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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 18, 2012 3:22 am

Brad Carlson
409

Dog agility trials are becoming more and more popular the world over. They began in England, as so many good things, do, but “agility fever” quickly spread all over the globe. Now there are clubs and events everywhere that there are dogs.
Some clubs include the Kennel Club (in the U.K.), the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Agility Association of Canada (AAC). However, you need not be affiliated with or even live near a club or training facility to enjoy the sport of dog agility
Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they love a challenge. As the aforementioned kennel clubs are well aware, every breed has its own strengths and assets, both physically and intellectually. It’s great fun to explore what your dog can do, and even train for competitions!
Even if you train your dog on your own dog agility course, and don’t wish to be affiliated with any groups, it’s still a good idea to stay in touch with them via phone or e-mail to stay aware of any events that may be happening in your area. Dog owners are a great group of people, and love to share advice and success stories. Dog agility events are also a great way to get outside and meet and greet other great pets.
Agility competition for dogs became popular all over the world in the 1980s, and agility enthusiasts have been looking for top-notch dog training equipment that is better looking and more durable than home-made obstacles, while still being affordable. This high-energy form of competition and fun is something that can bring people and dogs together in a spirit of excellence, and we interact with our customers accordingly.
Some of the dog training obstacles include A-frames, dogwalks, weave poles, mini contact equipment, contact trainer, jumps (single, double, and triple), chutes, barrels, and teeters. Everything you need to set up a competition course should be easily ordered and quickly assembled.
Your dog training equipment should be durable enough to withstand practice session after practice session with no risk of injury to you or your dog. Equipment should be made out of durable, well-sealed materials that are weatherproof and built to last. Safety and visual appeal are what matter in dog training equipment.

Technorati Tags: aforementioned kennel clubs, agility association of canada, dog agility, dog training, dog training equipment, dog training obstacles, facts about dog agility, states dog agility association, top-notch dog training, united states dog agility association

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 17, 2012 3:41 am

Donna Monday
158

Dogs love to have fun and now they can join in on the good times by wearing their own pet Halloween costume. Take a look at some of these great costumes available online. Most costumes come in small, medium, large, with some in X-tra large.
==>Buycostumes.com >> $9 – $19
Star Wars Characters: Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Yoda ?now your pooch can get in on all the light saber action of Star Wars. The Yoda outfit will have you yapping with laughter.
Zorro ?he’s cool, dashing, and ready to save all the ladies in distress.
Wonder Woman ?don’t mess with this lady, boys–she’ll use her superpowers to send you to the pound.
==>Petco.com >> $11 – $16
Dracula ?your dog will be a cute little blood sucker in this outfit, with its black and red cape, also includes authentic looking Dracula hair.
Frankenstein ?other dogs will turn green with envy when they see your little monster strutting around in this outfit.
Pink Princess ?she already knows she’s a princess, but she gets to show it off in this pretty pink dress and matching fairy tale hat.
==>DrsFosterSmith.com >> $12
50s Poodle Skirt ?she’ll be bopping around the clock in this adorable pink poodle skirt with black and white striped top.
Rock Star ?this white glam jumpsuit will conjure up fond memories of the Elvis Vegas era–for cool dogs who love the limelight.
Superman ?faster than a speeding car, able to leap tall fences in a single bound, look-it’s superdog!
==>Amazon.com / Pet Friendzy >> $8 – $15
Muscles Bound Hound ?time to show eveyone that pumping iron isn’t just a human sport–costume comes with built in plush barbells.
Pup Royale ?for dogs who are a step above the “common folk?-regal red cape with spotted trim–and of course, a hat to give it the crowning touch.
Lil?Scarecrow ?fresh out of the cornfield, this little outfit is sure to scare up some doggie treats.
==>Glamourdog.com >> $16 – $44
Bumble Bee ?they’ll be buzzing about how cute your dog looks in this honey of an outfit.
Prisoner ?your little rascal will be a model prisoner in this black and white homage to inmate couture.
Pirate ?the scull and crossbones says it all-don’t mess with this sea going ruffian.
Lady Bug ?you’re bound for some good luck with this cute little lady bug scampering about your home.
Cheer Leader ?three cheers for this C. U. T. E. dog costume.
Football Player ?sporty dogs will get a kick out of this fun outfit-throw him a doggie treat and watch him run for a touchdown.

