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Are you interested or have you ever wanted to give dog sports a try? 

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the various dog sports and organizations out there?

Are you struggling to find information to guide you on this journey?

Happy Dog League is here to open the door for you into the world of dog sports!

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How It All Started

Founded through our journey with Corbin, Tucker, and Moose, Happy Dog League began with agility training for Tucker, evolving into a profound passion.

About a year into training, we entered our first agility trial. Despite not initially qualifying, the exhilarating experience in a room full of like-minded individuals, became one of our best experiences.

This dog sport community and shared passion motivated us to establish Happy Dog League, aiming to expand the sense of belonging to a broader community of people who appreciate and share this unique passion for dog sports.

Our Latest Posts

fast cat
Fast CAT

AKC Fast CAT Rules: What You Need to Know

Fast CAT, short for Fast Coursing Ability Test, is a popular dog sport sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It involves a timed 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure, showcasing their speed and enthusiasm. The event is open to all breeds and mixed breeds, providing a fun and engaging way for dogs and their owners to participate in a competitive yet friendly environment. Fast CAT has gained significant attention due to its accessibility, allowing dogs of all sizes and ages to compete. The sport emphasizes safety, fairness, and the natural athleticism of dogs, making it a favorite among dog enthusiasts. Understanding Fast CAT rules is essential for participants to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Eligibility and Entry: Understanding Fast CAT Rules Before participating in in this dog sport, it’s essential to understand fast CAT rules regarding eligibility and entry. These guidelines ensure a fair and safe environment

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akc tracking
Tracking

Best Tracking Dog Breeds

Tracking dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, helping us in various tasks like hunting, search and rescue, and even in law enforcement. Their incredible sense of smell and natural tracking instincts allow them to follow scents over long distances and through tough terrains. These abilities make them invaluable in finding missing people, detecting illegal substances, and even identifying specific scents in medical detection.In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tracking dog breeds, highlighting their unique abilities and what makes them exceptional in the world of tracking. Whether you’re interested in these breeds for their tracking skills or just curious about their capabilities, read on to discover more about these amazing dogs. Understanding Tracking Dogs Tracking dogs possess unique abilities that set them apart from other breeds. Their exceptional sense of smell is one of their most remarkable traits, with some breeds having up to 300 million

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weave poles
Agility

Dog Agility Poles: A Test of Precision and Speed

Agility poles are a fundamental obstacle in dog agility courses, presenting a unique challenge that tests a dog’s speed, agility, and precision. These slender poles, arranged in a straight line, require dogs to navigate through them in a weaving pattern, demonstrating their ability to follow commands and maintain focus. The complexity of weave poles makes them a standout obstacle in agility competitions and makes them probably the hardest to teach over agility jumps, a frame or dog walk. Proper training is essential for success in navigating weave poles. It involves teaching the dog to enter the agility poles at the correct angle, maintain a consistent rhythm, and complete the weave poles without missing any poles. This training not only enhances a dog’s physical abilities but also strengthens the bond between the dog and handler, as it requires clear communication and trust. Mastering weave poles is a significant achievement in dog

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Barn Hunt trials
Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt Instinct Test: A Guide to First Step in the Sport

Barn Hunt for dogs is an exciting sport that channels a dog’s natural scenting and hunting instincts in a fun and structured way. Before competing in higher levels, dogs must first pass the Barn Hunt Instinct Test, a simple but essential evaluation designed to determine whether they have the natural drive to participate in the sport. This test is an excellent starting point for beginners, providing a low-pressure introduction to the game. Whether you’re curious about Barn Hunt dog sport or wondering if your dog has what it takes, this guide will walk you through what to expect from the Barn Hunt Instinct Test, how to prepare, and why it’s a great activity for all breeds. What Is the Barn Hunt Instinct Test? The Barn Hunt Instinct Test is the entry-level evaluation in Barn Hunt trials. It is designed to assess a dog’s ability to locate a live rat hidden

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dog agility tunnels
Agility

Dog Agility Tunnel: A Must-Have Obstacle for Every Course

Dog agility tunnel is not only exciting but also serve as a critical training tool for developing a dog’s agility skills. These agility tunnels help improve a dog’s speed, confidence, and ability to follow handler cues, making them indispensable in both agility competitions and training programs. The versatility of agility tunnels allows them to be used in various configurations, challenging dogs to navigate through different shapes and curves. Whether used in AKC agility, NADAC agility, or local practice courses, tunnels test a dog’s responsiveness and help refine directional commands. They also provide a fun and engaging way for dogs to exercise and bond with their handlers. Types of Dog Agility Tunnels Open Tunnel (Pipe Tunnel) The open tunnel, also known as a pipe tunnel, is the standard tunnel used in dog agility competitions. It typically has a diameter of 24 inches and ranges in length from 10 to 20 feet.

