The three best high energy dog sports you’ve never heard of
Do you have a working breed or very active dog that is the canine version of the energizer bunny? These sports may be just what you need to keep them happy and wear them out (or at least attempt to!).
Flyball
Flyball consists of a relay race between two teams of four dogs. Each dog must jump over four hurdles, retrieve a ball by triggering a flyball box pedal and then return over the hurdles to the start/finish line. Flyball is a canine team sport which is founded on the activities that dogs love to do – run, jump, fetch, retrieve, compete and most of all: their desire to please their owners. Any dog regardless of breed, size, shape or formal training, can participate and join in on the fun. Spectators are encouraged to applaud, laugh and cheer on their favourite team. To find a club near you see this link:
Lure Coursing
Lure Coursing has a long history, traditionally a sport for Sighthounds, it is a competition designed to simulate a hare hunt. Nowadays though, it is a sport for any dog, purebred or otherwise. The lure, which is what the dogs chase, is typically 3 plastic bags tied to a nylon cord, which is pulled around a system of pulleys. Judges will score your dog on the following: Enthusiasm, Follow, Speed, Agility and Endurance.
For more information on where you can try this sport out:
Treibball
The game of Treibball is a skills-based dog sport developed in Germany about 10 years ago. About five years ago, information about Treibball was translated into English and the game was introduced into the US. It is now attracting interest in Australia. You start in front of a goal, with your dog beside you. Your dog learns to go out several metres to a large gym ball, turn and face you and then herd the ball towards you and into the goal. In competition, the dog has to push eight balls into the goal, one by one, in as short a time as possible. The eight balls are set out in triangle, rather like the balls in snooker.
Contact DogsACT to found out when the next try out event will he held:
