The list of inquisitive canine-specific sport and activities keeps growing and growing, and as a dog trainer and dog mom I think that’s fabulous! Having such a variety of options for dogs and humans to choose from is wonderful. Individual dogs usually have a preference for a certain sport. Think about it. Is your dog a sniffer? A fetcher? A swimmer? A catcher? Pusher or puller?
I live in the Santa Barbara, California area and am able to play with my inquisitive canine all year round. Check out the following list of some of the more popular sports for inquisitive canines. Think of adapting them to the indoors. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new pastime for you and your dog.
K9 Nose-work: For the hunter rather than the gatherer. Perfect for nose-y and scent-driven inquisitive canines. Work is play for these suitcase sniffing types. I think it’s safe to say, this is Poncho’s number one sport!
Dog Agility: For the jumper, tunneler, climber, targeter, and balancer. The sport includes a human handler who directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for time and accuracy. There’s a lot of fun equipment like climbing frames, balance beams and winding tunnels. Agility can be adapted for dogs of all skill levels, ages, and sizes.
(Musical) Canine Freestyle: A contemporary dog sport that combines obedience, tricks, and dancing! (Musical) Canine Freestyle allows for creative interaction between dogs and their humans while strengthening their bond in a fun and artistic way. (This would be my number one activity because I enjoy dancing and I know Poncho would be a willing partner!)
Flyball: For the more team-player, prey-driven dog. Teams of four dogs race from a start/finish line, over hurdles to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught after the dog presses the spring-loaded pad, then back to their handlers while carrying the ball.
Cynosport Rally Obedience or Rally-O: Think of it as a formal obedience obstacle course. Dog and handler teams navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different exercises to perform such as Sit-Down-Sit, Straight Figure 8, Send Over Jump, and Recall Over Jump.
Treibball: For the playful herder. A dog must herd and drive large exercise balls into a soccer goal. Great for inquisitive canines who enjoy spending time learning with their human partner.
K-9 Weight Pull: Perfect for any inquisitive canine breed that enjoys pulling. The competitive sport is similar to sledding; dogs pull cars, sleds, and/or wagons.
Dock Jumping/Dock Diving: For water loving pooches! Dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water.
So many choices should make it easy to find something appealing. If not, continuing with the basics allows you to strengthen your bond with your dog and provide mental and physical enrichment for both of you.
Plus it’s just fun! Happy learning!
We’d love to make some new friends. Post snapshots and videos of your favorite Inquisitive Canine on our Facebook page.
One Response
As a jeweler and a dog lover, I found this a most fun and inviting list of play to engage with your dog. Your take on picking what your dog likes to do and fanning their enthusiasm with activities that match that aptitude is fantastic.
It would increase your fun as an owner and your dog’s happiness.
Well done on this comprehensive list of activities!!