Anyone compete with their dogs? (or are involved in any dog activities)?

I didn't mention rescues because they mentioned confirmation and that means a purebred, but if you don't want to do confirmation mixes and rescued purebreds can excel at the other things and compete and win. You can register mixed breeds with AKC now as well, so are not limited to the other organizations.

I love your post Sarah!

I think doing volunteer work with a shelter or breed specific rescue or even fostering could be a great way for the OP to get a clearer idea of what kind of breed or mixed breed would work best. Getting information from experienced owners/breeders/handlers and doing breed research are great things and a must, but in the end your own heart and gut will tell you the dog you really want to spend your life with.

Doing some volunteering or even fostering will get you that real experience with the added bonus that you are helping a variety of dogs in need. :)

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Originally Posted by Calift

Thanks for the responses....I love hearing about what people do with their dogs, and you guys have lots of wonderful advice!

I'm not really new to dog breeds or anything, but my two current ones (Chow are Greyhounds), aren't that trainable. I literally melt if I see a chow puppy or someone walking a grey:wuv:, but neither breed is good off leash or known for great obedience.

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If you like Greys maybe you should check out a Whippet. I cant think of a more agile dog and they are very trainable. My Mother in law has three Schipperkes I cant believe someone else has heard of them....

my dog and i are both power sleepers. Does that count?

my gf's family's dog is going to try its paw at agility courses.. Just for fun, but of course part of that fun is hopefully competing!

He is still a very young puppy, and just got fixed yesterday, so it will be some time still before they get to any "real" agility training.

He's a lab/collie/? mutt from a rescue.

I dont compete with my dog, yet. I dont have a car which makes it difficult. But when I do I plan on doing some agility and weight pull. At this point we are just doing fun stuff at home that teaches some of the base skills.

Rescues are definately a viable option if you do not want to do confirmation. I personally would choose a sport over confirmation any day. Way more fun IMO.

I would choose a sport, and then look at the breeds that excell in that sport and pick one that will fit with your lifestyle. You can attend dog shows to meet breeders.

Personally I would get an APBT or Staffy Bull for most sports, easy to train, willing to please, and cute as a button.

Sorry I am late with my post...

But I do some work with my dogs. One of my dogs does obedience and some PSA (a protection sport). I just recently got another dog that I will be doing narcotic detection. I currently train dogs to detect explosives.

I would like to get into some agility stuff. We have been introducing the dogs to the equipment so we will see what happens.