Dog Sports: Agility, Scentwork, Canicross and More

Dog sports give busy dogs a job and build a great bond. Agility suits athletic, quick dogs; scentwork suits almost any dog, including older and shy ones; canicross suits runners; rally and obedience suit dogs that love training. Start with a local club or class, warm up, and check with your vet that your dog is fit and fully grown first.

A Border Collie leaping over an agility jump on a grassy course — Fun for the dog, exercise for both of you.

A quick guide; most sports welcome mixed breeds.

Which sport for which dog?
Agility	Athletic dogs that love to run and jump
Scentwork	Any dog with a nose; great for older or nervous dogs
Canicross	Fit dogs that love to run, with a running owner
Flyball	Ball-mad dogs that enjoy noise and speed
Rally and obedience	Dogs that love training with their handler
Herding	Herding breeds, with access to stock and an instructor

Getting Started

Find a local club or class through your national kennel club or sport association, such as the AKC in the US or The Royal Kennel Club in the UK, and many independent organizations. Watch a session first. Good clubs use reward-based training and keep things fun.

Choosing a Sport

Match the sport to your dog's build, energy and personality. A Border Collie may love agility, a Beagle scentwork, a Husky canicross. Flat-faced breeds do better with low-intensity sports such as scentwork or rally, especially in warm weather.

Gear to Get Started

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A backyard agility set for practice, a canicross harness, belt and bungee line for running together, scentwork starter kit tins, and a treat pouch for training on the go.

Safety First

Ask your vet to check your dog is fit and its joints have finished growing before jumping or running sports.
Warm up and cool down, and stop if your dog seems sore or tired.
Avoid hard exercise in hot weather.
Use the right gear: a well-fitted running harness for canicross, not a collar.

Frequently Asked Questions

New to dog sports? Start here.

Can mixed-breed dogs do dog sports?

Yes. Most sports and clubs welcome mixed breeds.

What age can my dog start agility?

Foundation training can start young, but jumping and weaving should wait until your vet says your dog is fully grown.

What's a good sport for an older dog?

Scentwork is gentle and loved by many older dogs.

Do I need to be fit for canicross?

You'll need to be able to run; start slowly and build up together.