Get Started in Dog Sports and Events – American Kennel Club – American Kennel Club
It’s one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. It’s great exercise. And it just might be one of the most personally rewarding endeavors of your life.
It’s the world of canine sports and events, and it’s open for all dogs to enjoy, including mixed-breed dogs.
Something special happens between owners and their dogs when they train for an event. As you and your dog develop the skills necessary for each sport – and then demonstrate what you’ve learned – you experience a sense of accomplishment like no other. With your dog beside you at each turn, you become a true team in every sense of the word.
Participating in canine sports is often not just about winning ribbons or trophies, either (although a healthy competitive spirit doesn’t hurt). Most dog owners say it’s the many personal rewards that keep them coming back event after event. And, we often hear that the friendships with other dog owners that are developed at these events are as important as the events themselves.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports and events, as more than 22,000 events are held each year. Whether you just train for fun, or actually compete, we guarantee that you’ll feel a sense of pride at seeing your dog in their “happy” place, showing off new skills and accomplishing incredible goals — together.
Before you get too far, it’s important to understand a few key terms that often confuse newcomers but are commonly used in canine sports and events:
See the full glossary here.
If you haven’t seen a canine sporting event in person, go to one, or several, to familiarize yourself with what happens in the ring, and to experience the energy and camaraderie.
Then get involved with your local AKC Club. Not only do they offer invaluable resources and training classes, you’ll meet new people with similar interests who are more than wiling to share their knowledge and lend a hand.
There are many canine sports to choose from, and many people participate in more than one. But when you’re just starting out, it can be hard to decide which one to try first. Start by assessing your dog’s appearance, health and temperament:
Need more help finding the right sport for you and your dog? Take this quiz.
Generally speaking, to compete in an AKC sport or event, your dog must have an AKC number. Whether your dog is an AKC-recognized breed, mixed breed, or a breed not yet recognized, there is a path to acquiring an AKC number so that you and your dog can compete in sports. Choose one of the following:
In addition:
However, each sport has its own rules and regulations, so be sure to familiarize yourself before you get started.
Conformation
Agility
Obedience
Rally
Tracking
Scent Work
Herding
Earthdog
Lure Coursing
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