America’s fitness trend has gone to the dogs. Today, we aren’t just staying in shape ourselves; we’re also getting our pets off the couch and into organized sports activities.

Participation in various canine athletic adventures is at an all-time high. Last year, The American Kennel Club sponsored 1,400 agility trials involving more than 500,000 physically fit pooches. That’s quite a jump from only a decade ago, when there were 23 American Kennel Club agility events with about 2,000 four-footed participants. And you don’t need a pedigreed dog to take part in many enjoyable and bonding canine sports.

Dogs and people both score big when they play sports together. Participating in these activities provides a great opportunity to bond with your pet, since the two of you will be practicing together, traveling together and playing together as a team. Then there’s the fitness factor: Playing flyball or competing in retrieving contests will keep your pet trim and help you shed a couple of pounds, too.

— Dr. Marty Becker is the coauthor of the new book “Chicken Soup For The Horse Lover’s Soul” and a veterinary contributor for ABC TV’s “Good Morning America.”