Learn about Breitensport Jogging Cycling Agility Canicross / CaniX Flyball with hovawarts.
Breitensport - for active people and Hovawarts!
Breitensport originated in Germany where it's popularity continues. The literal meaning of the word Breitensport is 'wide or broad sport', because it encompasses a variety of dog sports.
Participating clubs must satisfy the rules that have been set up by the governing body concerning the safety of the handler and dog. There are organized competitions with various classes and points awarded. The points accumulated in all parts are added together to give a final total score.
Hovawarts love this competitive dog sport. The training involved is good for both of you; and in common with other dogs sports you can always train just for fun, competitions are not compulsory.
The intention is that you and your hovawart complete the course together, you do the course as well! and is why the distance between handler and dog should never be too great. The construction of the course may vary a little according to country, but the the elements remain the same. Ideally the whole exercise is done with the dog very nearly or in the heel position. Dogs must be a year or a year and a half old in order to compete.
The elements of Breitensport.
The Endurance race
In this part you can choose from two distances either 2 or 5 kilometres. The dog stays on the lead during it and you both must complete the course within 13 minutes for 2km or 35 minutes for 5km.
Obedience exercise.
The obedience element consists of walking a course, with the dog on or off the lead, during which he is expected to respond to various basic commands such as:- Sit-stay, Down-stay, Halt(wait), Hold, various turns, fast pace, slow pace, and normal pace, stand, and so on.
Hurdles.
This is a timed test covering a distance of 75 meters, with 3 hurdles at 50 cm high. Only the dog has to jump the hurdles but you need to keep up with him, the timing stops only after the arrival of the slowest of the pair – usually the handler. It is normal for this part to be done twice, but you may find six hurdles to be done just once.
Slalom run.
A zigzag slalom run of 75 meters for handler and dog. Both dog and handler must go via 7 gates, the start and finish are included. This test can be performed on or off the lead but the dog must remain close to your leg (heel position) at all times. Again it is timed till the slowest of the pair finishes. It is usual for this part to be done twice.
Obstacle course
Finally there is the obstacle course – always spectacular. The total distance is 75 meters and includes 8 obstacles such as: hurdle 50 cm high, fence, tunnel, bridge, barrel, tyres, a high long jump (height 35 cm and length 100 cm) and maybe a small A-frame. It is usual for this part to be done twice. Again time counts, as the clock ticks until the slowest of the pair finish.
Breitensport is a truly active sport for active dog lovers, it requires a good degree of training, is social, helps to stimulate the keen mind of the hovawart, and always makes for really great day out.
