Mary Allen
#22 With the same devotion to performing tricks, the Havanese also devote themselves to new sports.
Anyone who enjoys going beyond walks with their dog should consider a dog sport. Agility and dog dancing are particularly suitable for the enthusiastic and sociable Havanese.
#23 In the dog sport agility, which originated in England, the dog has to master a course with up to 20 obstacles in a given time and order.
The dog runs free without a leash, but is accompanied by its owner throughout the course and instructed verbally and with hand signals. Even if there are big competitions here where prizes can be won, you should try to keep your own ambitions about the talented dog in check. Because with agility, the focus is on having fun in the sport. Dog and owner should have fun doing sport together. The results play a secondary role. Despite the casual approach to this sport, injuries can occur, especially during the jumps. Veterinarians are therefore on-site so that they can intervene immediately in an emergency.
As a prerequisite for participation in tournaments, the VDH test regulations stipulate that the companion dog test must be passed and proof of rabies vaccination must be provided. The dog handler must also be a member of a club organized under the umbrella of the VDH (Association for German Dogs) and have liability insurance.
As the name suggests, dog dancing, which originally comes from the USA, is even more playful. But what looks so easy on stage involves hard work. In order for a dance by a dog and owner to be beautiful to look at, a well-thought-out choreography is required. Then very long training for dogs and humans is required. The dog needs to be quick on the uptake and very obedient. Of course, all this can be tried just for fun, but if you set your ambition to make Bella Figura at a tournament, you not only have to train the dog but also yourself.