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 AKC 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 because 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 while it helps you shed a couple of pounds.

Before you and your pet pack your gym bags and head off to achieve athletic glory together, take a few simple precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your furry teammate.

Your first step will be to select a canine sport that fits the age, lifestyle, temperament and physical stature of your pet. There are a wide range of exciting canine sports options available to you, from sledding and skijoring (a dog version of cross country skiing), to weight pulling and water retrieving, to more familiar activities like obedience and agility.

You should find a sport that will be comfortable and safe for both you and your pet. So, you probably don’t want your squat, deep-chested bulldog to participate in a sport that requires a lot of running and jumping, or your short-coated Doberman to get involved in an outdoor winter sport. Regardless of what your requirements are, however, you and your pet are sure to find an athletic activity that you both can enjoy. A good place to do some research is www.workingdogweb.com. This comprehensive and well-researched site includes plenty of helpful information and links to canine sports organizations.

It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before getting your pet started in sports. Your vet will be able to tell you if the activity you’ve chosen is compatible with your pet’s age and physical condition. Although puppies love to play more than any creature on earth, you’ll have to wait before starting them on the road to athletic stardom. A physically demanding sport can cause irreparable damage to a puppy’s not-yet-fully developed bones. Also, since they’re still not quite coordinated, puppies are more prone to be injured when playing a sport.

You and your pet should both be in good physical shape before you begin actively participating in a sport. Proper conditioning is critical to avoiding sports injuries for you and your pets. So if the two of you aren’t quite ready for prime time sports, start on a diet and exercise program before you enter competitions.

On diets, the athletic dog will often have different nutritional requirements than other pets. In many cases, particularly with winter sports, these dogs will need a higher caloric intake in order to have the energy necessary to perform at their peak. Some people ensure that their canine teammates get the extra nutrients they require during competitions by giving them energy bar supplements like the ThunderDog Power Bar from Natural Life Pet Products (www.nlpp.com). Your dog’s specific dietary needs will vary, so ask your veterinarian for advice.

Here are some Web sites to learn more about pet activites and traveling with pets: www.workingdogweb.com www.nlpp.com www.petmate.com www.hagen.com www.firstrax.net