We all know that play is fun, but did you know that it is vitally important toward strengthening our relationship with our dogs. Studies indicate that too few of us know really how to play with our pooches. Playing together and learning how to communicate with our dogs not only builds that stronger relationship, but motivates us to work through problems together.

Many of the activities I describe below provide a structure to enhance communication with dogs. Dogs who participate in sports also have a better opportunity to learn good manners, which makes them easier to live with and less likely to be given up.

Those who play together, stay together. Exercise reduces boredom, is fun, and we all know that a tired dog is a better-behaved dog. So read on, and then get outside for some fun with your best buddy.

Let the canine games begin!

Agility Trials, Just for Fun Agility, Dock Diving and Dock Dogs, Dog Racing, Dog Scootering, Earth Dog Trials, Flying Disc, Flygility, Flyball, Herding, Hunting and Field Trials, K-9 Drill Teams, Lure Coursing, Racing, Mushing, Musical Freestyle, Obedience, Rally, Ring Sport, Rollerblading, Schutzhund, Sledding, Skijoring, Carting and Pulling, Sniffer Dog, Tracking, Tricks, Water Work Trials, and Weight Pulling: there’s something for everyone and every dog. Some of these are “working dog” activities, some are purely recreational in nature, and others are competitive dog sports.

Flying disc

Dogs with a strong prey drive make great candidates for flying disc. This sport allows them to focus their pent up energy on a Frisbee in motion. And what could be easier than tossing a Frisbee for your dog, whether she has a strong prey drive or not?

Flying Disc is an elaborate game of retrieval. Begin training with something less intimidating than a hard plastic disc. Rope, rubber and faux fleece toys all work well, as long as you and your dog are comfortable playing with them. The object must be something your dog can sink her teeth into and must be easy to throw and pick up. Start with two almost identical objects so you can throw one, and as soon as she brings it back and drops it, you can throw the other one, thus maintaining the momentum of the game.

When it is time for the plastic disc, the time-honored approach is to introduce it as a feeding dish, allowing your dog to eat her dinner from it, thus hopefully creating a positive association.

With both of the above steps accomplished, you can substitute the disc for the former retrieval objects. Soft Bite Floppy Discs are popular with many disc players. The disc can be rolled prior to throwing it. Your dog can seize it while it is spinning without having to catch it in the air. It is critical you practice this step until your dog reliably and comfortably snags the disc while it is in motion.

When you’re ready for your first throw, set your dog up for success. Make the first throw virtually impossible to miss. If the dog catches it or attempts to catch it, lavish her with praise and repeat the exercise. If she just watches it, lower your standards and go back to building drive. When your dog is catching and returning the disc and eagerly expecting another throw, you’ve successfully converted prey to play. After this you can develop tricks, fancy throws, routines, and all sorts of other catchy moves.

Mushing

Mushing is a general term for sports in which dogs provide the power. Such sports include carting, pulka, scootering, sled dog racing, skijoring, freighting and weight pulling. Mushing can be utilitarian, (hauling firewood, equipment, delivering milk or the mail), recreational (replacing snowmobiles in some places), or competitive (think the recently completed Iditarod).

Mushing requires a dog sled and harness for the dogs, and tuglines. Mushers use booties, small sock-like coverings to protect paw pads where ice is sharp and granu