Agility

Camping out with your dog - any season

Canicross

The sport of cross country running with dogs.   Canicross can be run with one or two dogs, always attached to the runner. The runner typically wears a waist belt, the dog a harness, and the two are joined by a  bungee cord or elastic line that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.  Originally canicross dogs were of sledding or spitz types such as the husky or malimute,  but now all breeds have begun taking part including cross breeds, small terrier  breeds to large breeds such as rotweillers and standard poodels.   Not only can all breeds run but people of all ages and abilities can take part. Including children and the disabled such as the visually impaired. Some breeds are very well suited to not only running and pulling but running at steady pace over a long distance. Cani-cross is now not only a great way for the runner to keep fit, but great for the dogs too. It encourages people and their dogs to take part in outdoor activity and meet other like minded individuals. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cani_cross)

Carting

Carting is a dog sport or activity in which a dog (usually a large breed) pulls a Dogcart filled with supplies, such as farm goods or firewood, but sometimes pulling people. Carting as a sport is also known as dryland mushing and is practiced all around the world, often to keep winter sled dogs in competition form during the off-season. (Note that the term "dogcart" is primarily used to mean a particular type of light horse-drawn vehicle.)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_carting

Disc dog or Frisbee dog

In disc dog competitions,  dogs and their human disc throwers compete in events such as distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching. The sport celebrates the bond between handler and dog, by allowing them to work together. The term "disc" is preferred because "Frisbee" is a trademark  (held by Wham-O) for a brand of flying disc.  Teams of one person and one dog compete in the standard distance "toss and fetch" event. Points are awarded to the team for catches at varying distances.  Competitions also often feature the dynamic freestyle event, which consists of short routines choreographed to music with multiple discs in play. The less common long distance events have various formats, but generally the longest catch wins. 

Divisions in disc dog events are usually based on the skill and experience of the handler. Men and women generally compete in the same divisions for all disciplines, although the long distance category is sometimes divided by gender.  Short distance events go by many names, including Toss and Fetch, Mini Distance, Throw and Catch, and Distance/Accuracy. The concept is generally the same. Contestants have 60 seconds to make as many throws as possible on a field marked with increasingly longer distances. The distances generally don't exceed 50 meters for the longest catches. In Freestyle the team consists of one person (handler) and his or her dog. Depending on the event, the length of a routine might be anywhere from one minute and 30 seconds all the way to three minutes. Teams are judged in categories that include Canine Athleticism, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, and so forth.. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_dog)

Dock Diving or Jumping

Competitions where dogs, usually retrievers, are encouraged to jump off a dock into a body of water, such as a lake or pool.  The dock itself is usually about 40 ft, although it is not necessary that the dog use the entire dock before jumping off.  The jump distance is then measured.  The owner may or may not use a toy or chase object to entice the dog into the water. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dock_diving)

Dog or Pack Hiking

A form of hiking in which dogs travel alongside their owners. Several companies manufacture packs (often similar in appearance to mule or donkey side bags) in various sizes, so that the dogs may carry their own food and/or bowls. If the dog is employed to carry food or supplies belonging to the human hikers, it is referred to as a storage dog.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_hiking)

Dog Scootering

A sport where one or more dogs pull a human riding an unmotorized kick scooter. It is similar to mushing, which is done in the winter, but generally with fewer dogs and with a scooter instead of a dogsled. The dogs wear the same harnesses that sled dogs wear, and are hooked to the scooter with a gangline. The gangline usually incorporates a bungie to smooth out the shocks of speeding up and takeoff. Most of the same commands are used, although dog scooterers tend to be more relaxed about their commands, sometimes using "right" and "left" instead of "gee" and "haw", for example. The scooter is generally unmotorized, and has mountain-bike-style tires ranging from 16" to 26". These are not razor-type scooters, which would be dangerous in this sport. The scooters incorporate mountain-bike-style brakes and have a large footboard to stand on and kick off from. Some of the newer scooters also incorporate front shocks similar to mountain bikes to absorb bumps better. 

