05/06/2026
Is walking your dog enough?
It's widely accepted that working breed dogs require a lot of exercise. However, exercise alone doesn't always fulfil these breeds, as mental stimulation, problem solving and the opportunity to engage in natural behaviours also form part of the equation.
Often, it's the breeds we think of more as pet dogs that are missing out on the biological fulfilment that helps keep them happy and content. Many of these breeds were originally developed for specific purposes such as hunting, retrieving, vermin control etc. Although they may now be kept primarily as family pets, these dogs still have underlying instincts and drives. (And yes, oodles, I'm talking about you too!)
A walk around the block may not be scratching the itch when it comes to their innate biological needs.
When a dog's needs are met, they are often calmer, more content companions. And what owner doesn't love seeing a tired, happy dog after a fulfilling activity?
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities for our dogs. There are both competitive and non-competitive options, and many sports involve dogs working one at a time, making them ideal for dogs that may find being around other dogs stressful.
Although some breeds biologically excel at certain sports, any breed can participate in any activity. Have a think about your dog's breed or mix, their instinctive tendencies, and the activities they naturally gravitate towards, then choose something you will enjoy doing together. You may try a few different sports before finding the one that ticks both your and your dog's boxes.
It's not about becoming a champion or competing at the highest level. It's about finding an activity that strengthens your bond, provides a fulfilling outlet for your dog, and leaves you both looking forward to the next session. While not exhaustive, the list below might give you some inspiration to explore with a club or trainer near you.
Agility – Dogs navigate an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and climbing equipment.
Jumping – A speed-based course using jumps and tunnels.
Rally Obedience – Handler and dog complete a course of obedience exercises together.
Competitive Obedience – Precision obedience including heeling, recalls, stays, and directed exercises.
Hoopers – Dogs follow a flowing course of hoops, tunnels, and barrels.
Trick Dog Titles – Dogs learn and perform tricks of increasing complexity.
Canine Freestyle – A choreographed routine of tricks and obedience performed to music.
Flyball – A relay race involving jumps, a ball-launching box, and retrieving a tennis ball.
Disc Dog – Dogs chase and catch a flying disc, often incorporating tricks and jumps.
Dock Diving – Dogs leap from a dock into water for distance, height, or speed.
Parkour – Dogs safely climb, balance, jump, and interact with natural or urban obstacles.
Dry Sledding/Bikejoring/Scooterjoring – Dogs pull a bike, scooter, or rig across land.
Canicross – Cross-country running with your dog attached to you.
Working Pack Dog – Dogs carry a weighted backpack while hiking or walking.
Lure Coursing – Dogs chase a mechanically operated lure across a field.
Sprint Dog – A timed 100-metre sprint that showcases a dog's speed.
Scent Work / Nose Work – Dogs search for specific target odours hidden in different environments.
Tracking – Dogs follow a scent trail left on the ground.
Mantrailing – Dogs follow an individual person's scent to locate them.
Barn Hunt – Dogs locate canisters scented with rat odour among straw bales.
Gun Dog Training – Develops hunting skills such as scenting, steadiness, and retrieving.
Retriever Training – Dogs learn to find and return training dummies or game.
Herding – Dogs learn to move and control livestock under direction.
Treibball – Dogs herd large exercise balls into a goal.
IGP – A working dog sport combining tracking, obedience, and protection work.
PSA – A protection sport testing obedience, control, and protection skills in varied scenarios.
