If agility, obedience or nosework aren’t for you and your pooch, don’t fret, there are many many other games to partake in from novice to champion levels.
Herding
This is a game is derived from innate ability of herding seen in specific breeds of dogs. While geared toward breeds like the border collies, bearded collies and corgis, herding competition is open to all breeds. The dogs are required to work with the handler to guide livestock through gates and obstacles. While using their natural herding instincts, dogs are required to exhibit impulse control and listen to cued behaviours from the handler. Here is an example of the expectations at the entry levels of competition.
Rally-obedience
Many describe Rally-O as the “fun” obedience. Similar to obedience, the dogs are required to perform various behaviours on cue but the focus is more on the relationship between the handler and the dog. The name of the game here is fun not precision. Dogs are required to go through a numbered course performing specific behaviours at each station. Behaviours include heeling with pace changes, sit stays and various tricks. Unlike in traditional obedience, handlers are allowed to speak to the dogs during the run and have more flexibility in the cues given to the dogs.
Here is an example of a rally run at a trial. ****Bonus- Can you spot the examples of displacement behaviour?
Fly Ball
Fly ball is a fast paced, relay race team sport. Two teams of four dogs compete against each other in a 51 foot relay course of hurdles to a box which dispenses a tennis balls the dogs must return back over the hurdles to the start, cueing the next dog to go. These trials are very high energy and loud as the dogs get very aroused. For those tennis ball crazed dogs, this sport is for you!