Australian Cattle Dog Sports and Activities.

An Australian cattle dog is one of the most loyal friends that you can ever have. This dog is interesting and so much vigorous. They have high energy and uncanny intelligence. It learns so fast when trained, and loves to be active. As a friend, you would also bet the dog to have some fun. A dog can be very close to its owner if the owner allows it to have lots of fun. An Australian cattle dog is no exception. They need fun .they need to be engaged in different activities.

 In this article, am going to take you through some of the activities and sports that you can engage you ACD dog in. Keeping in mind that sports and activities are its physical and mental needs. It’s time to go out there, allow your ACD dog to mingle with other people’s dogs and have fun!

Engaging your dog in walks

You need to understand that the mind of an Australian cattle dog, is wired in a way that it needs to be actively engaged. If you fail to engage an ACD, it will definitely engage itself. Its own self-engagements are destructive such as; nipping at the heels of people and other pets at home, chewing and herding. One thing and very essential engagement you can give to your dog, and avoid such misbehaviors are taking it for a walk. Walking with your dog at your side will not only keep it busy but will also create a very strong bond between the two of you.

Your walks can have more fun if you bicycle ride as your dog is jogging alongside. You can consider having a walk of thirty minutes each day, maybe morning and evening with your ACD dog.

There are dog clubs that have some organized sports for dogs. Such activities include; agility or herding trials, rally obedience, and flyball. These activities will help your dog stay engaged and maintain its body and mind healthy

Rally Obedience

This is a dog sport on obedience, originally founded by Charles l. Kramer. In this game, the handler of the dog runs along with it around a course that contains 10-20 signs. One does not have to wait for the judge’s orders.

For instance, there is a club known as the American Kennel Club (ACK). In this club, there are usually 100 points, and the judge deducts points for mistakes. If the dog qualifies three times under different judges, it earns a title, which appears under the dog’s registered name. This game is all about you giving your dog the right motivation to perform the right command at the right time. You just need to have a way of communicating with your dog in order to complete a course. This game will really motivate and engage your dog.

Flyball

This is a very interesting game. It is run in a team of four dogs as a relay. The course usually has four hurdles that are placed three meters apart. The starting point is ussually1.8 meters from the starting point. The flyball is usually 4.5 meters from the last hurdle. The height of the handle varies. It is determined by the height of the smallest dog in the team. The team that has all the four dogs’ crosses the finish line without any error is usually pronounced as the winner.

The teams of dogs race against each other from a start to a finish, while going over a line of hurdles. They get to a box that releases a tennis ball. The ball is caught when the ball presses the spring-loaded pad. The dog then races back to its hurdler while carrying the ball.

This is a game that is really engaging to a dog. It allows it to have fun and mingle with other dogs. It is entertaining and active, allowing the dog to burn energy.

Agility training

This game involves a dog’s speed, and the ability of the owner to communicate with the dog. The Australian cattle dog was originally meant for herding activities. It is hence very good in this game with proper training and exercise. The competitions are usually divided based on the age of the dog, age of the handler, the experience of the dog and the size of the dog.

The courses of this game include; seesaws, hoops, tunnels, catwalks, and obstacles. It’s through this course that you and your dog maneuver. This game is perfect for ACDs because they are able to perform zigzag moves very easily.

The agility training is meant to bring you and your dog closer, as well as have fun and exercise. It should not be like some load of work because it will be boring and tiresome. Fun should be your number one priority.

Herding trials

These trials, through the AKC, are open to dogs that are nine months or even older. The dog must also be registered with the organization. This game is conducted within a fixed arena. There is usually the use of livestock such as ducks, sheep, and cattle. During the test, the dog is expected to show its ability to control the livestock by fetching or diving, the dog must be properly trained, in order to be able to drive the livestock toward the course.

These trials are usually competitive. The dogs are tested according to the type of livestock, course type, and test level. There are usually three levels which are, started, intermediate and advanced. The courses to choose from are always three also; ABC. Each course has it specific herding work to perform. One thing that is essential is teamwork between the dog handler and the dog itself.

Social activities

The Australian cattle dog really loves socializing with members of her species. That is why you should consider taking your dog to a dog park to have fun with her colleagues. It’s very important that your dog is done with all her vaccinations before you can consider taking her to a park. The dog should be as well 16 months and above. In the park, there are usually different sections for different dog ages, chance; you need not worry even if your dog is just a puppy.

ACDs also need human socialization. You can also carry your dog along as you go out with your friends. This helps the dog to learn social cues and relax in the presence of unharmful strangers. You can also engage your dog in swimming with other ACDs.

All the activities and sports that I have just discussed with you are very essential, both to keep you ACD healthy and active. Keep your dog engaged before it may engage itself in destructive activities!