In This Chapter Carting canines big and small Sledding in the snow Joring: Biking, skiing, running with your dog out in front This chapter is dedicated to the passionate pullers. Those dogs who, when clipped to the end of a leash, become an unstoppable freight train of fur. Harness — literally — this dog’s enthusiasm…

In This Chapter Putting obedience to the test Competing in herding, hunting, and tracking events Doing volunteer work together Do you have a dog whose instincts won’t give her a rest — digging, chasing, herding anything that moves? Whether you have a mixed-breed or purebred dog, there are clubs and hobbyists across the world whose…

In This Chapter Playing football, soccer, or softball Teaching your dog to catch a flying disc Exploring the flyball relay race Dogs can make the best playmates . . . I remember all the fun I had with my dogs when I was growing up. No matter where we happened to be, you wouldn’t have…

In This Chapter Sorting out matches, trials, and classes Getting ready to go — at home and on the course Showtime: Making your run While no one has to enter trials or earn titles to enjoy the sport of agility, if you stick with it and get pretty good at it, you just might find…

In This Chapter Tackling multiple obstacles in the right order Becoming an effective course director Finding solutions to specific problems Have you ever longed to be the captain of a team? A movie director? A conductor? Here’s your opportunity. Of course it would be fabulous if you could take a shrinking pill that would allow…

In This Chapter Getting your dog to nail the contacts every time Navigating the A-frame, dog walk, and teeter Perfecting the weave poles The obstacles I discuss in Chapter Introducing Your Dog to Jumps, Tunnels, and Tables (the jumps, table, and tunnels) are just to whet your appetite for the sport. Now it’s time to test your…

In This Chapter Showing your dog where to jump Racing through tunnels Exploring chutes Mastering the table Imagine this: You call out a command, point with an outstretched arm, and your partner races to complete a particular task. (“Wow,” you’re probably thinking. “Can I teach these skills to the humans in my life?” Perhaps, but…

In This Chapter Finding out what’s involved in agility Taking a look at course obstacles Assessing whether your dog has what it takes If you’ve never seen dogs performing an agility course, get ready to be amazed. It’s part crazy playground game, part circus act, and part synchronized equestrian-show-style jumping. It’s fun, it’s fast, and…