Getting Kids Involved In Competing With Dogs

Topic: Dogs and Kids

Filed under Dogs

Tags: Competition

 

Many children are very proud of their dogs regardless of their lineage, breed, type or pedigree. While those families with purebred, registered dogs have more options for competing in actual sanctioned dog shows, there are a great number of kid friendly competition that allow dogs of any type, registered or unregistered, to compete. Finding these shows and events may take a bit of digging and research depending on where you live, but there are some starting points that parents can use.

One essential element in having your child compete in an event, either for fun or awards, is to allow the child to make the decision to compete or not. Often kids simply go along with what Mom or Dad is asking them to do, which may be completely acceptable if this is a once or twice a year activity. Kids that are forced to regularly compete or interact with the dog when they don't want to gradually begin to resent the activity, the dog, and perhaps even the parents. Kids that are forced into any type of activity are going to eventually become difficult to deal with and ruining the child's love of his or her dog is certainly not something that any parent wants to see happen. Allowing the child to make informed decision and participate in various competitions with their dog is a great opportunity for both the child and the dog, but it has to work for both as well.

What Can The Dog and Child Do?

The first step in deciding what your child wants to compete in is to determine what the child wants to do, can do and what is realistic based on the dog's level of training and natural ability. Some events are very general in nature and almost any type or breed of dog can successfully compete. These events include obedience type events, agility events or show dog events where the dog is competing against a standard, not necessarily against the other dogs in the ring or the competition. Of course for show dog events the dog is typically going to have to be a registered purebred, at least for any sanctioned type event by a Kennel Club, Breed Organization or Breed Club or Association. Some of these groups do allow mixed breed and unregistered dogs to compete in events that don't tie in with points and standings with the registered purebreds. Kids events are often more geared towards getting children interested in dogs in general rather than sticking strictly to one particular registered breed.

More challenging events and competitions for all breeds of dogs include those that require the dog to have natural instincts for the event. A good example of this is hunting, tracking, earthdog or herding type competitions. Kids may really want their Labrador to enter a herding competition but the chances of this working, even with intensive training, as really not probably. Likewise a Border Collie would be a poor choice for a hunting event, but switching the dogs and the events so the Lab is in hunting and the Border Collie is in herding would be perfect.

Junior handling type events and competitions judge the handler more than the dog, so the child doesn't have to worry if his or her dog isn't registered or isn't a purebred. In these events the child is judged on his or her ability to manage the dog in the ring as well as answer questions that are posed by the judges. Many children love these types of events and get a great deal of self-esteem and self-confidence by entering events with their beloved companions. The sense of togetherness and teamwork required to even compete let along to bring home a ribbon is a positive for every child that makes the effort to enter these activities.

Fun And Exhibition Events

There are many different types of activities that include dogs that are now used as exhibitions and fun events in various dog shows, fairs, rodeos and even half-time shows at sporting events. These exhibition events are typically open to any breed or type of dog that shows a natural ability in the type of activity. Some of the more common include Frisbee dog events where the dog chases and catches a Frisbee in a variety of different choreographed programs. These dogs have to be athletic, fast and very focused, not afraid of crowds and very willing to work with their owners.

Kids also tend to really enjoy Flyball competitions with their dogs. In this fun but also highly competitive dog sport teams of dogs race relay style to win. Dogs dash down a set straight track, jump on a spring loaded ramp, catch a ball that pops out and runs back to the team to let the next dog in line go. The first team to have all dogs cross the finish line wins the race.

Dancing with dogs or Dog Freestyle Dancing is becoming more and more popular as both a competitive and an exhibition type event. In this event both the dog and the human perform a choreographed dance to specific music and are judged based on their overall performance. This is one of the more challenging types of events or exhibitions but many older children that love music and also have a great rapport with their dog may want to attend a training or work on it on their own and decide to get into the sport.

Kids can also be encouraged to put on competitions and shows for parents and friends. Anytime the child takes an active interest in interacting with the dog in a positive and structured manner it is going to benefit both the child and the pet. Parents that provide encouragement and support while not pushing or pressuring the child into competitions are helping out this relationship in the very best possible fashion. Keep in mind that winning isn't the primary goal of any type of event or competition, rather it is the benefit for the child and the dog by just competing that is the most desirable outcome.

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