I am looking into some jobs/sports for my dog to participate in. She is a two year old Boxer mix. She is VERY atheltic, loves to run, and is prey driven. Taking her out to run for two hours at the park is hardly cutting it anymore, and I need something for her to do that is more engaging than a long game of fetch. She is fine with her basic obedience, and I'm looking specifically for something that she will enjoy but it will also drain her energy. Sounds easy enough, right? Unfortunately, I have been having trouble finding work for Ollie because she is dog aggressive. Yes, I am working on this but that is a different story.

So, what dogs sports are there that a dog aggressive dog can participate in? Trust me, if she wasn't aggressive this dog would be all over the agility and flyball courses.

It seems to me, that the aggression is something you need to deal with before trying any dog sport. You will be in fairly close contact with other dogs at clubs, training facilities and trials- so whichever sport you choose will require you to have a handle on her dog aggression. (And even if you manage to keep your distance, it is no guarantee others will.)

Maybe competitive obedience would be good?

I understand, but even if she overcomes her aggression at some point, I will probably still never trust her with strange dogs and therefore would appreciate a more independent sport.

I've considered competitive obedience but it really isn't her "thing". I hoped to have her into something even more physically demanding. I know her personality, and competitive obedience wouldn't be much fun for her.

Sheep herding ... It is a big mental stimulation as well as physical. If you want something to tire her out that's it!

Herding, agility. Maybe weight pulling! That would drain her energy. Weight pulling is not as "technical" or complicated but does demand a lot physical energy.

Emily, I know of very few dogs that get along well in Schutzhund. When the club here practices all the dogs are kenneled in the cars or in the shade while one dog is on the field. They are used to seeing each other and can come and go without incident but none of them are allowed to socialize. My dog is also dog aggressive, however, Sandy and I work Lear and Levi once a week together and they are allowed to watch each other and sometimes our trainer will put on two sleeves at a time and have both dogs come at him from either side. They are around each other but never allowed to get close enough to cop an attitude. You should talk to your local club and find out how they deal with such issues. I can almost guarantee there are several dogs that cannot be around each other. Dont throw in the towel yet. Call your local club let them know what you are thinking and discuss it with them. They will let you know if it will be a huge issue but honestly all the dogs are usually kenneled. At least this has been my experience. Besides the fact that taking the dog to such places will give you opportunity to deal with it's aggression. Within no time the dog will learn to ignore the others and concentrate on what it wants to do and that is to bite the sleeve or whatever because it's having fun!

Hmm, sheep herding...I've thought about that with her. She has never been around livestock, but for some reason I don't think she would have issues with them. I've sometimes joked she was mixed with Heeler because of how she always goes for the hocks of other dogs she plays with (she lives with my other dogs peacefully and has two other dog "friends"). I will definitely try to find a local club for herding and talk to them about it.

I haven't really considered Schutzhund with her but I can look into it. I could see it helping with her aggression as well, since she would be better disciplined and focused where she should be.

Thank you all for the replies.

 Quote: RobbinMann

Emily, I know of very few dogs that get along well in Schutzhund. When the club here practices all the dogs are kenneled in the cars or in the shade while one dog is on the field.

I believe the main reason for this is because when doing agitation you really don't want 10 dogs getting amped up at the same time or getting tired before it's their turn.

I don't think it has anything to do with dogs being aggressive towards one another.

IMHO do work on socializing your dog no matter what activity/sport you choose.

I second schutzhund. We have a few dog aggressive dogs in our club, and only the one's that are not dog aggresive are allowed to socialize. And that is always supervised and on leash.

As said before, while working, all dogs are kenneled in the vehicles. During obedience we work 2-3 dogs at a time on leash. Only thing that can happen is in the long down, some of the dogs in our club have broken and gone after another dog. Those dogs are now constantly supervised but their dog aggression is getting better because they practice keeping their down while seeing other dogs around. They are now tied to a stake just in case they break.

I suggest weight pull. You can do it easily from home and it's an easy one to train. Most people just get a harness and some milk jugs full of rocks to start with. Done well you'll get a very worn out happy dog in no time flat with no risk to any other animal.