Participating in a dog sport is a great way for dogs and their owners to get exercise, bond, and have fun competing. But with so many dog sports to choose from today, it’s often hard for dog owners to decide which one to try. One way to narrow down the choice is to consider safety issues.
Below is a safety guide for six of the most popular dog sports. Each sport has different age minimums, so be sure to check rules before choosing a sport and joining a dog training class.
Canine Agility, a Fast-Paced and Challenging Dog Sport
Canine agility is a dog sport where dogs, led by their handlers, navigate a course of obstacles in the fastest time possible.
Safety concerns of canine agility include:
- Unsafe equipment can cause injuries
- Very large dogs may not be suited for advanced agility courses and some equipment
- Dogs can get dehydrated or overheated if overworked and conditions are hot
- Pushing a dog too quickly and beyond his limits can have negative consequences
Flyball, the Dog Sport for Quick Runners and Ball Lovers
In flyball, four dogs take turns running a relay race at top speed over hurdles toward a flyball box, where they catch a tennis ball, turn around, and run back to the finish line.
Dog safety issues for flyball include:
- Back problems can result due to the fast speeds and quick turns at the box
- Dogs are in close contact with each other, a potential problem for poorly socialized dogs
- Over working and heat can lead to dehydration and exhaustion in dogs
- Eating too close to a race can cause bloat or other problems
- Some dogs tend to cross into the other lane and chase dogs from the other team, posing a danger to all
Tracking, a Dog Sport for Good Noses
Tracking is a dog sport where the dog, followed by his handler, follows a track using his sense of smell to find an article.
Dog tracking safety issues are:
- Dogs can get ticks, burrs, and cuts from tracking in wooded areas or fields
- Getting lost is a possibility, so it’s important to carry a cell phone when tracking
- Predatory animals may lurk in wilderness areas
- Dogs can get overheated and dehydrated on trails
Dock Jumping, the Water Lover’s Dog Sport
Dock jumping is a dog sport where dogs run off a dock into a pool or other body of water, aiming for distance or height.
Dog safety issues for dock jumping include:
- Can be hard on joints since off season training is often done on land using jumps
- Many high energy dogs are in close proximity, a bad situation for aggressive dogs
- Dogs who are not completely comfortable in water should not participate
- Over jumping can lead to fatigue and soreness
Disc Dog, a Dog Sport for Skilled Throwers and Catchers
In disc dog, the handler throws discs made of soft PVC to the dog for a catch and retrieve game or as part of a freestyle routine.
Safety concerns of disc dog include:
- Very rigorous sport that puts pressure on a dog’s knees and spine
- Concern of dehydration due to overexertion
- Dogs can develop bloat or other problems if they eat too close to training time
- Improper discs, like Frisbees, can break and cut the dog’s mouth
- Discs can be hard on a dog’s teeth and gums
The Safest Dog Sports
The following sports are among the safest for dogs due to their low impact nature:
- Rally, where dogs and their handlers move through a course of 10 to 20 stations with commands
- Canine freestyle, where dogs and their handlers perform a timed routine of obedience skills to music
- Obedience, where dogs and their handlers perform difficult obedience exercises
Still can’t decide between canine agility, flyball, or dock jumping? Sit in on a dog training class and see how it’s done. Trainers are well aware of the safety issues involved in dog sports and can answer any questions – and help dogs and their owners get started on one of life’s most enjoyable and rewarding experiences.
For information on other activities for dogs and their owners, see Ten Things to Do With a Dog for Free.
Sources:
American Kennel Club
Mehus-Roe, Kristin. Canine Sports & Games. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2009.
North American Flyball Association
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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