Various sporting disciplines are practiced around the world, thanks to cynological organizations. Each requires appropriate training, with specific, predefined rules. The most common disciplines are IGP (tracking, obedience, defense), mondioring and agility.
Florence Guillemain
Like all sports, each discipline requires regular training. While some, such as canicross, require a high level of physical effort on the part of the pair, others require more skill on the part of the handler. One of the newest disciplines is dog dancing. It’s worth noting that some dog sports are subject to strict conditions of participation, while others are more accessible.
In Mauritius, ringing and obedience are the two sporting activities that can be enjoyed with a dog in possession of a CSAU (certificat de sociabilité et d’aptitude à l’utilisation).
Ring is one of the oldest dog sports. It takes place on enclosed, landscaped grounds. This technical, perfectionist and spectacular sport (jumps, launched attacks, guarding objects) was based on police dog exercises. Only breeds of dog approved for bite work – appearing on a list designated by the central canine society – are allowed to take part. This exercise requires the dog to bite, but above all to release and control.
Obedience teaches a dog to act in a cooperative and controlled manner. The relationship between the animal and its handler must be balanced and harmonious. To obey without constraint, the dog must show willingness, enthusiasm and speed of execution, in a cheerful and harmonious manner. The dog and handler must be in perfect harmony.
