If you are looking for a fun activity for you and your dog, give flyball a try. In this timed sport, two teams of four dogs and their handlers compete against each other in a best of three heat format. Each dog takes their turn running over hurdles to grab a tennisball from a box and then run back over the hurdles again to the finish line. The hurdle height is set for the smallest dog on the team which leads to some interesting strategies.
The dogs seem to love this sport. They bark and prance when they enter the ring. I had one patient, a Sheltie, who started to run in place the minute she saw the jumps. Her owners developed a special harness with a handle on top that allowed them to carry her without being scratched. I nicknamed her the flyball maniac!
Before starting this activity, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog if physically fit for flyball.