Summer is a great time to get involved in a dog sport! Dog sports are a great way to bond with your pup, continue training, and burn off some extra energy. If you’ve never thought of trying a dog sport, check out this list that showcases a few of AKC’s most popular sports that are perfect for warm weather.
Agility
In Agility, you guide your dog through obstacles like jumps, tunnels, ramps, and weave poles. The novice level of competition is very beginner-friendly, and lower jump heights are available for older dogs or those with previous injuries. Agility is also a great exercise for your dog and you!
Diving Dogs
Does your pup love to swim and retrieve? Diving Dogs may be the sport for your pet! Dogs compete in distance and height competitions while jumping from a dock for their favorite toy. These competitions are divided into size categories for the dogs competing, so dogs of all sizes can be competitive. The AKC recognizes titles from the North American Diving Dogs (NADD) organization.
Fast CAT
Fast CAT is a shortened Coursing Ability Test (CAT) version. It’s a 100-yard sprint chasing a lure. Many dogs love Fast CAT, as they are encouraged to run as fast as possible on a straight track following the lure. They can earn points for Fast CAT titles for completed runs! Lure Coursing is for Sighthounds only, but dogs of any breed may enjoy earning CAT and Fast CAT titles.
Scent Work
Scent Work is a prevalent sport in which dogs use their noses to search out specific odors. It is based on the work of professional detection dogs (such as drug dogs). Dogs are challenged to find the odors indoors, outdoors, in containers, and even buried underground! AKC Scent Work is a great sport for dogs with mobility challenges, as they use their noses more than their athletic ability.
Rally
Dogs and handlers navigate a numbered course at their own pace in AKC Rally. Each station on the course has a different obedience exercise for the dog and handler to complete. At the beginner level, AKC Rally competitions are performed with your dog on leash, making this a great introductory dog sport for new competitors!
Virtual Titling Opportunities
Almost every dog will love at least one of these sports because they provide an opportunity to have fun with a favorite person. And they are also an excellent way to meet like-minded dog lovers.
And if you live in an area that is too hot to get outdoors in the summer, consider the virtual titling programs AKC offers!
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