Pet Ownership

Lesson 3: Nurturing the Bond

Activities and Competition

There are activities and competition for almost any pet guardian to take part in. Whether you love cats, dogs or ponies, rabbits, rats or skunks a search will reveal others who love the same kind of animal that you do and are enthusiastic about showing them off. Below is a list of a few of these activities and competitions with a description and link. Many of these make great extra-curricular activities for children.

Conformation is competition in which registered dog breeds are judged on how closely they conform to their breed’s standard. http://www.akc.org/dic/events/conform/

Obedience competition is a sport in which dogs are judged on how well they complete exercises such as heeling, staying, etc. AKC does not allow mixed breeds. http://www.akc.org/dic/events/obedience/

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a title any dog can earn with basic training in manners. http://www.akc.org/love/cgc/index.cfm

Frisbee is a great sport for all dog breeds or mixes and is judged on presentation, athleticism, success, and wow!factor. http://www.dallasdogndisc.com

Agility is a sport for all dogs and mixes in which dogs are timed as they run through an obstacle course including hurdles, ramps, tunnels, etc. http://www.usdaa.com/

Flyball is a team sport for all dogs in which they race over hurdles to catch a spring loaded ball. http://www.flyballdogs.com

Lure coursing is competition open to all of the "sighthound" breeds of dogs. They race around a field following an artificial lure. http://akc.org/dic/events/coursing/index...

Schutzhund means “protection dog” in German. In this sport dogs must master three phases; obedience, protection and tracking, to earn titles. http://www.germanshepherddog.com/index.h...

Musical freestyle is an exuberant little costumed pooch dancing a harmonious routine of pivots, sidesteps, and tricks to music with his handler. Mixed breeds are welcome and performances are judged on spectator appeal, costume coordination, execution of movements, etc. http://www.canine-freestyle.org/

AMBOR is a national registration for mixed breed dogs and a way for them to earn titles. http://www.amborusa.org/index.html

Therapy Pets brighten the world of shut-ins. They must be well mannered and love people. http://www.therapypets.org/

Skunk shows are dedicated to the education of the public and the welfare of pet skunks. http://www.skunks.org/Home.htm

Cat showing with the American Cat Fancy Association has categories for all cats, including one called Household Pets for mixed breeds. http://www.acfacat.com/articles/showswor...

International Cat Agility Tournaments has created a new category of cat competition in which cats negotiate an agility course designed to display their speed, coordination, beauty of movement, physical condition, intelligence, training, and quality and depth of their relationship with their owner. http://www.catagility.com/

Rabbit hopping is a sport that was introduced to America in 2001 and is an excellent way to exercise your bunny and have fun! It is similar to cat and dog agility. http://www.kaninhop.dk/uk/

Rats and mice also have competitions where they can show off their great qualities. http://www.afrma.org/

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