Technorati Tags: -regal red cape, adorable pink poodle, authentic looking dracula, c. u. t. e, dog halloween, doggone adorable dog halloween costumes, halloween costume, halloween costumes, little lady bug, pet halloween costume

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 16, 2012 4:47 am

Brad Carlson
408

You may be asking, “When can I start agility training with my new puppy?” You can start immediately, with certain recommendations. Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.
Expose your puppy to different surfaces. One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is “Box” or “Table”. This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. Lure pup up on a low pause table, treat them on the table. You can call the pause table anything you want. (If I was starting over I would name the pause table “Box” instead of “Table” for my dogs because on the agility course there is the potential to have too many “T” words, i.e. tunnel, tire, table, and teeter. The problem is I am also a creature of habit, and under pressure revert back to my default words, “table” would be one of them.)
Teach your pup to “Box”, meaning to get up on a variety of obstacles. In our training field we use “Box” for upside down kennel tops, the bottom of barrels turned upside down, bird crates, and more. Be creative with your pup, get them to get up on all kinds of surfaces, exposing them to different shapes, sizes, and textures. Once your pup is comfortable getting up on a “Box”, then you can begin to ask them to sit on the box also.
You can also begin to use Buja boards for motion training. Buja boards are generally made from plywood, 36″ x 36″ with a painted surface or covered surface. On the underside, there is a 2×4 box where a partially deflated ball is placed. This enables the Buja board to rock gently. At first you can reward your pup for getting one paw on the board, then reward for two feet and eventually all four. Depending on your pups temperament will determine how fast they get comfortable on the Buja Board.
Perch training can also be started with young pups. The Perch is generally a 1′x1′ wood surface that is raised by 2″x4″‘s underneath. So the Perch is about four inches in height. The Perch helps teach pups rearend awareness. Again, you can reward your pup for getting one front paw on the perch and then the other. Perch training is mostly used with just the front paws on the Perch.
These are just a few behaviors you can teach your young pup. Exposure to a variety of surfaces and heights will help your pup build confidence in his future agility training.

Technorati Tags: agility pause table, agility training, buja board, dog agility training, dog agility training for your puppy, future agility training, low pause table, pause table, perch training, the perch

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 15, 2012 6:04 am

Todd Jones
291

There are many websites on the Internet that provide access to dog treat recipes. Many of these recipes are excellent resources for providing your dogs with healthy treats that are affordable and nutritious. As with any information that you find on the Internet, however, you should do quite a bit of your own research before using any of the dog treat recipes. This research should include ensuring that each of the ingredients is not harmful to your dog. This is necessary because many ingredients that we would not consider harmful could cause irreversible health problems and even fatalities in dogs.
Raisins are one example of an ingredient that should be avoided in dog treat recipes. Both grapes and raisins have been known to cause renal failure in dogs. Although one or two grapes may not be cause for concern, these products should be avoided in dog treat recipes and you should seek veterinary intervention if your dog ingests either grapes or raisins.
Onions are another such ingredient that should never be included in dog treat recipes. Many people make the mistake of thinking that onion is a great flavor for dog treats but ingesting onions even in small doses can make dogs susceptible to a certain type of anemia. Smaller dogs are especially prone to this anemia after ingesting onions.
Before following dog treat recipes, it is important to review the ingredients to ensure that each one is safe for consumption by dogs. It is important to note that seemingly harmless ingredients can be toxic when consumed by dogs.

