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A contented, healthy dog requires stimulating both metally and physically!
Certain toy breeds are usually fairy happy with a gentle walk whereas breeds such as Border Collies thrive on constant activity to remain well balanced.
There are plenty of activities to do with your dog. They will keep your dog fit and healthy and provide socialisation with other dogs.
Agility
Agility is one of the most fun activities you can do with your dog. The course is made up of 16 obstacles including jumps, weaving poles, a long jump and a seesaw. The dog performs the tasks against the clock and the aim to complete the course without incurring faults.
As your dog improves he moves up to different levels from Elementary, Starters, Novice, Inetermediate, Seniors, Advanced and Open.
Due to the demanding nature of the sport, no dog under 18 months can compete.
There is a handicap system to ensure smaller dogs are not at a disadvantage!
The sport was introduced to crufts in 1978.
Field and Working Trials
Breeds developed for working groups, such as gundogs and pastoral dogs tend to enjoy thiese activitites. It gives these groups of dogs an opportunity to do what comes instinctively.
Flyball
Flyball involves two teams running against each other and the clock. Each dog has to jump over a series of jumps to reach the Flyball box, where it presses a pedal that releases a ball into the air. The dog must catch the ball in its mouth and then return over the jumps and across the line, the next dog then sets off. The winners are the first team to have each member complete the course successfully.
Heel Work to Music
Heel Work is becoming extremely popular. It is a great spectator sport and is a main attraction at Crufts. Dogs and handlers perform a "dance" routine to music.
Obedience
These are very popular competitions where owner and dog work together. Tests include the commands sit, stay and lie down, all delivered from a distance. The test also involoves heel work at differing paces. Owners can compete at a variety of levels as the dog and owner progress within the sport.
