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A little bit of a back story. I have 2 miniature American shepherd and we train multiple dog sports currently and have tried others as well. Our favorite is agility and dog tricks. But we have done obedience, sheepherding and showing as well. Next week we will actually be trying a dog dance class which we are so excited for! Other things that I want to try is sheepherding with Maui, dock diving and fast cat.
For mental stimulation. Mental exercise is so important to working breeds especially, it is not just about physical stimulation. So by doing a dog sport and learning your dog something new, they will have to use their brain. Which is just something that is so good for the dog!
For a better bond and connection with your dog. It improves communication between owner and dog, you will learn your dog on a whole other level. Most dogs were bred for a job that needed to be done. Most dogs therefore also really enjoying having to do something for their owner. Doing a dog sport requires team work, which means that you will learn things about your dog and trust him or her to know what they are doing. Just like your dog will trust your handling as well. This better bond is also usually because you learn to communicate with your dog better.
For me personally this is one of the greatest benefits of dog sports.
It gives you a dog community and gives you dog friends in your neighborhood. I always see the same friend as agility classes and competitions. To connect with people and share successes en also issues you are having. I always see the same people at dog classes and competitions which is so fun! I personally do not have other people who are so busy in the dog world, so by doing dog sports you can really connect with people who enjoy this aspect of the dog world as well.
Increased obedience and control, while training in a fun way. Doing dog sports means you have to have a certain type of control over your dog. If we look at agility training classes, having dogs surrounding the course and your dog needs to focus on do the course and staying focused on you. So learning to handle distractions, but also being off leash and still listening. It really trains obedience in such a fun way, which will help during walks in the neighborhood as well.
It also keeps your dog physically healthy. By exercising your dog regularly your dog will stay a healthy weight and also will keep muscles to let your dog live a long and healthy life. People who train with their dogs usually have their dogs on a healthy diet and have physio treatments as well which is a benefit as well. Dogs need to be in great physical condition to do certain sports for example agility, which makes obesity a no go for dog sports. Although it ofcourse should be a no go for every dog! But doing a dog sport will just make sure that they are staying a healthy weight, just like for humans.
Bonus point: it builds confidence and lowers anxiety within a dog.
I want to mention that there is a dog sport for every dog and human out there. From slower paced dog sport, to typical breed sports, to very active dog sports. But just doing a dog sport and training classes is great!
If you want to try a dog sport but do not know where to start. Look at your local kennel or breed club to see which sports are possible in your area. For example:
And your dog does not need to be a sport or performance dog. You do not need to do a dog sport on competition level, as long as you just have fun there will be benefits!
Watch our youtube video on this topic below to get even more information!
Do you do a dog sport with your dog?
Yes
No
Not yet, but I really want to.
Not yet, but I signed up for my first dog class.
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