Muddy Paws: Fun Sports For You And Your Dog To Try

The levels of obesity amongst adults is on the rise, and whilst that doesn't come as a surprise, an increase in the number of dogs following suit just might.

Pet dogs aren't getting the amount of exercise they should be, and that's often a result of their owners' reluctance to walk their dogs after a long day at work. Instead of slouching in front of the TV after a day's work, dog owners are being encouraged to embrace a new exercise phenomenon that encourages them to engage with their pet and enjoy the exercise together.

One gentle form of exercise is the 'cani-walk', which is a non-competitive stroll. All you need is some walking boots for you and dog backpacks for your pet, so the dog can carry their own food and water.

A classic sport enjoyed by dogs and owners alike is agility training. This is the art of guiding a dog round a specially-constructed course which includes poles to weave around, jumps, dog walks, tunnels and see-saws. It's a challenge not just for the dogs, who charge around the course, but for their owners who have to keep up with them and control where they go.

Another quirky sport, known as 'mushing' involves dog racing events where the owners jog, cycle or scooter whilst attached to their dog by a bungee cord or harness. "If you want to get involved in any of these sports, no matter what kind of dog you have, you can do it,?Mandy Hynes told the Irish Times. 揟o get started all you need is a musher belt, a canicross line and a harness for your dog. It抯 not expensive, it is serious fun, and there are lots of other people getting involved too, so you won抰 be short of company.?

Hynes also said that mushing has become addictive to her and her pet dogs. 揂fter talking to some experienced mushers in the UK and Scotland, I spent more and more time with my own dogs, teaching them to at first run alongside me, then slowly encouraging them to pull ahead. In the beginning I used to go out on my mountain bike, with one or two of my dogs pulling on ahead. Then I bought a three-wheeled rig (like a tricycle with no saddle) and headed out to the local trails on my own with three dogs."

For those who want to try something a little more obscure than 'mushing' or 'cani-walking', perhaps Dog Diving might catch your eye. The sport, which is hugely popular in America, has become a real crowd pleaser at exhibitions and events in the UK. The sport is centred around dogs diving into a pool of water to retrieve a toy. The dog who dives the furthest wins.