Keeping dogs active is a great way to maintain a healthy canine lifestyle. Some dogs are naturally more active than others and need or desire more exercise than others. This is one consideration to remember when choosing a dog for your companion. But if you are an extreme sports enthusiast your dog may be, too. Check out these extreme dog sports highlighted by PetFoodDirect.com.
Skijoring
This popular winter sport combines cross country skiing with dog power as a dog or team of dogs helps pull the skier along the trail. Whether for fun or competition skijoring can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to ski and is willing to train their dog(s) to pull, admittedly something lots of dogs do naturally. Training and conditioning takes place year round with teams using bicycles or small carts in warm weather. Any healthy medium to large breed dog can certainly enjoy this active sport.
Dock Diving
This is a fun and refreshing way to allow your dog to make a splash. Dogs are judged on either the height or length of jump from a dock into a large body of water. Three organizations, Ultimate Air Dogs, Splash Dogs and Dock Dogs hold sanctioned matches and offer training tips on their websites. But if you don't want to compete you can train your dog to leap into any safe body of water and still have lots of fun.
Skateboarding
Yes, some dogs do get the hang of skateboarding. While there is no official competitive sport or league, doggy skateboarding is a growing interest. Who knows, maybe soon we'll see a championship event. Check out YouTube for many videos of dogs skateboarding and training advice.
Surfing
Unlike skateboarding, there are plenty of surfing competitions for dogs. On the West coast, where surfing is extremely popular, it shouldn’t be surprising that surfers include their best friends when they hang ten. When surfing, dogs wear life preservers and are paddled out to where small waves are breaking and then they ride back to the beach. While competition may be intense, the dogs have lots of fun swimming just as much as riding. Any size dog can learn to ride a surfboard, even if their owners can't.
Treibball
Do you have a frustrated herding dog and no access to sheep? Try the German sport of Treibball. Using herding skills and following cues from the handler dogs are required to drive eight large exercise balls into a goal within 10 minutes. Any dog may participate, though herding dogs might have a bit of an edge. Treibball is a great activity to promote off leash obedience and strengthen the bond between handler and dog. There are several levels of competition from beginner to advanced. This promises to be a growing sport in the United States as more and more trainers get certified and spread the word.
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