Olympic Dog Sports?

Given that there are Equestrian sports in the Olympics should there be Canine as well?

If so, which sport?

The only one I understand to be practised unilaterally is Schutzhund?

Yes that would be interesting

I remember way back when London got the games there was talk about an actual doggy olympics this year with loads of sports and things, havent heard any more about it, it would be cool to have something like that every few years

Yes, due to the cost of Equestrian sports then I would think it more likely that there are more people involved in dog sports?

You get things like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, wonder if something like this could make its way into the olympics??

The US freestylers were pushing for it with Hilary Clinton as a spokesperson but I think it died a death.

rune

Don't we have the activities at Crufts for that?

Besides. The Olympics are about people. The equestrian sports aren't judging the horses but the riders form etc..

http://dogsportmag.eu/2012/07/24/dog...s-2012-updates

Olympic Schutzhund would be fantastic. I would certainly be watching

How about Olympic sheepdog trialling too There is of course the World Trials, so I don't see why it couldn't be made into an Olympic sport.

I think it would be tricky, as I'm not sure Schutzhund with the protection stage would appeal to many people with the current mood on dangerous dogs. I know full well it's very controlled but I think people might get a bit nervous about looking to be glorifying dog bites.

Also I think the difference in the way horses are handled (i.e. constant contact unless horse plays 'lawn darts' with you) and dogs who have little handler contact might not work, as it is meant to be about people, not animals if that makes sense?

I hope to goodness that Shutzhund is never featured on such a generally watched event as the Olympics.

I can just imagine how many idiots would try to copy the manwork aspects of the sport whilst ignoring the general obedience which should come first with disastrous results