Activities

Most dogs not only need exercise to keep their bodies in shape but also to challenge their minds. Both the Dalmatian and the American Staffordshire Terrier come from working roots and can be destructive if not kept physically and mentally challenged. Both breeds are not only strong, but also strong-willed, and basic obedience is a must! With a reliable sit, down, stay and come in place, many other activities are open to them, including:

Obedience

Not only is obedience good for house-manners and as a basis for other sports, but competitive obedience offers a chance to compete against other dogs around the country.

Classes are broken into three levels:

Agility

With a solid sit, down, stay and come, dogs can run through tunnels or chutes, over dog walks, A-frames, teeter totters, and jump a variety of jumps. Once the obstacles are mastered, the next step is to put them together into a course. Like obedience, agility classes are broken into three levels:

Novice is further separated between handlers who have completed a title and those who have not. Excellent is divided as well.

There are four organizations that offer agility competition:

American Kennel Club

United Kennel Club

North American Dog Agility Council

United States Dog Agility Association

 

 

Tracking

Most dogs have an excellent nose that allows them to follow the scent of a person who has walked a path hours before. Not only is this a competitive activity where titles can be earned, but it is also the basis for Search & Rescue.

Titles can be earned at three levels:

For more information:

American Kennel Club

 

Flyball

If your dog likes jumping and chasing balls, flyball might be for you. For more information:

North American Flyball Association

Search & Rescue

For more information,

National Association for Search and Rescue