterinarian before you begin training for any dog related sports.

Below are links to various kinds of competitive dog sports.  Enjoy exploring them.  Hopefully one will "bite" you!

DOG AGILITY:   is a team sport where the handler directs their dog around a course consisting of various obstacles that the dog must correctly navigate such as the "Tunnel" (shown above), the "Dog Walk," the "A-frame," etc.  The event is timed and accuracy counts.  Agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the US today.  Mixed breeds are welcome to compete:  http://www.usdaa.com/  This is also a great spectator sport.

CANINE DISC OR FRISBEE: At left is an unbelievable shot of David Procida's dog, Ace, catching some air to retrieve his Frisbee.   David is an avid competitor and also an instructor.  Check out his website K9 Disc Thrills to see David performing with another of his talented dogs, Maverick, as well as tons of other great photos and the complete scoop on the sport of Canine Disc.  You won't believe how high these dogs fly!  David also rescues and rehomes herding dogs.  See a link to his rescue, Top Dog Performance, under our rescue resources page.  David exemplifies responsible pet ownership and this is reflected wonderfully in his website, which we consider a "Must Read" for ALL dog owners.  It is for these reasons that we are especially pleased that David agreed to allow us to link to his site and allow us to use the photo of Ace above.  David, you rock!

SKIJORING:  is a dog powered sport that is fast gaining popularity in the US.  It began as the Scandinavian sport of pulka. It consists of one or more dogs attached to a person on skis with a special waist harness around the person's waist with leads extending to the dogs' harnesses. Pictured at left is Jarred Jacob Stone aka "Jumbolia," avid Washburn, WI Skijorer and serious competitor, with three of his 14 to 16 Alaskan Huskies.  Read the whole interview with Jared at:  Interview .  Skijoring is a sport for anyone who is fit, and almost any age.  All you need are skis, one or more dogs that love to run, and snow.  Serious competitors prefer to use Huskies but almost any sound large dog can enjoy exercising with their owners in this way.  For more on this sport check out:  Sled Dog Central. 

DOG OBEDIENCE TRIALS:  The sport of Dog Obedience is actually a test that demonstrates the dog’s ability to willingly and happily complete specific exercises with his handler such as:  Heeling (walking on a leash at the owner’s side through turns, a figure eight pattern, and automatically sitting each time the handler stops), standing without moving as he is touched by the judge, sitting and lying down with distractions, and coming when called.  These exercises are performed both on and off leash.  Advanced classes, called Open and Utility, consist of a variety of more difficult exercises such as:  Retrieving various objects, directed broad and high jumping, responding to both voice and hand signals, and locating a specific item with the handler's scent on it. This is a high level partnership testing the bond between man and man's best friend.  More information about canine obedience trails can be found at:  Canis Major. 

HERDING AND SHEEP DOG TRIALS:  For centuries dog has served man in so many capacities but helping to keep track of and round up sheep, cattle, pigs and even geese is probably one of the most important in terms of man's ability to live a better life.  There are several breeds of dogs that continue to have sharp herding skills such as German Shepherd Dogs, Australian Shepherds,  Smooth and Rough Coated and Bearded Collies, and Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis to name a few.  However, whenever one thinks of herding sheep, the one breed that most often comes to mind is the ever faithful and tireless worker, the Border Collie.  A complete description of this sport that continues to be indispensable on working ranches today can be found at:  Meeker Sheepdog Champion Trials.  Looks like these folks really know how to put on a sheep dog trial!

TRACKING:  Researching.  Check back for info on Tracking.

RALLY:  Researching.  Check back for info on Rally.

FLYBALL:  Flyball is a very serious sport and it's a total blast.  Probably the best way that I can think to describe it is drag racing for dogs with whooping and hollering from team members and excited barking from team dogs.  Two teams of dogs, each team consisting of four dogs each, relay race against each other down a series of jumps.  At the end of the jumps is a box with a ball.  The dog must hit the box with its paws to release the ball.  The dog then grabs up the ball and turns to race back over the same series of jumps.  Each team runs against each other and then the winners of the various heats compete against each other.  There are lots of divisions so there is something for everyone.  All breeds of dogs including mixed breeds are good to go in this sport.  The only thing that matters is fitness, speed and a dog totally focused on the ball.  Go to North American Flyball Association for more info.

DOCK DIVING:  One of the newest dog sports to hit the US and growing rapidly is Dock Diving.  What's that?  You say your dog has been diving off docks all his life to retrieve objects from the water?  Well, that's just how it started.  Now they have competitions to see which dog can leap the furthest and you won't believe how far they can go.  Check out Splash Dogs and Dock Dogs for lots more info on this fun sport.  Here is a great link to a video on Tank's first time at a Dock Diving Competition.  And, the crowd goes wild.  Woo woo!!!

CANINE FREESTYLE:  This is a "Team Sport" consisting of you and your best friend that demonstrates a high form of dog obedience and its all done to music.  If you think this is a sport for "sissies," you've got to see this youtube video featuring Rookie and his owner Carolyn Scott.   Dogs participating in this awesome sport are highly trained, enjoy an above average relationship with their owners, and are true athletes.  Almost anyone can do this with their dog at some level but even if you don't think this is for you and your dog, attend an event and you'll have almost as much fun as the teams competing.  Want more?  Here again for your pleasure are Rookie and Carolyn youtube video.  Please visit Carolyn's website.

CANINE DRESSAGE:  If you've ever participated or watched a horse and rider team performing dressage, then you will surely appreciate the beauty and teamwork in this youtube video of Chandi and her owner/rescuer, Tina Humphrey.  Tina found Chandi at the pound -- somebody's reject at only 4 months of age.  Ready the whole story and about Tina's other dogs at Tina's website.  

DRYLAND RACING:  Researching.  Check back for info on Dryland Racing.

DOG CART PULLING:  Some of the breeds of dogs originally bred to pull carts were Newfies, Rotties, and Bernese and Swiss Mountain Dogs.  Any dog of any size can be trained to pull a cart but it is important to make the cart appropriate in size to the dog and not allow them to pull more weight than they are physically and structurally capable of handling comfortably.  Check out Wilczek Woodworks for tips on training and some of the most artfully crafted carts I've ever seen.  These carts are magnificent.