You've got a super energetic pup on your hands. You want to get out there, try something new, and make some friends for you and your dog. Give canine sports a go.
We give you the lowdown on the top canine sports in the UK. What happens, who can get involved, and where can you find a club.
Which dog sport is right for me and my dog?
There is so much choice; it's really up to you, but keep in mind your dog's personality. Are they ball-obsessed? Easily distracted? Maybe you can't run enough energy off them, they can go and go!
Don't worry, you don't need to be super fit yourself to get involved in dog sports! As long as you're enthusiastic and willing to learn.
Canine sports is an inclusive and friendly world—fun for the whole family. Most sports have junior handler classes too, so the kids can learn to handle their dogs from a young age
Can any breed of dog participate in dog sports?
As with any sport, there are always going to be those who are naturally talented. In some cases, certain breeds are more suited than others, like border collies and agility. But any dog can enjoy canine sports—pedigree or mixed breed dogs. As long as you are both having fun, that's all that matters.
How much training is required for most dog sports?
If you want to reach the top of your game, then you'll have to put in the training hours. You'll find local groups and can join regular classes or get equipment for your garden and practice at home.
The more training you do, the better you'll get, but be mindful of your dog's health and well-being. Too much jumping can take its toll on their joints, and their enjoyment needs to be at the heart of your involvement.
What dog sports could we try?
Agility
What is agility?
A fast and furious test of speed, accuracy, and control. Dogs navigate their way around a course of obstacles in the quickest time possible. The fastest and most accurate dog wins. It takes focus from the dog and skilled handling to direct your dog off-lead around the course.
What agility equipment do I need?
Most people start off joining classes or a local club, where all the equipment is provided. You only need a sturdy collar or harness and lead, treats or toys for rewards, and bags of enthusiasm and determination.
You can get equipment for your garden, including jumps, weave poles, see-saws and tunnels. It's great fun to practice in your own time, and the equipment doesn't need to be expensive. You can even build your own.
How do I compete in agility?
Dogs speed around a carefully planned course of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, and hoops. They have to demonstrate their bravery and control on items such as the see-saw and dog-walk—ensuring they touch the contact areas on and off of the equipment.
The winner is the quickest and most accurate dog around the course. You lose points for knocking or refusing jumps, missing contacts or making directional errors,
Your local agility club may hold competitions themselves to kick-start you. You might want to compete for fun, or head to bigger regional and national competitions, with qualifying rounds.
Where can I go to do agility?
Contact local dog trainers who may be able to recommend a local club or class. You can also join an agility association.
Learn more about agility here, with our Agility 101.
Flyball
What is flyball?
Is your dog obsessed with fetch or can't resist a ball? Flyball might be the canine sport for you!
It's a team game, with 4 dogs on each team. Dogs race in a relay, up a line of jumps to a ball box. They release and catch a ball, and race it back to their handler.
What flyball equipment do I need?
As with agility, most flyball clubs and classes provide the equipment. The hurdles are set at a regular jump distance apart, and the height is determined by the height of the smallest dog competing.
Specialist ball boxes are placed at the end of each run. These can be manual (the dogs just grab the balls) or spring-loaded (the dogs touch the pad to release the ball).
To practice at home, nail your recall and play lots of fetch. You can buy a set of hurdles for your garden or even build your own.
How do I compete in flyball?
Each of the 4 dogs in the team race along a set of hurdles, release the ball and race back to their owner. If a dog makes a mistake, misses, or drops a ball, they have to run again after their team's last runner, until all 4 dogs are home error-free. The winning team is the fastest team to get all 4 dogs back without any mistakes.
Where can I go to do flyball?
Join a local class and get practising, or head to national and international competitions with the UK Flyball League.
Learn more about Flyball here with our flyball 101.
Dock Diving
What is Dock Diving?
Although new-ish to the UK, dock diving is MASSIVE in the US and Australia. Antinol sponsors entire series’ down under. It’s now hit the UK and is growing fast. Dock diving combines your dog's love of water with their drive to retrieve toys!