Technorati Tags: dog treat, dog treat ingredients, dog treat ingredients to avoid, dog treat recipes, Dog?, healthy treats, irreversible health problems, renal failure in dogs, smaller dogs, type of anemia

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 14, 2012 7:27 am

Richard Cussons
51

If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is, how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dog breed.
Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Think about your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount of time you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look at your health including possible allergies, your financial resources and the amount of space in your house and yard. Most of all work out how much time you have for a dog.
Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog breed, among the most important is the relationship you want with your dog. Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and elegant, others are independent and energetic while others are dependent or submissive. If you want to do specialized training, consider breeds known for courage and trainability. If you want an affectionate pet, choose a breed that typically likes to be close to its people.
To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle begin by asking yourself these questions:
a) How much time can I spend with my dog, a social creature who craves companionship? – If your time is limited don’t get a breed which can become dependent on their owners.
b) How much exercise can I give my dog? – If you hate exercise, buy a small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk the mountains all day long get a dog breed which likes a lot of exercise.
c) How much grooming can I do? – If you hate grooming, buy a short-haired dog.
d) How much training can I give? – If you have limited time, choose a breed known for ease of training.
e) How much room do I have? – If you live in a small apartment don’t get a large dog!
f) What characteristics do I want in my dog? – Think of words like independent, energetic, submissive, affectionate, protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to match them to the characteristics of your family members. Your dog will fit in much better if you do.
Finding The Right Dog Breed
Once you have answered these questions it is time to go out and find the right dog breed for you. The internet is a great place to start. Just go to your favourite search engine and type in something like “dog breed information?or “dog breeds?and you will find some excellent sites giving detailed information about each breed.
Note the characteristics of the different breeds. What is best for your situation: large or small, male or female, purebred or mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing lots or little exercise? A lot or little daily grooming? Think through your choices in detail and compare this information to your requirements and make a short list.
Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you are interested in. Ask friends, family members and co-workers for suggestions of dog breeds they think would be good for you and your family. Ask them to be honest about the good points and bad points of the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schools and breeders and ask about the dogs your think may be suitable. Follow up on and meet the breeds you feel are a good match.
Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to make your final choice of a dog breed a family decision. Your dog will be part of the family, and each member needs to feel a sense of ownership for the dog and a willingness to help in its care.
So there you have it a short guide to choosing a puppy that will fit into your family perfectly and bring years of fun and happiness.

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 13, 2012 8:22 am

Waylon Harvey
275

There are a variety of names that go under the broad heading of “training collar? Some of them are — choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These are all training collars and are used by professionals and amateur trainers alike.
Training collars are effective tools if they are used properly. Here are a few thoughts to apply when using training collars:
Does it fit? A properly fitted collar makes the collar easier to use and a lot safer for the dog. Determining if the training collar is the right size is relatively easy. The ideal size training collar should fit snugly, yet comfortably over the dog’s head. It is important that the training collar not fit too tightly, but it should not be too loose either. A training collar that is too tight will be too hard to put on and off. On the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can accidentally fall off of the dog’s head when it lowers its head. The collar should also not be too long.
It is best to measure the dog’s neck with a tape measure, then add 2 to 3 inches to that measurement. So if your dog has a neck 12?in diameter, you would want to buy a training collar that is 14?in length. Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch increments.
* Has it been put on correctly? Put it on right and it will be more effective and less dangerous.
* Is it being used correctly? Don’t use the collar as punishment. Rather, use it only as a sharp reminder to the dog about their behavior. Use short sharp jerks of the collar, not constant pressure. Using constant pressure could be dangerous to the dog.
* Is it the right weight for your dog? In addition to the weight, the size of the links should also be appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.
* Is the collar placed correctly? It is important to properly place the collar on the dog. When fitting a training collar, the part of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dog’s neck. With this type of arrangement, the collar releases the instant the leash is loosened. Training collars work by making the collar tight and loose in a fast manner. Tightening the collar is the first part of the correction, and making it loose is the second part of the correction.
If the part of the training collar that is attached to the leash is not on the top of the dog’s neck, the collar can still be made tight, but it will not release back to a loose state easily. This constant pressure on the dog’s neck initiates a counter response on the part of the animal, and the dog will quickly learn to pull and strain against the leash.
Make sure you purchase a collar that is both well made and strong. This is a vital step to the safety of yourself and your dog.
What do you do if the collar breaks? First, don’t panic! For the fist couple of minutes your dog won’t even know they have an unexpected freedom. If you continue to pretend that the collar is still attached, you can usually get control of the dog back.
If your collar should break, you can usually make a quick replacement by making a “slip lead? Just take the snap of the leash and run it through the handle and then slip the loop you formed over the dog’s head. Not perfect, but sure solves the immediate problem.

