There is no better way to start the day than to get out of bed early and take the dog for a walk before breakfast. A walk around the neighbourhood, for those who live in suburbia, is pleasant in early morning when few people are up and about and leaves an invigorated feeling that lasts throughout the day. An evening walk is a great way to unwind and on hot evenings is a great way to cool down. All neighbourhoods have parks that not only can be a great place to walk the dog but can be your destination for a walk and, once there, dog and owner can sit quietly and relax. For those not inclined to walk everyday, playing a game with the dog in the backyard is certainly good for the dog. Most dogs like to chase a ball and even inactive owners can exercise their dog this way. However, besides these common ways to exercise the dog there are many activities for dogs and owners which provide an opportunity for the dog to express its natural instincts or to just have fun. Flyball is an innovative dog sport for fit and athletic dogs, no matter what their breed or type. Tennis balls are loaded into a machine at one end of the course and teams of dogs race over low obstacles to the ball machine. The dog pushes a lever to fire the ball into the air, catches it and returns to the start where the next dog is released. Flyball is generally conducted as a team relay sport by dog training clubs. Dogs, owners and spectators all thoroughly enjoy flyball. The good thing about flyball is that it is the dog which does all the running so less active or older owners are not disadvantaged. Agility is a fast and entertaining sport that is not only a test of the dog.s agility but also the owner.s control. An obstacle course consisting of jumps, tunnels, see saws and ramps is set up and dogs must negotiate the course against the clock. Faults recorded for obstacles not negotiated result in time penalties and (as in horse show jumping) the dog with the fastest time wins. Agility is a sport only for fit dogs (and owners as they run with the dogs!) and is taught at many dog training clubs. Some activities are held for specific breeds of dog, for example Jack Russell Terrier or Whippet racing. Hound racing is another spectacular sight where hounds of all sizes and shapes race against each other, Afghan Hounds, Borzoi, Greyhounds, Salukis, Basenjis etc. In all these races the dogs are encouraged to race to their owner at the end of the track or to chase an artificial lure. Sheepdog trials are an exhibition, not only of a dog.s instincts, but of the working relationship between man and dog. Owners of breeds with a sheep herding heritage can now participate in herding trials as a dog sport, quite separate to the serious sheepdog or yard dog trials. Obviously this activity is only for owners who have a great deal of control over their dog off-lead. 2004#7.1

Author: Petcare Information & Advisory Service Australia Pty Ltd