There is a wide variety of canine/human sports to choose from, but there are also many things to consider before making that choice.

• The first thing to think about is the purpose: fun, exercise or competition?
• If you already own a dog, you want to find an activity that fits BOTH of you.
• You may think, well I am just going to get my dog into Flyball, so why worry about me.
  • YOU have to have the patience and skill to teach him.
• If you are looking to get a puppy and your goals are competition, I have suggested some ‘breed types’ for each activity or sports that are breed specific.
  • For example, you may have a border collie that loves to chase, but the AKC will only allow certain sight hounds to participate in lure coursing.
  • On the other hand, a corgi may not be the best choice for agility, but that doesn’t mean he won’t win.
• Looking at breed types does not mean they will be sure winners, or even enjoy the sport, but it may give you some insight.
• As mentioned in the section on Body Types, Purpose & Groups, two things to look at are ‘what the canine was bred to do’ and ‘body type’ (ecto, endo, meso, etc).
  • This is very important when you are picking out a mixed breed puppy, especially if you are not sure what the mix is.
  • If you are picking a puppy at a shelter and you have no history of the parents, spend some time playing with the puppy to see what kind of instincts they have.
  • I had a dog in the past that was an Airedale terrier/lab mix. When we got her, she had very short hair and looked like a lab with short black hair with white patches. After several months, we had a long legged lab with longish/curly/wiry, reddish/black hair, and the personality of a terrier. 
  • My brother had a lab/Rottweiler mix. He has the look of a Rottweiler and the personality of a lab (loves to swim and not a great guard dog).
• In other words, even when you know the mix, you do not know which side will be more dominant.

This page is split up into several sections, which may or may not include:
• Precautions: There is a general precaution section below and sport specific precautions throughout.
• Sport or Activity
• Training: This is NOT a skills training book/website, but may give some suggestions or where to find information.
• Commands: Common commands on some sport.
• Equipment: Suggested equipment needed for sports.
• References or great books/websites.

• If you are new to the sport, make sure you and your dog get approval by your individual medical professionals as needed (veterinarian or MD)
• Make sure you warm up and cool down as appropriate. A nice walk prior to starting will warm up the muscles. 
• If you are training a puppy, make sure they are 12-18 months old before doing any heavy work, depending on the breed.
• If you and/or your canine companion are ‘out of shape’, please start slow.
• Watch the ‘gait pattern’ or the way the dog walks before starting. He should have a smooth gait without limping. If you notice any discrepancies in gait before or after starting your sport, check with your vet to make sure there is no arthritis, hip dysplasia or other physical abnormality.
• Your dog should know basic commands before trying to teach sport specific commands, such as NO, LEAVE IT, SIT, STAY and COME.
• Like any sport, on hot humid days, it is best to work in the evening and early morning to avoid overheating. Provide plenty of water for both you and your dog. Be aware that arctic and brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds need to be watched closely in the hot weather. Humans also need to be careful to watch for heat related symptoms as well.
• Cold weather may be great for arctic type breeds, but humans should dress appropriately, preferably in layers. It is just as important to hydrate properly in winter months.
• Depending on the type of terrain, dog booties may be needed. This will protect the canines’ paws in cold weather preventing ice from accumulating between the pads. It will also protect their paws on rough terrain.

Although many websites will tell you any dog can participate, please be aware of what the dog was bred to do, especially mixed breeds.