Many owners who scooter prefer the multi-sport (also called Urban Trails) harness; a harness that is similar to an H-style harness found in stores, but with a specially fitted neck (ZIMA design) and a tighter fit on the girth. This harness has been found to take pressure off the dogs back, and allows for better extension, and curvature of the dogs' back. It is especially useful for shorter dogs whose gangline goes upward towards the point of attachment. It is also useful for dogs who excel at backing out of their X-Back harnesses. There is also a newer design on the Multi-sport harness, called a Y-Back or Hybrid Performance harness. It allows for a straight line back from the harness to the hitching point, and can be used for many different sports.  This sport is open to many dogs, from Huskies, to Great Danes, and Schnauzers to Pit Bulls. Any dog over 30 lbs can pull a scooter, but smaller dogs in teams can also be used. The smaller the dog, the more you will have to help out on hills and rough spots. All dogs, regardless of size, must be slowly worked into fitness, along with their owners. Don't expect to run the Iditarod in your first month! There is often an adjustment period for the dog's paws, and they may bleed initially if on a longer run, until they toughen up to pavement. The owner should ALWAYS carry booties along for cuts and abrasions, as well as a bottle of New Skin which seals over the cut and prevents infection.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_scootering)

Earth Dog Trials

This competition is intended for short-legged terriers.  The dog must negotiate man-made tunnels to test the dog’s ability to follow the scent and work the quarry. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthdog_trial)

Flyball

This is a sport that incorporates a team of dogs.  It is basically a relay race in which dogs run over hurdles placed 10 feet apart for a total of 51 feet to get a tennis ball that is released from a box and return it to the start.  At this point another dog takes over with a total of 4 dogs on each team.  As the jumps are measured 4 inches below the withers of the smallest dog, it is usually wise to have a small dog as a part of the team.  In order to get the tennis ball, the dog must press a spring loaded pad. Each dog must also cross the start line before the other dog can start.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyball)

French Ring Sport

A dog sport involving jumps, obedience, and bite work. It is most similar to Belgian Ring, Campagne and KNPV, but also sharing common elements with Schutzhund. To participate in French Ring Sport, a dog must first pass the Certificat de Sociabilité et d’Aptitude à l’Utilisation (Certificate of Sociability and Aptitude for Work) temperament test.  French Ring Sport defines three earned titles, after earning a Brevet(Certificate) for Dogs of defense; Ring I, Ring II and Ring III. Each introduces progressively more difficult situations and makes greater demands from the dog. The trial is divided into three sections: Jumps, Breaking in exercises of obedience, and protection.

When competing in Ring, the dog has no collar or leash on at any time except during the heel on leash. No food rewards or physical corrections are allowed at any time while competing. Also, excessive praise or petting will result in a loss of general outlook points. Points for an exercise will be lost for multiple commands, incorrect commands, or failure of the dog or handler to perform the exercise correctly. Control is emphasized from the moment the dog/handler team walks onto the field, until they leave at the end.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Ring_Sport)

Greyhound Racing

A sport where the Greyhound chases a lure around a track to the finish line.  The first dog to cross the finish line wins.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyhound_racing)

Herding or Stock Dog – See Sheepdog Trials 

Jack Russell Racing

Kayak/Canoe or any Watercraft 

This is a sport that has your dog join you on any type of watercraft. 

Lure Coursing

This is sport that is usually for sight hound breeds only, such as the Whippet, Saluki and Borzoi.  The purpose is for these hounds to chase a fake lure across a field, usually between 600-1000 yards.  Dogs must also be at least one year to compete due to developing joints.  The lure is meant to represent live prey and may include several turns.  In Europe this may also include jumps or obstacles.  Dogs are run in ‘braces’ 2-3 dogs of the same breed.  Italian Greyhounds are not allowed to participate as they may be mistaken for prey.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Lure_coursing)

Mushing

A general term for a sport or transport method powered by dogs, and includes carting, pulka, scootering, sled dog racing, skijoring, freighting, and weight pulling. More specifically, it implies the use of one or more dogs to pull a sled on snow. The term is thought to come from the French word marche, or go, run, the command to the team to commence pulling. "Mush!" is rarely used in modern parlance, however; "Hike!" is more common in English. Mushing can be utilitarian, recreational, or competitive. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushing)

Musical Canine Freestyle – Also called musical freestyle, freestyle dance, and canine freestyle

A modern dog sport that is a mixture of obedience, tricks, and dance that allows for creative interaction between dogs and their owners.  Competition can be done as a single dog-and-handler team, as a pair of dogs and handlers, or as a full team of three or more dogs and their handlers. Generally, for competition, there is one dog to a person.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_canine_freestyle)

Pulka

Pulka is a type of winter sport popular in Scandinavia which has recently spread to other parts of the world. Pulka can be great fun, and involves a high level of cooperation between people and animals for success. It integrates dogs, a sled, and a skier. Pulka can be done with one dog or multiple dogs, depending on the amount of weight being pulled. In addition to being a competitive sport, pulka is also used by some winter adventurers to move supplies.

