Canines on the Move

From flyball to competitive herding and hunting events, there is an enthusiastic, breed-specific public to support a line of products designed specifically for them and their active pets. But, even those not currently involved in organized canine exercise programs may be persuaded to jump on the bandwagon.

Sporting activities can also represent a solution to a growing problem – obesity. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that as many as 47 percent of veterinarians classify the majority of their canine patients as obese.

By presenting active products as a fun solution to an apparent epidemic, retailers can capture a wide cross-section of their consumers. Though many breeds are able to participate in a wide variety of sports, many show an aptitude for specific activities.

Use the guide below to recommend products to consumers interested in whipping their portly pooches back into shape.

Sport	Description	Breeds	Products
Conformation	Basic dog showing and judging by AKC standards	Any purebred	Grooming, Show Leads, Training Aids
Obedience and Agility Trials	Obstacle courses and relay-style trials on command	Adaptable for most purebred and mixed breed dogs	Books, CDs, Dumbells, Collar Badges, Tunnels
Flying Disk Catching	Disk catching abilities and stunts	Herding breeds: collie, border collie, Aussie and others	Disks, books, DVDs
Hunting/Field Trials	Retrieving on command, tracking prey, flushing birds and other game	Birddogs, retrievers, terriers and other hunting/tracking breeds	Vests, Collars, Training Dummies, Prey Scents, Calls, Whistles, DVDs
Flyball	Timed relays involving fetching and returning	Jack Russell, Border Collie and other athletic breeds	Tennis Balls, Launch Pads, Collars, Vests
Weight Pulling	Weighted sleds pulled by harness for distance/time	Staffordshire, Husky and other muscular breeds	Harnesses, Slip-Free collars, DVDs
Herding	Timed herding of sheep and other barnyard animals	All herding breeds	Books, DVDs; Gates, Pens and Barriers for training
Mushing	Timed races pulling loaded sleds under trainer command	Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyed	Collars, Harnesses, Coats, Friction Protection T-shirts
Musical Freestyle	Choreographed movements of dog and owner set to music	Most purebred and mixed breed dogs	CD’s, DVD’s, Training Aids, Treats

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