Dog sports to try this summer

Do you have a lively dog with energy to spare? Participating in one of these dog sports is a great way for Fido to blow off some steam.

Agility
In this dog sport, you’ll guide your dog through an obstacle course race in which both time and accuracy matter. Any dog can compete in agility, but it’s ideal for intelligent, high-energy breeds like Australian shepherds and border collies.

Disc Dog
All you need to play this dog sport is a Frisbee and an open space. Once you and your dog are ready, you can enter competitions with events like distance catching and choreographed freestyle catching. Athletic retrieving breeds are especially enthusiastic about this sport.

Canicross
Popular in Europe, this sport combines cross-country running with dog handling. To play, your dog will need to wear a harness that will remain attached to your waist as the two of you run on a trail. Working breeds like German shepherds and huskies are great runners, but any dog with lots of energy will excel at this sport.

Taking part in sports with your dog is a great way to bond with them. Be sure to praise them for their efforts and reward them with a treat and a nap when they’re done.