Rally Obedience- Rally O

This a combination of agility and dog obedience.  Like agility there is a mapped course, but in Rally-O the dog and owner must go through with the dog in a heel position.  Commands include sit, stay, come, heel and down.  These courses are timed and may include anywhere from 12-20 stations designed by the judge.  (www.canismajor.com/dog/rallyo.html   By Denise A. Gordon) 

Ring Sports

Scootering – See Dog Scootering

Schutzhund

Developed in Germany to test a dog’s physical and mental abilities that are necessary for police work.  This competition tests strength, endurance, agility, tracking and obedience.  Breeds usually seen in these competitions include German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, and Giant Schnauzers among others.

Sheepdog Trials - Herding

A competitive dog sport in which herding dog breeds move sheep around a field, fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Such events are particularly associated with hill farming areas, where sheep range widely on largely unfenced land.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheepdog_trial)

Skijoring -with dog

A sport in which a dog (or dogs), assist a cross-country skier. From one to three dogs are commonly used. The cross-country skier provides power with skis and poles, and the dog adds additional power by running and pulling. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and the two are connected by a length of rope. There are no reins or other signaling devices to control the dog: The dog must be motivated by its own desire to run, and respond to the owner's voice for direction.

Many breeds of dog participate in skijoring. The only prerequisite is a desire to run down a trail and pull, which is innate in many dogs. Small dogs (less than 35 pounds) are rarely seen skijoring, because they do not greatly assist the skier; however, since the skier can provide as much power as is required to travel, any enthusiastic dog can participate. Athletic dogs such as Pointers, Setters and herding breeds take to skijoring with glee, as do the northern breeds, such as Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Inuit dogs; however, any energetic dog is capable of enjoying this sport. The sport is practiced recreationally, and competitively, both for long distance travel and for short (sprint) distances.  (wikipedia.org/wiki/Skijoring)

Sled Dog Racing

A winter sport where a group of 3-24 sled dogs are harnessed to a sled and run over a set course with the musher or dog driver standing on the runner.  Sprint races can last up to 4-25 miles a day, mid distance 28-200 miles, and long distance from 200-1000 miles. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogsled_racing)

Surfing

Tracking Trials

An event to encourage dogs to make use of their strongest facility, the ability to follow a scent trail. The competition emulates the finding of a lost person or article in a situation where the performance of the dog can be fairly assessed. Because of this, the tracks laid are straight-forward, not the wanderings that may characterize a lost person, nor do they include deliberate attempts by the tracklayer to deceive the dog. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_trial)

Water Dog

Used in actual rescue situations or in trials for fun. Your dog must not only like the water and be comfortable on a boat, but also have the ability to perform the tasks given, as well as be willing to do this on command.  He will need to have the instinct to retrieve and also be a strong swimmer.  Water rescue is dominated by working dogs, such as the Newfoundland and Portuguese water dog, but any dog with the physical ability and willingness can participate. 

Weight Pulling

A sport invented mainly for bull and sled pulling breeds.  The dogs must pull a sled or cart loaded with weight across a set distance over grass, snow or carpet.  The dog is hitched to a harness and then encouraged to pull the sled to a finish line.  Although any dog can join this event, be careful of breeds like the Italian Greyhound and other fragile dogs that can easily fracture bones in their chest area. 

Weiner Racing –Also Dachshund Racing

Typical races are either 25 or 50 yards in length, and are run on various surfaces. Many race tracks across  In the less formal events, most entrants are not career racers, nor bred for racing. Often, dogs will choose not to run the length of the course and instead visit with other dogs or the owner that released them. Otherwise, dogs will run swiftly to their owner at the finish line, coaxed by food or toys.