Technorati Tags: choke collar, collar, constant pressure, dog training, dog training with a training collar or choke collar, Dog?, ideal size training, Training, training collar, training collars

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 12, 2012 8:57 am

Brent Jones
421

A leather collar is the strongest, most practical, and most comfortable. It should be round for long coats, in order to avoid breaking the hair, and flat for short coats, in order to avoid leaving a mark. Both round and flat should be as narrow and light as possible within the limits of security. Braided leather, the sturdiest of all is recommended for large and powerful breeds, but do not buy too heavy a collar for a new puppy. Washable nylon cord or canvas webbing are lightweight and strong enough.
You may enjoy dressing up your pet in fancy jeweled collars, and there is nothing wrong with this, but you should avoid dangling ornaments that can gat caught, trapping the animal and possibly causing injury. A properly fitting collar is tight enough so that cannot slip over the dogs head, but loose enough to offer no constriction. You should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and neck of an adult dog. A puppy grows so fast that his first collar must allow plenty of room for expansion. Get one with several holes, start with the last one, and adjust it comfortably each time you put it on him.
An essential safety feature of the dog collar is the identity tag it bears. The safest kind is an engraved name and address plaque permanently attached to the collar. Very small collars do not have room for this, so small pets have to wear a round engraved medal attached to the collar. The pets name and the owner’s phone number should be on the tag, and many areas require that immunization tags be worn with current records engraved. Above all else, a collar should be chosen for its comfort first and foremost, with style and look considered secondary.
Please feel free to check out our collars and leash section at http://joncopets.com/dog_collars.asp

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 11, 2012 9:39 am

L. D. Mairet
578

Dog behavior training is a very important key to a happy, healthy, pet. Dog behavior training can help your dog stop excessive barking, biting, and whining. Dog behavior training can fix almost any behavior problem that your pet may be experiencing. If you want to put an end to the problems and stress that your dog is creating, you need to consider dog behavior training. Dog behavior training will help build a positive relationship between you and your dog.
When done properly, dog behavior training, will help your dog to behave in any type of situation. Consider what the key problems are when assessing your pet. Do you want your dog to sit when people come over? How about excessive barking and whining problems, are they getting annoying? All of these problems you can overcome with your dog and the proper dog behavior training techniques.
When your dog is having behavior problems and acting out, they are just begging for dog behavior training. Dogs are very smart animals and they need and thrive from the stimulation they get from the interaction with you. Do you need and want a better relationship with your dog? Dog behavior training will help get you off on the right start with your dog.
It’s never to late to start dog behavior training your companion. Even if your dog is older and set in their ways, they will love the stimulation they get from a dog behavior training course. You don’t even need to take your dog to some expensive, high priced, dog behavior training class. You can train your dog on your own from the comfort of your own home.
Your companionship between you and your dog can be wonderful but at the same time challenging without proper dog behavior training techniques. Check out the book now to get on your way to a healthier, happier pet. You might even find that your relationship with your pet will bring you to a whole new level.

Technorati Tags: behavior problem, behavior problems, behavior training, behavior training techniques, dog behavior, dog behavior training, Dog?, key problems, l. d. mairet, proper dog behavior

