Is Your Dog a Sports Fan?

Dogs love sports!

When I think of dog sports, I usually think of organized activities designed for dogs to compete in, largely because I’ve been teaching and competing in dog agility for 30 years. I live and breathe that kind of dog sport.

 But how would a dog define sports? When you watch dogs playing with each other (a.k.a. wrestling), chasing each other (track and field, soccer), catching balls and frisbees (baseball, football, basketball, etc.), it’s easy to see that dogs may be bigger sports fans than we think.

Benefits of Sports

 People who like sports - from a casual game of catch to the intensity of the pro leagues - are motivated by a variety of benefits, and the same is true for canines. Dogs who are given the opportunity to participate in sports or sport-like activities (a.k.a. play) may enjoy different rewards. 

But, whatever the motivation, I have never met a dog who did not benefit from playing with their human. When your dog plays a sport with you, the interaction strengthens your relationship and provides the benefits of fresh air and exercise for both of you.

Using Play to Learn

 Organized dog sport instructors build curriculums designed to incorporate play with learning, just as human coaches do. They understand that motivation must be part of that learning, and most make it a high priority in their teaching. If it’s not fun, it won’t work. The dog won’t be interested and his human will choose another way to spend that time and money.

 Dog sport instructors take a dog’s natural love of sports and direct it to a place where human and dog create a system of communication - the play place, where play and learning become one. Dog sports, whether homemade or professionally organized, are the perfect vehicle to take you and your dog to this place of mutual understanding.

 Dog sport instructors often tap into “fetch”, “tug,”  and “where’s the cookie,” using those games as communication tools. The games build chemistry, which in turn, builds communication. Together, the dog and human create a language, or system of communication. While you may see faster results with a professional instructor, these are techniques that anyone can use at home. 

Non-Athletes May Be Sport Fans, Too

 If your dog is a natural athlete, you probably already know it. Your dog loves to run fast, catch and chase balls, and generally show off his energy and agility. If that sounds like your pup, you may be ready to take your homemade sports program to the next level with a bit of professional training sprinkled in. Or you may want to seek out an organized dog sport that appeals to you.

 But what about those of you living with a four-legged pal who’s not blessed with a Border Collie physique? Your dog’s inner athlete could still be hiding in that Pug body. Even a seemingly non-athletic dog may harbor a sleeping tiger of an athlete just waiting to be unleashed.

 If your dog enjoys rolling the ball around or dashing at leaves or even playing tag, keep away, or hide-and-seek with you, you just might have a sports fan on your hands. No need to split hairs over what is a game and what is a sport. They are interchangeable in a dog’s mind and can be in yours, too.

Play For the Sake of It

If your dog likes to play, there is value in that for both of you. Playing with dogs can help fix blood pressure, stress, and so many other human aggravations. Who needs to study zen or yoga to learn how to be in the moment? You’ve got your dog to keep you chill. 

 Even if your dog doesn’t play, try adding the word “yet” to that sentence. Tickling out your dog’s hidden love of sports might require a fresh approach. Maybe you just need to send a different type of invitation to him or her to join your game. 

Don’t Let COVID Stop You

 The pandemic rocked the agility dog scene as hard as it did most everything else. But as a result, there is now more on-line learning that can be done at home to prepare dogs and their human handlers for sport training once we’re safely back to group activities. This type of training is not only fun for the dog and handler, but it will increase basic everyday control while providing the foundation to pursue organized dog sports. 

You and your dog only go around once in life - so let’s get out there and play!