Active and fit: dog sports at a glance - agility, obedience and co.

Agility: skill and speed

What is agility?

Agility is one of the best-known and most popular dog sports. It involves your dog navigating through an obstacle course consisting of jumps, tunnels, slalom poles and other obstacles. The trick: your dog has to complete the course in the correct order and as quickly as possible.

Advantages of agility

• Fitness: Agility strengthens the muscles and improves your dog's condition.
• Mental exercise: The various obstacles challenge your dog's concentration and intelligence.
• Bonding: The close cooperation strengthens the relationship between you and your dog.

Getting started with agility training

To get started with agility, you first need a suitable training area with an agility course. Many dog schools and clubs offer agility courses that are suitable for both beginners and more advanced dogs. It is important that your dog is healthy and enjoys exercise.

Obedience: obedience and precision

What is obedience?

Obedience, or obedience training, is a dog sport that involves your dog performing various commands and tasks precisely and quickly. These include heel walk, sit, down, recall and fetch.

Advantages of obedience

• Control: A well-trained dog is easier to control and causes fewer problems in everyday life.
• Mental exercise: The various exercises challenge your dog's concentration and thinking skills.
• Competitions: Obedience tournaments are a great opportunity for ambitious teams to put their skills to the test.

Getting started with obedience training

The best way to start obedience training is under the guidance of an experienced trainer. Many dog schools offer special obedience courses in which the basics are taught. It is important that you have patience and consistency, as obedience training requires a lot of practice and repetition.

Flyball: speed and team spirit

What is flyball?

Flyball is a fast-paced relay sport for dogs that focuses on speed and team spirit. Two teams compete against each other. Each team consists of four dogs who, one after the other, overcome a course with hurdles, activate a flyball box, catch the ejected ball and bring it back to the starting point.

Advantages of flyball

• Speed: Flyball promotes your dog's speed and stamina.
• Teamwork: Your dog learns to work as a team and to rely on other dogs.
• Fun factor: Flyball is an exciting and fun activity that both you and your dog will enjoy.

Getting started with flyball training

To get started with flyball, you can contact a local dog sports club that offers flyball training. It's relatively easy to get started and most dogs quickly understand what it's all about. The important thing is that your dog loves balls and running.

Canicross: running fun for two- and four-legged friends

What is canicross?

Canicross is a dog sport in which you and your dog run together, with your dog pulling you by a special belly strap. This sport is particularly popular with runners who want to integrate their dog into their training.

Advantages of canicross

• Fitness for both: Canicross keeps both you and your dog fit.
• Closeness to nature: You spend a lot of time in nature and discover new running routes together with your dog.
• Bonding: Running together strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Getting started with canicross training

You will need special equipment for canicross, consisting of a belly belt for you, an elastic lead and a well-fitting harness for your dog. Many running groups and clubs offer beginners' courses where you can learn the basics of canicross.

Treibball: teamwork and brains

What is Treibball?

Treibball is a dog sport in which your dog has to drive large exercise balls into a goal. It requires communication and cooperation between you and your dog.

Advantages of Treibball

• Mental exercise: Treibball challenges your dog's thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork: You and your dog have to work closely together to get the balls into the goal.
• Fun and variety: Treibball is a varied and fun activity that is suitable for many dogs.

Getting started with Treibball training

To get started with Treibball, you can contact a dog sports club that offers Treibball. The equipment is simple: all you need is a few large exercise balls and a suitable playing field. Many dogs quickly understand what is expected of them and really enjoy this sport.

Finding the right dog sport

Dog sports offer numerous benefits for you and your dog. They keep you fit, promote mental exercise and strengthen the bond between you. Whether agility, obedience, flyball, canicross or driving ball - there is a suitable sport for every dog and every owner. Try out different activities and find out what you and your four-legged friend enjoy the most.