Are you looking to unleash your dog’s athletic potential or simply wanting to let them blow off some steam? Competitive dog sports offer your pup highly engaging activities and help build a unique and rewarding bonding experience. If you’re looking to break into the dog sport world but aren’t sure where to start, the Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team has you covered. Here is our list of the top 10 favorite dog sports list and resources where you can learn more about getting involved.

1. Dog agility

Agility is a fast-paced sport in which dogs navigate a timed obstacle course that includes jumps, tunnels, weave poles, A-frames, and see-saws in variable order. Handlers and dogs work together toward speed and accuracy, but the goal for many is simply to have fun. Dogs are grouped according to height, and special senior groupings allow lifelong participation. To learn more, visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) Agility page.

2. Dog obedience

Obedience trials evaluate a dog’s ability to reliably follow precise commands. The more in tune the dog and their handler, the better the team’s performance. Examples of obedience exercises include heeling, sitting, staying, retrieving, and recalling. Visit the AKC Obedience page to learn more.

3. Dog rally

Rally is a more relaxed and interactive version of traditional obedience with elements of agility. Dogs and handlers navigate a course and complete tasks such as sits, downs, turns, and recalls. Teamwork and communication between the handler and dog are necessary for good performance in this event. Visit the AKC Rally page for more information. 

4. Dog flyball

Flyball is a high-energy relay race for dogs who love to run and are highly motivated by tennis balls. Teams consist of four dogs who race over hurdles, trigger a box that releases a ball, and then return over the hurdles to tag the next dog. Flyball is fun and exciting for people to watch and for the dogs to perform. Check out the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) to learn more.

5. Disc dog

Disc dog features dogs who can catch flying discs, so the competitions require athleticism and coordination. Dogs and handlers perform routines choreographed to music, showcasing creativity alongside tricks, flips, and grabs. Competitions may include distance or accuracy events in addition to freestyle routines. Check out SkyHoundz to learn more.

6. Dog dock diving 

Dock diving is a thrilling water sport where dogs leap off a dock into a pool and are judged by their distance or height to retrieve a thrown toy. In this sport, the handler’s throw is as important as the dog’s athletic ability, because the dog’s main motivation is to catch the toy. Learn more by visiting the North America Diving Dogs (NADD) website.

7. Dog herding trials

Herding trials, which test a dog’s ability to herd livestock, provide herding breeds with an outlet for this natural behavior. Dogs must demonstrate specific herding skills, such as driving and penning, under their handler’s direction. The American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) can provide you with more information about this sport.

8. Canine freestyle

Canine freestyle combines obedience, dance, and tricks into choreographed routines. Dogs and handlers showcase spins, jumps, weaves, and more—all synchronized to music. The Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF) is a great place to start to learn more about this unique sport.

9. Dog tracking

Tracking tests a dog’s ability to follow a scent trail rather than showcasing athletics, which makes the sport suitable for dogs of any breed or physical ability. Dogs must focus on navigating the trail and be determined to follow the scent. The AKC Tracking page offers more detailed information.

10. Dog lure coursing

Lure coursing simulates chasing live prey using a mechanized lure, which is particularly appealing to sighthounds, such as greyhounds or whippets. Participating dogs pursue the lure with enthusiasm and agility, showcasing their natural instincts. The American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) can provide you with more information.

The list above covers some of our Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team’s favorite canine sports but doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the canine sporting world. Every dog and handler can find a sport that suits their interests with time and research. 

Dogs involved in sporting activities require advanced nutrition and must remain in tip-top physical shape. Contact us to schedule a physical examination before starting your dog on a rigorous exercise program.