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 10, 2012 10:35 am

Marcia Breitenbach
556

Overwhelming Feelings of Guilt Accompany This Decision
Many of us who have animal companions know that there will probably come a day when we have to make one of the most difficult decisions as a pet owner. Our pets age before our eyes, and we can see the difference in their activity levels and abilities as they grow older. The decision to euthanize our pet can bring on feelings of guilt and pain that add to the grief we already feel about the loss of our animal companion.
Although grief is a normal process, euthanasia adds a complexity that often includes guilt or doubt. Learning how to work through this difficult decision can bring us to a peace and clarity, thus making our healing journey easier and possibly more meaningful.
Remember that You Know Your Animal Companion Best
The first thing to remember when you have to face this difficult decision is that you are the one who knows your pet best. Asking others for advice is normal, but ultimately you need to trust your own knowledge of your animal to make the right decision for him or her. It may help to ask your veterinarian and friends for information so that you feel informed, but you will know best if it is time. Be wary of those who will want you to do it “their?way. Everyone has a valid opinion, but when it comes to recognizing your pet’s needs and cues, you are the expert, so your opinion matters most.
Sometimes people may tell you that euthanasia is an unnatural way for your pet to pass on, but really we treat our pets “unnaturally?every day by providing prepared foods, using medicine, giving them vaccinations, and providing other ways to keep them healthy and alive for longer than any animal in the wild. We defy nature every day with our pets, and often euthanasia is much more humane than what nature would do to our pets.
Is it Time to Euthanize Your Pet?
While listening to others can be helpful, so can listening to your pet. Each of us is intuitive, and you would be amazed at how much you actually communicate with your pet without even realizing it. Take time to sit down and relax deeply next to your animal companion. Take a few deep breaths, and quiet your mind. Think about connecting to your pet’s heart and mind. Tell your animal how much you love him or her, and then ask a question silently. Allow some time and space for a response. It may not be in the form of direct communication, but rather with images, or fleeting thoughts. Open your eyes and write down any thoughts, images, and feelings from that time. This exercise can give you more clarity than you think. If you feel that you are not able to make this connection yourself, you may want to speak with a pet psychic or animal communicator. Ask friends or your vet for a referral.
If you are still not confident about a decision, it is sometimes helpful to ask yourself about what regrets you will have. Will you regret more the euthanasia or letting your pet suffer? Which is more humane to you? Also, before you make a decision you also need to give your companion animal permission to let go. Sometimes our pets hold on in order to protect us. Let them know that it is okay for them to let go of life and that you will be fine. Let them know you will be sad for some time, but that ultimately you will heal and make good choices for a healthy and happy future. I have known of people who had this discussion with their pets, and the animal died on its own, and didn’t need to be euthanized.
Ways to Help Yourself If You Do Decide to Use Euthanasia
If you ultimately make the decision to assist your pet to die, make sure you do not do it alone. The process can be overwhelming at the time, so having another person there to support you can be helpful. There are some veterinarians who will come to your house to administer the injection, saving you and your animal a trip in the car and further trauma. If you do take your pet to a clinical setting, understand that you have the option to be with your pet when the injection is administered, and that sometimes it is helpful to hold onto them as they pass. However, you may want to avoid looking in their eyes as they pass, because often people are haunted by the look in their pet’s eyes, as many people project their own feelings of guilt and confusion on their pet. Once again, this choice is up to you.
Planning Ahead
Also, plan ahead for what to do after the euthanasia. In your grief, the decision of how to handle the body can be extremely difficult. Know if you want to use a pet cemetery, have the body cremated, or if you want to take the body home for burial. Some people ask to take their pet’s body home, to wash them and take more time for the family to say goodbye. You can then deliver your animal’s body for cremation, or sometimes the crematorium will come to pick up the body.
Planning ahead, you may also opt for a memorial service or funeral. This can be something attended only by you and your family, or you may also choose to invite friends as well. More and more, these types of services are being held and can be helpful in working through your grief.
Making the decision to euthanize a pet can be extremely difficult and disconcerting. Learn to trust what you know about your pet to make your decision. When they are gone, know that you made the right decision for them at the time and that there are no right or wrong decisions. Your pet did not judge you in life, nor will your pet judge you afterward. Be as gentle with yourself as you know your pet would be with you. Your pet’s love was unconditional, and that love will remain with you through the rest of your life.

