In Agility, a dog and human handler team attempt to properly negotiate an obstacle course within an allotted time. The number and type of obstacles varies as does the arrangement of the obstacles and the resulting path. Dogs compete in groups based on height of the dog and the level of accomplishment the dog and handler have achieved.

Obedience is an AKC recognized canine performance event that demonstrates teamwork between the owner and the dog, as the dog follows various commands both on-leash and at liberty. Basic obedience training includes walking with the owner in heel position at various speeds, sitting in heel position, staying in a sit and down position for a period of time and coming when called.

Rally is a fun way to demonstrate your dog’s talents and the teamwork between you.  It’s a perfect starting point for those who are new to canine sports, as it is less rigorous than other competition sports.

So what do you do with your ever-nosey dog? Get him involved in AKC Tracking where he can sniff and smell to his heart’s content and demonstrate his natural ability to recognize and follow a scent. It’s a perfect way for you and your dog to enjoy many hours together, outside in the fresh air, honing his natural abilities.

AKC Fetch is a pass-fail noncompetitive test. The four levels of titles (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Retriever) assess the ability of the dog to retrieve. In the Advanced and Retriever levels, the dog must respond correctly to signals. There is also a memory component in Advanced and Retriever because a retrieving bumper or ball is dropped (or thrown) behind a blind where it cannot be seen.