What are some fun, competitive activities my dog and I can do together?

  The Denver area has lots of recreational sports for dog/owner teams. For me, packing up my dogs and heading to an agility trial was the best way to spend a weekend. It didn't matter if we qualified, won ribbons, or even were disqualified. The challenge of getting through an obstacle course with a clean run (or with mistakes) was my idea of a good time. 

   Think about your dog's natural inclinations - is chasing a tennis ball is idea of nirvana? Look into flyball competition.

   Is traditional obedience a bit too formal? Rally Obedience is a little more casual, with freedom to talk to your dog.

   Is your dog really talented at finding you when you play hide and seek at home? Tracking is an outdoor activity that sometimes leads to  dog/owner teams becoming search and rescue volunteers.

   Carting is a great endeavor for strong dogs; check the archive for the article about Rottweilers.

    For more information, Yahoo Groups has a file of dog events scheduled for 2008: http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/oNeoSPAYqh9D8Up5by9Pnh5EEH15BkogS8OllhdPUrfExazJINc-e3qpF8QCAZIl7A_8cd9LIe2QsPWhvMxBnh13lc1oMLjMoBs/2008%20Dog%20Events%20calendar%20-%20CO.htm

Other sites: The American Kennel club http://www.akc.org, The United Kennel Club, http://www.ukcdogs.com, and Colorado Obedience in Yahoo Groups http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ColoradoObedience/.

Topics: rally , tracking , flyball