GETTING STARTED
Choosing the Sport for You
You have a dog you're interested in exploring dog sports with.... that's great!
But where do you start? There are multiple factors to take into consideration when choosing the best sport for you and your dog.
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Which sport is for my dog?
Ziva, a standard poodle, found her love for Fast CAT and earned her FCAT title just days shy of her 8th birthday!
Ember, a GSD, joined our FIT Dog walks and found her love for FCAT at a young age. She recently earned her DCAT title!
Myra, a standard poodle, started her journey of rally and over the course of a year now competes at the Master Level.
Zeke, a Spinone Italiano, found his love for conformation and tracking. He is a helpful member of the local S&R team.
1 / Registration
Your dog does not have to be registered with the American Kennel Club to get a taste for available dog sports. Sports like rally can be practiced at home with printed signs; we offer free Fast CAT introduction classes; and other sports like scent work, obedience and tracking can also be tried at home.
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Some AKC events require that your dog be a registered purebred, such as conformation, or a "dog show". However, a mixed breed can be registered with the AKC and receive their own AKC number that they can use to compete in many other sports and events.
2 / Age
There isn't an age limit on dog sports, but there may be an age minimum. Due to puppy's growing joints, more exercise-oriented sports may require your dog to be a year old. Less exercise impactful activities, such as AKC FIT DOG walks, have a lower age minimum.
However, it's best not to wait until your dog is of competing age to introduce them to your chosen avenue. For example, younger dogs can join our Fast CAT practices and get a feel for the game, equipment and atmosphere.
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And if you have an older dog, that doesn't mean they can't learn new tricks! Many dogs come to start in sports and events at a later age. For example, there are dogs over ten who start to train in rally or even some as old as fourteen who run in Fast CAT! It's about what your dog enjoys and what you'd like to work together on.
3 / Breed
If you're overwhelmed by options, consider a sport which coincides with your dog's breed(s). Do you own a dachshund? They can have an instinct to hunt and chase - Fast CAT and Earthdog would be right up their alley. Do you own a golden retriever? These dogs are eager to please and may do well in obedience. A border collie, with it's lithe and fast build, could be suitable for agility.
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You can explore a variety of sports and can use your dog's natural instincts to your advantage. Do they love to sniff, chase, dig? Harness their gifts and use what they love to teach them new skills!
How do I register my dog with the AKC if my dog is a...
Below is a few events and sports that our local members train and participate in:
Conformation
If you own a purebred dog, conformation may be for you. You can get insight from local breed experts to evaluate your dog and can work together and practice with your existing dog in the show ring. Your dog must be 4 months (BPUP) to compete in an official setting.
Fast CAT
Fast CAT is open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. Join our local practices to familiarize your dog with the game and equipment. Equipment can be purchased for at home use, but can be expensive. Your dog must be 12 months to compete in an official setting.
Agility
Agility is open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. Join our local practices to familiarize your dog with the equipment. For this sport, your dog should be well-conditioned so to avoid injury. Your dog must be 15 months to compete in an official setting.
Rally
Rally is open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. Join local practices or print off signs at home. This sport can be started on-leash in the Novice class and your dog can go off-leash as they learn. Your dog must be 6 months to compete in an official setting.
Obedience
Obedience is open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. You can teach your dog the necessary novice skills (heel, sit) at home and the beginner levels can be performed on-leash. Your dog must be 6 months to compete in an official setting.
AKC FIT Dog
AKC FIT Dog is great to get your dog out and around other dogs and people. By walking a mile (or three - if you're up to it!) your dog is introduced to a new environment. All other dogs are on leash and your dog can walk at their own pace. Your dog must be 6 months.