5 Unusual Sports for Smart Dogs

You may consider doing obedience training, agility or perhaps even flyball, but you may not have heard of these other dog sports…

Treibball

This sport originated in Germany and is a great outlet for herding breeds. Eight large balls around 45-75cm in size are set up in a triangle and the dog must push the balls into the ‘goal’ as though herding up a mob of sheep. These dogs look like they are having such a brilliant time.

Bikejoring

Love the idea of sledding, but live somewhere without snow? No problem, why not try out Bikejoring? Simply attach your dog via a specialised towline to the front of your bike and get peddling. Usually the sport is done on trails and you will need a very obedient dog who won’t take you hurtling off-road chasing a squirrel!

Earthdog

If you have a terrier that was bred to hunt in dens or underground, your little dog will love this. Special tunnels are set up to allow your dog to safely compete in simulated hunts. Usually only terriers or dachshunds are allowed to compete and there are different levels of difficulty as your dog progresses.

Dock diving

If your dog loves to swim and retrieve, dock jumping could be just the sport to keep him amused. The dogs leap from a platform 2 feet above the water and retrieve a toy. They are judged on height and distance.

Canine Nosework

If you have a dog born to sniff, Canine Nosework is all about using those natural abilities to find a smell. This can be anything, but is traditionally something like birch essence on a cotton tip. For some ideas in how to teach your dog to follow his nose, visit here. There are specialised training schools set up to help teach your dog Nosework and competitions to up the ante.

So we hope this collection has inspired you to get out with your canine friend and have some new sporting adventures. These dogs all look like they are having so much fun!

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