Written by: Stephanie Ortel, MS, FVTE, LVT
Parkour is an offered event at the NYS Canine Expo
Turn Your Walk Into an Adventure!
You and your dog can turn your next walk into a fun obstacle course and build confidence through canine parkour.
Canine parkour is an activity where dogs interact with their environment by navigating obstacles such as benches, platforms, logs, stairs, and other safe surfaces. Dogs may jump, climb, balance, walk along surfaces, or place their front or back feet on designated objects—all while working closely with their handler. No special equipment required!
The goal isn’t simply to get over an obstacle. It’s about teaching your dog to think, explore, and interact with the world around them.
The physical and mental benefits include:
- Building confidence- For dogs who are nervous or unsure about unfamiliar environments, learning to safely interact with new objects can help build confidence. A dog that learns, “I can figure this out!” may become more comfortable tackling new challenges. https://youtu.be/mwvqCPmd5Jk?
si=wATejec_RgkylXuK - Provides mental stimulation- Dogs don’t just need physical exercise—they need opportunities to use their brains. Figuring out how to get onto, around, or across an obstacle requires problem-solving and focus. https://youtu.be/_tj_D3_FTjQ?
si=N78NM3uc1p3bLZuH - Improves Body Awareness- Parkour encourages dogs to think about where they place their feet and how they move their bodies. This can help develop coordination, balance, and proprioception—the ability to understand where their body is in space. https://youtu.be/RHqUM6q6qlc?
si=jvxa5TjQVq7w9oRG - Strengthens the Human-Animal Bond- Successful parkour relies on communication between dog and handler. You’re working together to solve a problem, which can strengthen trust and create a positive shared experience. https://youtu.be/dlbTG1ZOWUI?
si=3kEEKFfBGiqAEPyq - It’s Adaptable! One of the wonderful things about canine parkour is that it can be modified for individual dogs.A young, energetic dog might enjoy more challenging obstacles. A senior dog can participate using low-impact activities such as stepping onto a stable platform or placing their front feet on an object. Dogs with different physical abilities can often participate with appropriate modifications and guidance. https://youtu.be/WfFm-xx_8rc?
si=o0KoPjcrMq-CSoCe
Parkour is as safe as you make it!
Before turning the neighborhood into your dog’s personal obstacle course, remember that safety should always come first.
Choose obstacles that are stable, sturdy, and appropriate for your dog’s size and physical abilities. Avoid slippery surfaces, unstable objects, sharp edges, excessive heights, and anything that could collapse or cause injury.
Start with simple behaviors at ground level and gradually increase difficulty as your dog gains experience and confidence.
And don’t force your dog onto an obstacle. If they are hesitant, back up and make the activity easier. Parkour should be a positive experience built around choice, encouragement, and success.
For dogs with orthopedic conditions, injuries, or other health concerns, check with your veterinarian or veterinary rehabilitation professional before beginning a new physical activity.
Parkour Is for More Than “Sport Dogs”
One of the biggest misconceptions about canine activities is that you need a certain type of dog to participate.
You don’t.
Canine parkour can be enjoyed by dogs of many breeds, ages, sizes, and activity levels. It’s less about athletic performance and more about engagement, exploration, and teamwork.
A timid dog might gain confidence.
A senior dog might enjoy gentle movement and mental stimulation.
A young dog might have an outlet for all that energy.
And a family dog might simply discover that going for a walk with their person just became much more interesting.
Come Give It a Try!
If canine parkour sounds like something you and your dog would enjoy, come learn more at the NYS Canine Expo!
Whether you’re completely new to dog sports or you’re looking for a new way to challenge your canine companion, parkour offers a fun reminder that enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated.
Look around you. That bench, log, platform, or set of steps might just be your dog’s next adventure.
Sometimes the best way to make a walk more exciting is simply to look at the world from your dog’s perspective.