Sports and regulations for Dogo Argentino

When and how to start loading?

is an active breed of dog. The owner has a huge number of opportunities to spend time with a pet in an interesting and useful way. In this article I will tell you what sports you can do with the Dogo Argentino, what standards you can pass.

To begin with, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Molossians, even if it is the most elegant of them. This is a rather heavy dog, and full loads can be started from twelve months, not earlier. Joints are formed on average up to 18 months. With active physical exertion, this must be taken into account, otherwise the dog may have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Each standard has its own starting age of delivery.

In the process of training, the dog develops obedience and a number of useful skills that will be useful to her in life. You can start exercising immediately after quarantine (3,5-4 months). According to my observations, puppies remember better and learn commands faster at this age. In addition, the owner has not yet managed to make many mistakes in education, which then will need to be corrected. 

You can train in a group, but at the initial stage, I recommend training with a cynologist individually. In a group, the cynologist does not always have the opportunity to devote enough time to everyone. 

The main course always includes preparation (study) and passing (test for OKD, etc.). If you wish, you can go further and participate in competitions – they are called competitions. You will need to qualify to officially compete in RKF (Russian Cynological Federation) competitions.

What are the standards?

• General training course (OKD)

This standard includes the commands and skills needed in everyday life:

1. Command “to me!“. For me, this team is one of the most important. If it is worked out, then with any irritants (dogs, noisy company, etc.), the dog immediately returns to you. First of all, it is the basis of your pet’s safety and your comfort. 

2. Walking on a leash on commandbeside!».

3. Forbidden command “phew!».

4. commands “Place!”, “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Stand!”, “Aport!”, “Barrier!”. 

5. Calm attitude to the muzzle. 

With my Dogo Argentino, I took this course, and our dogs show themselves perfectly in this standard.

• Controlled City Dog-UGS

Slightly different from the OKD course, but carries the same character. The course helps to teach the dog the necessary commands in life and behavior in the city.

• Companion Dog-(BH-BegleitHund)

Similar to the first two standards for the main teams, but there is a difference. As part of this course, you will work out a meeting with a car, other dogs, with several people: with a cyclist or skater, with a runner or a person on roller skates, and many other situations.  

With a strong desire and ability, you can pass the standards:

• Water Rescue Service or Search and Rescue Service. This is interesting and useful information. Your dog may save someone’s life. 
• Nosework. In this course, dogs are taught to identify specific odors. Usually use essential oils or natural spices (cinnamon, cloves), citrus zest. This is a fun and exciting pastime with your pet.
• Blood trail. The dog follows the trail left some time ago. A very interesting experience, because the Dogo Argentino is a hunting breed. Our dogs have an amazing sense of smell, they try to find the right track and go without getting lost. 

I also want to talk about active types of activities, where you need not only the mind, but also strength and speed. 

You need to understand that under such loads, dogs can be injured. They should not be dealt with with puppies: during the growth period of the dog, they can be dangerous. 

• Course.

It’s a bait run. The dog runs after the electric hare. As a hare, a special nozzle is used, fixed on a cable. The track is always with turns, corners. It is on this track that you see the strength and power of our dogs in all its glory: muscle rolling, almost flying, excellent coordination.

One of my graduates also runs with a load in the form of a parachute.

• Racing. Dog racing. This is also a run after a mechanical hare, but already in a circle.
• Dog sled racing. Dogo Argentino can also participate in them. These include: 

1. Bikejoring is a competition of cyclists who use the draft power of dogs to increase speed. 
2. Canicross is a race of runners who use the strength of dogs to increase their speed. 
3. Skijoring is a class in which a dog is towed by a free-style skier, including the use of ski poles. And several others.

• DogPuller. I think the name speaks for itself. Puller is one of the most popular toys among owners and their dogs. This sport is relatively new, but it is already firmly winning the hearts of people.
• Funny games, tricks.
• Weight pulling. This is weightlifting for dogs. Dragging heavy weights, demonstration of pet pulling power.

There are many more interesting things for our four-legged friends, you can write endlessly. 

Before starting active sports, you need to check your pet’s heart. Health matters most. Please don’t forget about it.