Supposedly spring in Seattle is looming somewhere under the recent hail and snow clouds. Hello Nature, we're waiting!

Not only is this the time of year to get back into gardening, it is
a great time to get your dog into any number of the many canine sports available.

Our main list of canine activities includes neighborhook walks,
dog parks, and day care. However, the list of canine sports is growing.

Hiking with dogs is becoming more popular. I have found hiking with
dogs makes for the happiest noses in all breeds.

Hiking
Taking a moment to enjoy the scenery
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

Like us, dogs benefit from exercise and fresh air. Most dogs thrive when given opportunities to help relieve some pent up energy. I recommend finding a sport your dog enjoys. Consider introducing your dog to a canine activity based on what that particular breed group was hard wired to do. I believe the combination of mental exercise along with physical outlets help create centered, happy pets.

Herding
In the Seattle Times dated 4/20/08 there was a great piece on herding. Herding is mainly open to dogs whose original purpose was to control the movement of livestock. Herding is open to any dog that can demonstrate appropriate behaviors off leash around livestock and what is called "stock sense."

Recently, I had the experience of learning a little about herding with my client's Australian Shepherd, Witty. We are now taking herding lessons from a wonderful herding trainer, Brian Ricards.

Herding
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

I highly recommend you give your herding dog an opportunity with this sport to see if the DNA kicks in. Incredibly fun to watch in person and amazing activity to experience.

Agility
A growing sport that is quite addictive. Your dog runs a specific obstacle course while listening to you giving directional commands directing the dog to the appropriate obstacle. Agility is a great sport to enhance your obedience training and the important canine-human bond. There are a growing number of training facilities in most areas around the U.S.. I recommend you find an agility trainer whose training classes fit your goals and whose approach to training offers a positive, fun experience.

Starter tunnel to introduce your pup or toy breed to agility at home
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

Lure Coursing
An incredibly impressive sport to watch. You may need binoculars as
you watch sighthounds hit maximum speeds trying to catch the plastic bag attached to a mechanically operated pulley system. The bag simulates the quick, zig zag movement of a rabbit trying to avoid becoming lunch. The example in the picture below shows a straight run of about 300 yards. Yes, that is 3 football fields.

Lure coursing
Fraser is racing a seasoned Greyhound
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

Non sighthounds may be allowed to get in touch with their inner prey drive with some lure coursing clubs during some of the practice runs. You just need to find a local club that will give your dog the opportunity for a fun run.

Other Great Canine Sports
Other popular canine sports include flyball, hunting trials, dock dog competition, and Frisbee competitions. There are additional sports gaining popularity. Some sports are AKC (American Kennel Club) sanctioned and some sports have their own clubs. Just go online and type in your sport of choice to learn more about it. Then, audit classes in your area to find a trainer that will bring out the best in both you and your dog.

GSD focused on his frisbee at the beach
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

These sports are not for the weekend warrior dogs. So, make sure your
dog is in shape, healthy and has the green light from your Vet that all systems are GO!

Enjoy.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com