If your dog loves to launch into the sea or off a lakeside, and you can't keep them out of the water, then dock-diving is the sport for you!
What equipment do I need for dock diving?
This one isn't really for home practice. You need to find an appropriate pool.
You'll need a pool with a dock (or platform). Some dogs may need to start with the basics of swimming, but others are confident enough to get splashing. You'll need a ball or a toy that really gets your dog hyped up (ideally one that floats!) And don't forget towels!
How do I compete in dock diving competitions?
There are two main dock jumping competitions: farthest distance and air retrieve.
You toss a ball or toy off a platform into the water. The winning dog is the one who jumps the farthest. The judges measure from the dock to where the base of your dog's tail enters the water.
The aim of air retrieve is for your dog to grab a bumper toy that's hung 4 feet above the water. Dogs take a run-up and jump from the dock. For each successful retrieve, the toy is moved 1 foot further from the dock.
Where can I go to do dock diving?
You'll need to find a properly set-up pool. Check they are fully qualified and insured to host dock diving—keeping you and your dog safe. Dock diving is new to the UK, but is growing at a rapid rate.
Find out more information about dock diving in the UK here.
Learn more about Dock Diving here with our dock diving 101.
Scentwork
What is Scentwork for dogs?
Essentially, it's a game of hide and seek, tapping into your dog’s incredible sense of smell. You might be following a trail or looking for hidden items, both indoors and outdoors. It keeps your dog’s brain busy and lets them dig into their natural instincts.
What equipment do I need for scentwork?
You can get started with no specific equipment, just some high-value, stinky treats. Once you get more into it, you might want to keep your own “scent”, usually clove or truffle oil, scent jars, and vented scent tins. Oh, and some tweezers so you don’t get covered in the scent yourself and confuse your dog!
How do I compete in scentwork competitions?
Your dog will need to find various items across a variety of “areas”, including indoor and out. They’ll need to alert to 4 of out 6 items across four areas. As you go up the levels, your dog will need to find more items, in a quicker time. But, don’t worry, it’s not a scarily competitive environment. Everyone is super supportive, and it’s a very inclusive sport.
Where can I go to do scentwork with my dog?
There are plenty of local scentwork clubs, and Scentwork UK offers courses and trials. The National Nosework Association run fun and exciting trials and competitions in some challenging environments.
Learn more about Scentwork here with our beginner's guide to scentwork for dogs.
Rally Obedience
What is Rally Obedience?
Rally Obedience (or Rally-o) combines traditional obedience and heelwork with an obstacle course. As you navigate a course, you and your dog have to complete a series of obedience exercises, from turns to distance control and heel manoeuvres. You're a team, with your dog—it’s all about putting in the best performance you can and showcasing your connection with your dog.
What equipment do I need for rally obedience?
Nothing really. A lead, some training treats and bags of enthusiasm? You can buy Rally sign sets online, or you could download some ideas and set them up in your garden.
How do I compete in Rally Obedience competitions?
In Rally, although there are rankings, you’re really competing against yourself, aiming for your best possible score, as that’s how you move up the rankings. In a competition, you start with a perfect score of 200 and then lose points for any mistakes or errors as you work through the obstacles and movers. Your aim is to finish with as many points as possible. A qualifying score of 175 or above helps you move up into the next levels as you and your dog progress.
Where can I go to do Rally Obedience?
Register with The Kennel Club to get started. Or you can find competitions online at sites such as Rally News.
Find out how to join Rally Obedience at The Kennel Club
Learn more about Rally Obedience here with our Rally beginners' guide.
List of canine sports for you and your dog to try
There are so many canine sports available. No matter what gets your dog excited and engaged, there will be a sport that suits them. If none of the sports above are for you, you could try some of these with your furry friend.
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Sheepdog trials
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Disc dogs (frisbee)
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Lure coursing
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Tracking
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Canicross
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Sled-racing
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Carting
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