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dog scent work
Nose Work/Scent Work

Scent Work Around the World: A Global Perspective on Canine Scent Work Organizations

Scent work, a sport that taps into a dog’s natural ability to detect and identify scents, has gained popularity worldwide. This engaging activity not only strengthens the bond between dogs and their handlers but also provides mental and physical stimulation for our canine companions. In this article, we’ll explore the global landscape of scent work, highlighting key organizations and practices in different countries. Scent Work Organizations Around the World Scent work has been embraced by various organizations across the globe, each contributing to the sport’s growth and development. Here are some notable organizations: American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC’s Scent Work program offers structured trials and titles, allowing dogs to demonstrate their scenting abilities in various environments. The program includes levels such as Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master, with titles awarded based on performance. National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW): NACSW focuses on the natural hunting and searching abilities

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akc barn hunt
Barn Hunt

AKC Barn Hunt Titles: What They Are and How to Earn Them

Barn Hunt is a dog sport that tests a dog’s ability to locate and indicate the presence of rats hidden in a maze of straw or hay bales. It is a fun and challenging activity that taps into a dog’s natural instincts and abilities. The sport is open to all breeds and sizes of dogs, making it inclusive and accessible to a wide range of participants and allows you and your dog to earn barn hunt titles.The importance of Barn Hunt titles in dog competitions cannot be overstated. These titles serve as a testament to a dog’s skill, training, and teamwork with its handler. Earning a Barn Hunt title is a significant achievement that demonstrates a dog’s ability to excel in this unique sport.Barn Hunt is recognized by major canine organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). This recognition adds

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akc fast cat
Fast CAT

Chasing AKC Fast CAT Titles

Fast CAT is more than just a sprint — it’s a structured AKC competition where dogs get to showcase their speed while earning prestigious Fast CAT titles. Whether your dog is an experienced racer or just starting out, understanding Fast CAT titles and rankings, and point accumulation can help you set goals and track progress. This sport has rapidly grown in popularity because it’s one of the most accessible and fun AKC events. Unlike agility or obedience trials that require extensive training, Fast CAT trial allows dogs to compete based on pure instinct and drive. If your dog loves to chase, this is the perfect activity to let them run at full speed and work toward AKC Fast CAT titles. How the Fast CAT Point System Works Unlike other dog sports that rely on complex scoring systems, Fast CAT titles use a simple formula based on speed. Points are earned based

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barn hunt
Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt vs. Other Dog Sports

What Makes Barn Hunt for Dogs Special? Barn Hunt for dogs is a fast-growing dog sport that taps into a dog’s natural instincts in a way that few other sports can. Unlike dog agility, competition obedience, or scent work, Barn Hunt dog sport is designed to simulate real-life tasks that working dogs performed for centuries—hunting and controlling rodent populations. While agility tests speed and coordination, obedience focuses on precision and discipline, and scent work emphasizes detection skills, Barn Hunt blends elements of problem-solving, scenting, and independent decision-making into an engaging and rewarding experience. This sport is open to all breeds and mixed breeds, making it an inclusive event for dogs of any size or background. Whether your dog is a natural-born hunter or a complete beginner, Barn Hunt offers an exciting challenge that enhances their confidence, strengthens their bond with their handler, and provides a great outlet for their energy.

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dog agility course equipment
Agility

Dog Agility Jumps: Different Types and Their Role in Agility Competition

Dog agility jumps are one of the most essential obstacles in any dog agility course, challenging a dog’s speed, coordination, and jumping ability. Whether you’re training for dog agility competitions or setting up an agility course at home, understanding the different types of dog agility jumps is key to helping your dog succeed. From standard bar jumps to complex double and triple jumps, each obstacle presents a unique challenge designed to test a dog’s athletic ability, focus, and teamwork with their handler. Types of Dog Agility Jumps Bar Jumps: The Core of Dog Agility The most common type of dog agility jumps is the bar jump. This jump consists of a horizontal bar placed between two upright supports. The dog must clear the bar without knocking it down. Regulations and Variations: AKC agility jump heights are determined by the dog’s height at the withers, with classes ranging from 4 inches

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Herding Instinct Test
Sheep Herding

What to Expect from a Herding Instinct Test

For dog owners who want to explore their canine’s natural instincts, a herding instinct test offers a structured and fascinating way to see if a dog has the drive and ability to work livestock. Whether your dog is a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, or another herding breed, this test provides an opportunity to assess their natural herding tendencies in a controlled environment. Even if you don’t plan to train your dog for farm work or competition, watching a herding breed engage with livestock can be an exciting and educational experience. What is a Herding Instinct Test? A herding instinct test is designed to evaluate whether a dog has the natural ability to control livestock through movement and body positioning. Typically conducted by experienced evaluators from organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and American Herding Breed Association (AHBA), these tests introduce a dog to livestock—usually sheep, ducks, or

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Barn Hunt Association
Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt Association: What It Does and How It Supports the Sport

The Barn Hunt Association (BHA) plays a pivotal role in organizing and regulating Barn Hunt events across the United States. Since its founding, the association has created a structured framework for this thrilling dog sport, ensuring consistency, safety, and fair competition for dogs and handlers alike. Whether you’re an experienced competitor or just learning about Barn Hunt for dogs, the Barn Hunt Association provides opportunities to participate in trials, earn titles, and connect with a vibrant community of dog lovers. From hosting AKC Barn Hunt events to setting rules and regulations, BHA helps guide the growth of this increasingly popular sport. In this article, we’ll dive into what the Barn Hunt Association does, how it supports competitors, and why it’s the governing body behind the sport’s success. What Is the Barn Hunt Association? The Barn Hunt Association (BHA) is the official organization that oversees Barn Hunt competitions in the U.S.

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