Spring is coming up, but it just can't get here soon enough! Your dog is probably aching to get outside and expel some energy, and he wants you there with him. Participation in dog sports is a wonderful way to get active and connected with your dog. While many require agreeable weather, other dog sports and activities can be enjoyed indoors. Agility can go either way.

Perhaps you are looking into a sport for you and your dog. Or, maybe you are just curious about canine athletes. Check out today's top dog sports. There is pretty much something fitting for any dog/owner team. Got a great story about your dog's accomplishments? We would love it if you share your story.

Get Active with Your Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 00:19:40.

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It was many, many years ago when I saw my first agility demonstration. I was floored. All I could think was "is this for real?" Knowing just a little bit about dogs at the time, I did realize they were intelligent and athletic, but I never imagined they could fly around the field like that. Since then, I have been hooked. I've always wanted to get my own dogs involved in agility, but for whatever reason it has not worked out yet. However, I still try to check out the events in my area, or at least catch them when they are on television. What a thrill!

Canine agility is a competitive dog sport that takes place within an obstacle course. Dogs are trained to make jumps, travel through tunnels, and navigate various walkways - all in a specific order. Each step of the way, the dogs are directed by their owners. Agility is an excellent form of exercise and mental stimulation, making it ideal for high energy dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. However, just about any dog can participate in agility. The intensity and difficulty of the course can be altered to accommodate dogs with health complications or special needs. Teamwork between dog and human is the cornerstone of this sport. Learn more about agility training from dog training expert Amy Bender. It could be a great activity for you and your dog.

Are you and your dog already involved in a dog sport? Tell us about it.

Photo © Joe Camerino

Getting Started in Canine Agility originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 21:13:57.

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The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed with a special knack for herding cattle. This energetic dog breed also makes a wonderful companion for the right home. Named for its country of origin, the ACD was developed in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches in Queensland. In fact, the breed had a key role in the development of the Australian Beef industry. Fearless, athletic and intelligent, there is no better cattle herder than the ACD.

Today's ACD is still an amazing herder and worker, but is also quite successful in agility, flyball, Frisbee, and other canine competitions. This breed makes a wonderful companion for an owner with an active lifestyle. This breed is no couch potato and needs to work in order to be completely happy. If you are looking for an energetic, loyal and intelligent dog that will make a great exercise partner, consider the Australian Cattle Dog. Have you had experience with this beautiful and amazing dog breed? Tell others the story - talk about your Australian Cattle Dog.

Photo © chrisamichael on flickr

Dog Breed of the Week: Australian Cattle Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 21:28:15.

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I am pleased to announce the arrival of Contributing Writer Amy Bender to the About Dogs site. With a focus on dog training, Amy will provide valuable information about obedience, behavior problems and much more.

Amy is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has written many dog-related articles for both print and the web. As dog lovers, we all know the essential roles training and behavior play in our daily lives, and how frustrating it can be when things do not go as planned. Amy's expertise can help you train your dog and better understand his behavior. With vast knowledge and experience, she is a delightful addition to this site. Please join me in welcoming Amy!

Recent Articles by Amy Bender

• Agility Training for Dogs
• Train Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
• Dogs and Aggressive Behavior
• Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Please Welcome Writer Amy Bender originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 17:30:33.

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The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks.

Today's Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it's powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it's family members. However, the Bullmastiff's tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. One important thing to know about this breed: be prepared for slobber. The Bullmastiff owner tends to carry around a drool rag. If this sort of thing bothers you, then look elsewhere for the breed of your dreams. Otherwise, there's a lot to love about these big sweeties. Could this breed be the choice for you? Learn all about the Bullmastiff and see for yourself.

People who know Bullmastiffs simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this breed. Have you been lucky enough to share your life with a Bullmastiff? Tell your story!

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Terry Bouvier

Dog Breed of the Week: Bullmastiff originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 22:57:41.

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If you have ever seen a seizure occur in an animal or a human, then I don't need to tell you how stressful it can be. Most people feel helpless and frightened when they witness a seizure, especially if it's the first time. Unfortunately, seizure disorders in dogs are all too common. Whether or not your dog has had a seizure in the past, it is essential that you educate yourself. If your dog ever has a seizure, knowledge may be the thing that saves her life.

Not all dogs that experience seizures are epileptics. In fact, there are a number of causes for seizures. Some can be cured while others are able to be medically managed. Take the time today to learn about seizures in dogs. It could make all the difference tomorrow.

Have you had a dog with seizures? Tell us about your experience.

Seizures in Dogs originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 23:12:03.

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It's Westminster week, and although the show is over, I deemed it fitting to talk about dog breeds. Every year, the AKC releases the list of the most registered dog breeds. More or less, that list ranks the breeds in order of popularity. With the order of the top ten "usual suspects" slightly shifted, 2009 brought no surprises. Did you love seeing all the breeds at Westminster? Check out the Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 to find out more about the most popular dogs and why they are so sought after. Where does your favorite breed rank on the AKC registration stats list?

Photo © Katheryn Harris on flickr

Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 00:02:56.

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This week's featured breed was chosen in honor of "Sadie" AKA Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, Best in Show winner at this year's Westminster Kennel Club dog show. This Scottie also competed for best in show at Westminster in 2009, where she lost to a Sussex Spaniel named Stump. Well, this year she was back and, apparently, in it to win it. Congratulations to Sadie, her handler and her owners.

The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is an active and bold dog with very short legs and a small but sturdy build. The Scottie is strong and fearless, but also makes an affectionate companion. This breed is well known for its distinctive beard and short stature, as well as it's frequent Scottish attire in pictures and cartoons. Scotties have been owned by many well-known public figures over the years, including Queen Victoria, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and George W. Bush. Do you love Scotties too? Tell us all about them.

Image: Sadie, Westminster 2010 Champion
Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Dog Breed of the Week: Scottish Terrier originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 23:47:21.

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Every year, dog breed enthusiasts look forward to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, an event that is considered by many to be one of the world's most prestigious dog shows. When it comes to purebred dogs, the WKC dog show is for the best of the best. Entry into the show is limited to dogs that are registered by the AKC and have obtained AKC Championship. For two days every February, we get to see ideal representations of each dog breed. They are the cream of the crop. In many ways, it's kind of like the Miss America pageant for dogs. Read more...

Scottish Terrier Wins Westminster originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 23:04:55.

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The large, noble Akita is a courageous companion and protector with a powerful presence. In many ways, the Akita has two faces: To outsiders, the breed may seem aloof or standoffish. However, to his family, the Akita is affectionate and loyal. This is a dog that requires respectful treatment from those around him. In turn, he will treat others with respect. He is clean and relatively odor-free, sometimes even grooming himself.

No, the Akita is not a feline, but he does seem to have the spirit of a lion. On the flip side, many Akita owners say the breed has a silly side that he shares only with those in his inner circle. One thing is for certain: the Akita is a natural guardian that will protect his loved ones no matter what. Could this breed be right for your household? Learn more about the Akita and you may be surprised. Have you had the pleasure of knowing Akitas? Tell us all about your experiences. Got photos? Send them in.

Photo © Alden Chadwick on flickr

Dog Breed of the Week: Akita originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 22:15:42.

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