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HOUND SPORTS, ACTIVITIES & COMPETITION

Here is an introduction to some great things people do with their dogs. Most activities welcome all dogs, whether purebred or of mixed breed heritage. Some of these activities are classed as "working dog" activities, but are also done on a recreational basis, or as a public service. Some dog activities are purely recreational in nature, while others are competitive dog sports. Many of these activities may be new to you. These links have been chosen based upon how welcoming they are to the merely curious.

TEMPERMENT TESTING
Want to build a resume to defend your adored hound against challenges to his character? Or just prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that your dog really is the sweetest, best dog ever? Temperament tests do just that and take no training beyond socialization and basic household obedience.

Canine Good Citizen


Canine Good Neighbour

American Temperament Test Society


USING YOUR NOSE

Nosework is a fast-growing activity that dogs and owners love! Dogs are challenged to use their power of scent to solve simple puzzles. This is fun for novices as well as experts.

National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW)

Healthy Pets


K9 Nose Work


CANINE THERAPISTS

Many Coonhounds and Foxhounds use their great social skills to bring joy and comfort to residents of nursing homes, patients and staff in hospital and rehab settings, and students learning to read or coping with the stress of exams. 

American Kennel Club 
Therapy Dog titling information and a list of national therapy dog registration/certification organizations.

Betterpet 
Detailed information on what a therapy dog does and how to get your pet trained and certified.

SHOW COMPETITION & TRAINING


Front & Finish and K-9 Legends
The First & Foremost® and Delaney® rating systems are nationally recognized rankings of teams competing in AKC Obedience and Rally competition.  The purpose of K-9 Legends is to develop an anthology of legendary dogs and their owners for posterity.


Obedience

Maybe your practice in obedience for temperament tests or your desire to make sure that your independent hound doesn't pull on his leash and always comes when called has led you to the suspicion that you could compete in obedience.  Don't let anyone tell you that hounds can't do it.  Here's a bit of advice from a Coonhound Companions member who's done it:

"A couple of my favorite tools for obedience training include a method called "focused attention" and "choose to heel". For the more advanced levels, I like to use the "inductive retrieve" training method. A quick web search will yield lots of books, videos and other training aids to introduce you to those methods. These methods help to keep an easily distracted or bored hound very focused and ready to work for you!

"Here's a link to my hound pup working in his first obedience competition. He was VERY stressed by all the commotion at an official trial, but you can see how happy he is and willing to work. We've in no way mastered Obedience, but it's a great start and it's a lot of fun for us!"


American Kennel Club - Obedience

United Kennel Club Obedience Program

Rally Obedience

World CynoSport Rally


AGILITY
Agility is designed to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with its handler in a variety of situations. It is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training and teamwork. Dog and handler negotiate an obstacle course racing against the clock.

AKC Agility

UKC Agility

FIELD EVENTS & TRAINING


Schutzhund
The Germans call it "hundesport", dog sport. For generations, people from Europe and North America have been drawn into this unique idea of participating in an active sport with a dog. It is outdoors. It is physical. It is mental. The demands are great, but the sport also offers competition and new friendships. In short, it is what all recreational sports should first be: good exercise, fun and full of rewards.

AKC Field Events

AKC Tracking

UKC Dock Jumping
Dock jumping is a simple, yet exciting sport that has been exploding all over the country. There are two different forms of jumping that UKC dogs will be able to obtain titles in: Ultimate Air or Distance Jumping, and Ultimate Vertical.

Lure Coursing
Is your dog a star at bunny chasing? How about those pesky squirrels? If your dogs lives to chase the creatures of the wild, check out UKC Lure Coursing.


DRAFTING & DRIVING

For centuries, dogs have been trained to pull carts, wagons and sleds.  Today drafting has evolved into a sport that some participate in for competition, and some just for fun.  High-energy dogs particularly love these sports, and that includes many of our beloved hounds.

Fur Wheel Drive - Dog Carting

New England Drafting & Driving Club, Inc.

Thoughts on Carting

Sources of Carting Equipment

Wilczek Woodworks

Dog Carts by Canine Carriages

Introduction to the Sport of Dog Scootering

The Worldwide Sport - Dog Scooter


MISC.


Musical Dog Sport Association
Canine Freestyle is a dog sport in which training, teamwork, music and movement combine to create an artistic, choreographed performance highlighting the canine partner in a manner that celebrates the unique qualities of each individual dog.


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