Canine competitions and fun for dogs: how to find and participate

What competitions are there for dogs?

• Agility is a type of canine sport in which dogs pass through various obstacles at the maximum possible speed and with the accuracy of commands from their owner or handler. This sport requires the dog not only to be physically ready, but also to have developed skills of obedience and dexterity.

Agility elements can include tunnels, jumping over obstacles, ramps, wheels and other elements that the dog must overcome in the shortest possible time. Competitions are timed, and the team that overcomes the track faster and with fewer mistakes wins.

Agility is an excellent way to develop the physical and mental abilities of dogs, and also strengthens the bond between dog and owner. This type of training allows the dog to use its natural instincts and skills.

• Flyball is a canine sport and fun for dogs in which participants must run quickly and efficiently over obstacles, retrieve a ball and carry it through a series of obstacles to their owner. The main goal of the game is to complete this route as quickly as possible.

The main stages of the flyball game:

• Each team starts from its starting line.

• The dog must pass through a series of obstacles, which may include low barriers and tunnels.

• After completing the obstacles, the dog reaches the "flyball box", where it will press the pedal to throw the ball.

• The dog must take the ball in its mouth and return with it to its owner.

• The dog returns along the route, moving through the same obstacles, and passes the ball to the owner.

• As soon as the first participant completes his route, the next participant in the team begins his.

The main elements of dog dance:

• The dog must perform various tricks and commands, such as sitting, lying down, jumping, spinning and others, which are adapted to the rhythm and music.

• The owner and the dog jointly perform choreographic movements and transitions on different parts of the musical composition.

• Performances are performed to selected music that adds expressiveness and emotionality to the performance.

• Participants can use costumes and sets to create themed performances and emphasize the atmosphere of the performance.

In dog dancing, great emphasis is placed on creativity and interaction between the owner and the dog. Teams should harmoniously complement the music, and mutual communication should create the impression of artistic interaction.

• Herding service is the use of dogs specially trained to help work with livestock, usually a flock of sheep or other livestock. Herding service dogs help shepherds or owners to control, guide and protect the herd from danger and maintain order.

The main tasks of herding service dogs include:

• Dogs help guide the herd or herd in the right direction by following the shepherd's commands.

• Contribute to the maintenance and control of large numbers of livestock, preventing dispersal and losses.

• Dogs can display a natural protective instinct, protecting the herd from predators or potentially dangerous situations.

• Some breeds of herding dogs are excellent assistants in the birth and care of young.

• It is important that the shepherd service dog is obedient and understands the shepherd's commands.

Herding dogs can be of different breeds, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Scottish Shepherds, or Swiss Shepherds, and each breed can have its own unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific working conditions.

How to find a competition?

Very often, similar competitions are held directly by canine associations, links to KSU-FCI. Also, now in the era of the Internet, they can be easily found on various platforms, from independent to unions of people who conduct them independently.

Follow the announcements on the network and do not miss the opportunity to join interesting and useful contests.