This Sporting Life!

April 2026

In Like a Lion,

This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.

Welcome to Bay Woof, April 2026

This Sporting Life!

There are Thanks for running with us, and happy sports ball to you all!

– Rocket
Publisher, Bay Woof

Cover: …..

This Month’s Bones to Chew:
April’s Feature Stories

Featured Articles

Lea Orloski

Not Just a Hobby: What Dog Sports Taught Me

Lea Orloski

My journey in dog sports didn’t start with big goals or podium dreams. It started with the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.

Lea Orloski

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Yo-Yo Go To: An Indoor Game for A Rainy Day

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Back in the 1980s, I designed exercises to accelerate the teaching of sport or activity and to test the dogs’ comprehension.

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Dawn Kovell

Training vs. Competition: How Dog Sports Build Community

Dawn Kovell

There is training a dog for a dog sport and then there is competing - two very different things.

Dawn Kovell

Sarah Blevins

Guide Dogs’ Public Graduations Melt Hearts: Here’s How You Can Attend

Sarah Blevins

If you’re looking for a unique outing with family, friends, or simply on your own, why not treat yourself to a Guide Dogs for the Blind graduation?

Sarah Blevins

Columns from the April Pack

Nose for News

Most Popular Pups, More Breathless Breeds, Designer Dogs' Deportment, and More!

S. Emerson Moffat

Those delightful dog snobs over at the American Kennel Club released their annual list of the most popular dog breeds last month.

S. Emerson Moffat

Ask Dr. Dog

Dr. Ilana Strubel

Ouch! Healing and Preventing Canine Sports Injuries

Dr. Ilana Strubel

Like any athletes, dogs who compete in sporting events occasionally suffer injuries.

Dr. Ilana Strubel

Good Dog!

Ren Volpe

Thank Your Dog for Growling (Yes, Really): Plus Why You Should Never Punish a Growl

Ren Volpe

A growl is not an attack, or even the opening act of one. A growl is communication and, in most cases, it’s a dog’s attempt to avoid conflict rather than escalate it.

Ren Volpe

The Monthly Woof

Kate Jones Butler

Mark Your Calendar for DogFest! April 25 at Duboce Park

Kate Jones Butler

San Francisco’s favorite celebration of dogs, family, and community returns this spring with the19th annual DogFest at Duboce Park, Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kate Jones Butler

Commission Tails

Michael Angelo Torres

Spring Into Action: Protect Animals Through Spay and Neuter Legislation

Michael Angelo Torres

As we spring into April, it's a great time to reflect on where we are today with San Francisco’s animal issues – and where we could be.

Michael Angelo Torres

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

R.U. Steinberg

April 2026

R.U. Steinberg

Great Britain is considering a new law that would ban the breeding of 67 dog breeds with short noses, flat faces, and shortened legs due to health concerns.

R.U. Steinberg

Shelter Zone