Tournament dog sport is not only a demanding sport for the dog but also for owners, and the whole family can have fun and keep fit at the same time. Humans and animals must work together and show consideration for one another. The team can only be as successful as the weaker of the two. You can find out everything about tournament dog sports in this article.
What is a tournament dog sport?
Tournament dog sport is often referred to as athletics with dogs. It is characteristic of this sport that owner and dog compete together in different disciplines. In contrast to most other dog sports, it does not depend on the size, weight, age, or breed of the dog. Depending on the characteristics that the dog brings with it, you will definitely find the right variant that this four-legged friend likes.
What is a tournament dog sport?
In tournament dog sports, humans and dogs compete together in various disciplines. These include steeplechase and hurdles, cross-country, slalom, and obedience training.
Four-way battle
A popular discipline is a four-way event, consisting of the parts hurdle race, obedience exercise, obstacle course, and slalom.
Obedience exercise
In the obedience exercise, for example, the dog has to prove that it can walk on a leash, and it can also show that it obeys the most important commands such as “sit” and “down”.
Hurdles
In the hurdle race, the team has to cover a distance of 30 or 40 meters with hurdles set up, with humans and dogs jumping over the four to six obstacles at the same time.
Slalom
In slalom, the team goes through a course with slalom poles, the setup of which is similar to that used in alpine skiing competitions.
Obstacle course
On a sprint distance of 75 meters, there are various obstacles that humans and dogs have to overcome together.
Trail running
Another common discipline, which is particularly suitable for beginners, is cross-country running over a distance of 1000, 2000, or 5000 meters. Although the dog is on a leash, it can still live out its joy of running. In addition, the distance can be selected to suit the dog’s abilities.
C.S.C
If you want a bigger challenge, you can take part in the Combinations Speed Cup (CSC) with your dog. Three teams compete in a team and have to go through a course with numerous obstacles, hurdles, and slalom poles as a relay.
Which dogs are suitable for tournament dog sport?
Any athletic and healthy dog can form a team with a human partner. It does not depend on the weight, size, or age of the animal or the partner.
Why is tournament dog sport useful for the dog?
Tournament dog sport meets the innate need for movement of every dog. A dog can only remain fit, slim, and agile for the rest of its life if it is physically exercised enough. Above all, intelligent four-legged friends also need mental stimulation, they look forward to varied tasks and enjoy working with their familiar people. Especially when playing sports together, a close bond can develop between humans and animals. Last but not least, this sport teaches all participants team spirit and mutual consideration. Because not only an athletic owner has to adapt to his elderly dog, but also a lively four-legged friend learns to wait for his not so athletic owner.
Which dogs are suitable for tournament dog sports?
In principle, any dog that has a certain level of fitness can take part in tournament dog sports. However, there are dog breeds that are naturally more athletic than others. For example, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are known to be true jocks who need a lot of challenges. Despite its small size, the Jack Russel Terrier is also one of the bundles of energy among dogs and is ideal for many disciplines of tournament dog sports. On the other hand, there are also breeds, such as pugs or dachshunds, which naturally have little pleasure in jumping over obstacles or hurdles.
The most important thing is that the dog is healthy, enjoys exercise, and does not have a breed-typical tendency towards joint diseases.
Where can I do tournament dog sport?
In Europe, there are numerous clubs that offer tournament dog sports in all disciplines for beginners and advanced. Forests and meadows on the doorstep are also suitable for training.
When can you start with tournament dog sport?
Since the dog has to jump over obstacles in tournament dog sport, it may only start competing when its skeleton has fully grown. Puppies should not be doing jumping exercises that put a lot of strain on their joints. Most dogs are only ready for the tournament dog sport from the age of about 12 to 15 months. Speed, agility, and walking on a leash can also be trained even with the youngest. Every dog handler should observe his darling closely and try to meet his individual need for exercise and his ability to learn.
What basic commands does the dog need to know?
To get started with dog sports, the dog should know the basic commands:
Sit,
Place,
stay and,
foot
have internalized.
When can you start with tournament dog sport?
By the age of 12 to 15 months, most dogs are fully grown and resilient enough to start competing in dog sports.
Tips to get you started: This is how your dog learns tournament dog sport
Almost every healthy dog has a natural need to run. That’s why it’s usually easiest to get started in cross-country skiing. On a nice running track in the great outdoors, the dog can first learn to adapt to its human partner and implement the most important commands while on a leash. If the cross-country runs go well, the dog and owner can gradually try their hand at hurdles, obstacles, and a slalom course. Next up for beginners is a shorty, a shortened version of the CSC on two parallel lanes.
Where can I do tournament dog sport?
In Germany, the tournament dog sport was established about 30 years ago and is very popular today. On the website of the German Kennel Club (VDH), everyone can find clubs in their region that organize both beginner courses and tournaments in all common disciplines.
Equipment for the perfect start in the tournament dog sport
Since not only the dog but also the human first has to learn a lot about the sport, beginners should join a dog sports group. A 1.5 m long leash and a well-fitting collar are required for the first exercises. Small treats, two toys, and comfortable sportswear for the human team partner are also part of the basic equipment.
Conclusion: Is my dog suitable for tournament dog sport?
Every dog, regardless of its size, breed, and age, can be enthusiastic about the tournament dog sport, as long as it is not physically restricted and has a pronounced urge to move. In order to take part in competitions, proof of the usual vaccinations and animal owner liability must be provided on a regular basis.
