(Beau & Arrow Images, Fast Cat)
When I began searching for a puppy, I had a clear goal in mind: I wanted to train them to be a therapy dog. As a mental health therapist, I envisioned bringing my future pup into sessions to offer comfort and support to my patients. After finding a breeder who understood my vision, they made it clear that my new puppy, Rain, needed a job due to her personality, temperament, and eagerness to please.
We started puppy classes and gradually advanced to more specialized obedience training, where many dogs were being prepared for roles as service and therapy animals. Over time, I noticed something about my pup: she didn’t quite warm up to strangers as I had hoped. She would walk away or appear aloof when people tried to engage her, though a treat could easily change her demeanor! 😆
I didn’t want to push Rain into doing something she didn’t truly enjoy. It was important to me that whatever we chose, it had to be something she loved and was passionate about. The breeder was spot on—Rain definitely needed a job. If she wasn’t going to fulfill that role as a therapy dog, we needed to find another purpose for her, something else we could train for and do together.
That’s when I stumbled upon dog sports. During our Advanced Obedience class, someone mentioned they were involved in barn hunting with their dog. I had never heard of it before, so I asked a ton of questions and sought more information. Even though I knew I would never be a hunter myself, I realized one of Rain’s passions was hunting anything and everything that moved or smelled alive. It seemed like barn hunting, where a rat is safely contained in a tube and hidden among bales of hay, could be a perfect fit for us both!
I found a local event online and signed us up. I even convinced my family and friends to join in on the fun, and we still laugh about it, jokingly saying, "Gotta find those rats!" I enrolled Rain in the intro (instinct) and novice runs, unsure of what to expect. To my delight, she performed exceptionally well and absolutely loved it. Watching her, her nose working furiously to catch up with her paws as she searched for the hidden rat tubes, was hilarious.
It turns out that while Rain thrives on challenges, she doesn’t excel at everything she tries. For instance, I was convinced that her love for running, speed, and chasing her tennis ball would naturally translate into a passion for Frisbee League. However, we soon discovered that catching a frisbee isn’t something Rain is great at. Despite her enthusiasm and speed, it seems some skills are more challenging than others!
One of the biggest hurdles for many people interested in dog sports is figuring out where to start. I’m here to help you take that first step and get started!
HOW TO GET STARTED
1. Identify Your Goals and Interests
Think about what you and your dog might enjoy and excel at. Are you interested in agility, obedience, scent work, or another sport? I know that Rain loves to run and hunt —whether it's geckos, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, or birds—so starting with Barn Hunt and Fast Cat felt like the right choice for us.
The level of training required varies between different dog sports. It’s important to assess whether you’re willing to commit to extensive training or prefer something with a more minimal training requirement. Being honest about this will significantly impact both you and your dog’s success and enjoyment in the sport. Understanding your interests and goals will help you narrow down which sporting event to focus on when getting started.
2. Research Dog Sports
Researching various dog sports to find ones that match both your interests and your dog’s natural abilities is important. Some sports rely more on instinct than actual skills while others require more specialized training and skill development. Websites, social media groups, and forums are excellent resources for learning about different sports. I’ve joined several Facebook Sporting Dog groups, which are full of helpful people and valuable resources for members. With so many dog events available, there’s always something new to discover.
3. Find Local Clubs and Trainers
Search for local dog sporting clubs or trainers who specialize in the sport you're interested in. Many trainers provide lists of their classes, which can help you narrow down your options. Additionally, many clubs offer introductory classes or workshops that give you a preview of what the sport entails and help you decide where to start. Family and friends can be an excellent resource for finding a dog trainer in your area. Referrals from people you know often lead to trustworthy recommendations and can help you find the right trainer for your needs.
4. Attend an Event or Class
Visit a local dog sport event or attend a class to observe and learn more. Attending these events has been incredibly informative for me, as dog enthusiasts are always eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Plus, it's a great way to immerse yourself in the community and gather valuable insights on whether it’s a good fit for you and your dog. While there are numerous organizations that host various sporting events, I've made it easier for you by linking directly to AKC's events page to start. This should help you find events happening in your area. Stay tuned for the "Unleashing Your Dog's Potential: 10 Popular Dog Sport Options" blog, where additional links to other clubs and sports will be included.
5. Enroll in a Beginner Class
Once you’ve chosen a sport and found a club or trainer, enroll in a beginner or introductory class. These classes are essential for teaching you and your dog the basics and setting you up for success. Depending on your dog’s natural abilities, overall obedience level, and the specific sport you’ve chosen, some sports may require more extensive training classes than others. In my experience, some dog sports require extensive training, while others need less, depending on the level of skill needed to succeed in each of these different sports.
Owners: BEWARE! Once you start you will not be able to stop!
(Katherine Bone, CAT)
Rain and I have explored several dog sports for the sheer enjoyment of it, though not all have been competitive. Each step has been a valuable part of our dog sporting journey. Through barn hunting, we discovered Fast Cat, which then led us to scentwork, and so on. Now, we’re tackling our seventh dog event—agility. This journey has been an incredible adventure, something I’ve never experienced with any of my previous dogs. Dog sports have become an important part of our lives, creating lasting memories and deepening our bond. My most important advice is this: don’t be afraid to try something new. You might discover a passion you love!
If you would like to follow along on Rain’s journey, follow us on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @rain_the_weim.
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Rain, CGC, FCAT, CAA, SIN, RATN, TKN
Rain is an exceptional Weimaraner that has consistently been the fastest-ranked Weimaraner for the past three years, reaching speeds up to 30 mph in Fast Cat, a 100-yard race. Her impressive performance extends beyond speed; Rain excels in various dog sports, including barn hunt, scent work, CAT, trick dog, and agility. While she loves her people immensely, Rain’s passions also include chasing tennis balls, indulging in treats, and any chance to hunt. Her enthusiasm and skill make her a standout in the dog sports community.
Megan Bohinc, MA, PCC-S, LPC, MFT
Megan Bohinc is licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor/Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist in both Ohio and Georgia. With over 17 years of experience as a therapist, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in nonprofit, private, and higher educational settings.
Outside of her professional life, Megan enjoys spending time with her dog, Rain, and participating in various dog sports. She also frequently travels to Ethiopia to volunteer with an organization dedicated to teaching high-risk women valuable skills to help preserve families, prevent orphanhood, and empower women.
What a great blog. Very informative and some dog sports I never thought about. My girl, Gauge, a weimaraner does FastCAT and dock jumping. She also plays frisbee and loves mountain biking with me and my husband. Gauge has a very high prey drive and needs a "job" chasing or searching foe anything that moves (ball, lizards, birds, etc.)
Looking forward to more blogs.