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Did you know your dog could be an athlete? I am not lying, there is a thing known as a dog sports competition between dogs to see who is the best athlete. Multiple categories are listed in the American Kennel Club, The Academy of Pet Careers, and Zoom Room Dog Training.
Firstly, there is agility sport where the dogs jump over hurdles and zoom through tunnels in a competition to see who is the fastest. Similar to modern-day track these dogs compete to see the fastest good boy or girl. This sport requires a strong bond between the dog and his human and can strengthen their bonds even more. Dog Agility can exercise your dog and you, shaping your life for the better. The current top place of dog agility is Truant the border collie.
Secondly, sheep herding is a job that is about 454 years old. This sport is simple: the dogs herd the sheep. Points are scored by versatility, control, and how the sheep move in a certain area. The current competition winner is for the 2023 national championship. How to win a sheep herding competition breed does not matter but it is suggested that you go to someone who has experience knows what to do and can train your dog.
Thirdly there is Lure Coursing. A sport that brings dogs back to their ancestors when they hunted. The goal of the sport is for the dog to catch a mechanized lure that mimics the unpredictable moves their real prey might make in a big open field. Many people suggest if you have an overly energetic dog this is what you should do. The 2022 winner is Fleura the Afghan Hound.
I have shown you 3 sports that dogs play but there are still so many more sports that man's best friend can contribute to. Dog Sports is a competition and an activity in which you and your dog can bond with each other. A quick reminder, don't get mad at your dog for losing they tried their best for you. Jimmy Maxwell, a dog trainer at Uptown Pup, runs a not-for-profit search and rescue company. When asked about whether or not dog sports are ethical, he compared it to kids playing sports.Ā It's all about how they are trained.Ā āImagine a kiddo playing baseball because he loves it, and itās fun, and he wants to play it, versus some parents who force their kids to play baseball and harp on their performance all the time, or punish their kids for not playing well or not wanting to play at all. At that point, the game becomes a chore or a punishment. Itās not about baseball being unethical, but how the parents or coaches teach it or treat it.ā It's the same for dogs as well.Ā If they are trained well, and enjoy it, it can be an ethical experience. Dog sports have grown and have not stopped, so even you can participate in the fun!
Sources
Jimmy Maxwell-dog trainer
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