Technorati Tags: animal companion, body home, companion animal permission, difficult decision, euthanasia for pets making the decision to say goodbye, feelings of guilt, pet, right decision, the decision, time

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By Dog Breeds Specialist, February 9, 2012 12:16 pm

Mike Mathews
426

All dog breeds were developed for a purpose. Some breeds were developed to herd sheep, some to hunt game, and some to pull sleds. Dogs, like humans, enjoy having a purpose in life. Dogs like to lead a structured life and be able to associate with their owners in activities and be given the opportunity to please their owner. The following is a short list of fun activities that you may want to consider for your dog.
Dog Agility is a sport in which a handler must control and direct his dog around an obstacle course within a set period of time. Dogs must be controlled off-leash using only voice and body language commands. The handler runs beside the dog and directs the dog through the obstacle course with precision and speed ?trying to accumulate the minimum number of faults (both missed obstacles and time faults). Obstacles include: A-frames, elevated dog walks, teeter-totters, tunnels, jumps (such as hurdles and tires), weave poles (like a slalom), pause tables (where the dog must lie down for a fixed time), and other obstacles. In order to be fair, there are usually classes of competition to group dogs of similar size and experience. Therefore there will be several winners at a competition. Dogs and handlers need to be very well trained and seem to enjoy this sport immensely. There are a number of organizations involved in agility performance around the world who sanction clubs to allow them to host agility competitions. In the US, some of these organizations include: the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the United States Dog Agility Association, and the North American Dog Agility Council. Elsewhere in the world: the Kennel Club (in the UK), the Agility Association of Canada and the FCI (World Canine Organization) are all involved.
Obedience is a skill that ranges from mastering everyday commands that all dogs should know to competitive exercises that require significant training and aptitude to excel. You may start out teaching your puppy and young dog the basic obedience commands and find that you and your dog have an aptitude for obedience skills that you would like to take to a higher level. In competitive obedience the dog and handler team must perform prescribed activities off leash and in a carefully defined way. If the dog has the aptitude and training it will gain skills to allow it to advance through the ranks from Novice to Open (intermediate) to Utility (advanced) competitions. At each level the requirements become more difficult and the number of exercises to be performed get longer. Exercises are all done off leash using voice and body language commands and include such activities as: having the dog stay while you walk away; follow the handler in the heel position through complex patterns; come on command; sit and lie down for fixed periods of time while the handler is out of the dog’s sight; retrieve items over a high jump; and find a scented object amongst a group of identical non-scented objects. Dogs can earn obedience titles in obedience championships. Purebred dogs can compete in obedience trials sanctioned by the AKC, while the UKC recognizes other purebred dog competitions. As well, there are mixed breed competitions sanctioned by the Mixed Breed Dog Club of America and other organizations. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club sanctions obedience trials and awards titles.
Lure coursing is a sport for sighthounds that involves chasing a manually or mechanically operated artificial lure across a field in a “coursing?pattern. The competition is usually restricted to pure-bred sighthounds including: Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets. The operator keeps the lure or “prey?just in front of the chasing sighthounds until they have completed the course. The course must have a minimum number of turns and is usually 600 to 1000 yards long. The hounds love to play this sport and puppies can be introduced to the sport through lure coursing practice sessions. Competitions usually consist of two runs for each dog breed for dogs that have been pre-certified or qualified. In the US, the American Sighthound Field Association or the AKC can “certify?that dogs have been trained and are eligible to enter their sanctioned competitions. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club sanctions lure coursing but excludes the Italian Greyhound because they consider it a toy dog.
Tracking can be learned by all dog breeds because all dogs use their noses to identify things and explore the world. Training can be started as early as 10 to 12 weeks of age as all puppies love to use their noses to sniff out a trail. As with all training, positive rewards (treats, praise etc,) and re-enforcement work best. The AKC sanctions tracking tests and events in the US. This vigorous non-competitive outdoor sport allows dogs to demonstrate their ability to recognize and follow human scents. In Canada, the CKC sponsors tracking events and you can check their website for a list of nearby events.
Field Trials are regularly held for Basset Hounds, Beagles and Dachshunds to demonstrate their ability to find and track game. Similarily Field Trials and Hunting Trials are held almost every weekend across the country for: the Pointing Breeds, the Retrievers, and Spaniels to allow them to compete and demonstrate their hunting abilities under a strict set of conditions. If you are an owner of a hunting dog puppy, you will want to look into many of the organized activities designed for your dog. Check out the AKC or CKC websites for a list of contacts and field trials in your area.
Other Fun Activites that you might wish to explore include flyball, frisbee, herding and drafting competitions.

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