Chapter 13: Get Out There and Show Off Your Dog!

With all the fun that you and your dog are having with training, why not take it further? There are so many activities that you can do with your dog. Check out the possibilities! Some of these activities and sports were originally created for dogs bred for specific purposes, but many sports allow any purebred or mixed-breed dog to participate. For whatever adventure you try, make sure that your dog is physically able for the task and having a good time.

Competing with Your Rescue Dog

If you adopted your dog, he may be a purebred dog or a mix of several different breeds. You may have registration papers for him with a breed registry, but most often you don’t. In the past, having a mixed-breed or unregistered dog was a hurdle for entering your dog into competitive events, but not these days! Recently, even the traditional bastion of purebred dog shows, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, embraced mixed-breed dogs competing in its agility competition.

Many organizations now allow mixed breeds to compete along with their purebred counterparts. So whether your dog has a classic fancy name, such as “Snowfall’s Gallant Knight,” or simply goes by “Hank,” there’s a place for him on the competitive field if you and your dog want to participate.

Each organization has its own rules and procedures for registering your dog for competition, so research them to find out how to start the process. Your dog’s lineage or background won’t stop him from becoming a blue-ribbon winner.