Agility or Tracking with Dalmatian?

I wouldn't start agility until your dog is 1 1/2-2 years old... Some of the jumps, etc. put quite a bit of stress on the bones, so it is better to wait until the growth plates of the bones have solidified and grown together. Waiting to spay or neuter until this age also helps in the growth process (since they need those hormones!)

Tracking is usually pretty low intensity (not lots of jarring or jumping with hard landings), so you should be able to start that pretty early.

Be sure you do the obedience classes first, it will help your dog to become more confident. Then they won't be so scared to try new things.

Good luck! Enjoy your Dalmatian!

I would start with tracking and get the book

"Try Tracking! The Puppy Tracking Primer" by Carolyn Krause. It will tell you what you need to know, PLUS Carolyn has DALMATIANS :)

Her dal Ch Paisley Poppycock CDX TD passed her tracking certification (the step before a tracking test) at 12 weeks. She passed her tracking test when she was 6 months old.

You have more time to check out agility because you can't even compete until the dog is about 1 1/2 years old. take the puppy to general obedience classes for now and look for puppy agility (no jumping) when she's 6 months old.

Good luck and have fun.

Any dog can do tracking because it is the natural ability of the dog. There is of course training involved because you have to refine their instinct for what they are tracking. I have done tracking with my retrievers and they enjoy it of course because they are born to retrieve and use their noses. Dals are working dogs thrive in this sport. Dals are hard-working and have great endurance as long as the handler is assertive.

As for agility, it is addicting at best and once you start, you never want to stop!!

Any dog can do agility as long as he is healthy and fit, and it is a great bond-builder for handler and dog. The best way to figure out what sport you want to commit to is to try both and then go with the one your dog seems to enjoy the most.

Of the two, I prefer agility the most, but tracking can of course be exciting.

You should talk to your breeder as it sounds as if he/she has experience with both sports. They would probably love to help you along with that with your new pup.

Congrats on your pup!!

My Dalmatian is a house pet but I do notice her keen sense of hearing with sirens that are far away and out of earshot...she'll growl and howl just before I hear them...also, she will point and twitch her ears when she hears something....like a flock of geese or ducks fly over head and follow the sound with a ****** head and look at them until these disappear from sight...it is amazing to watch....I know she has some sporting genes in her. She does the same with squirrels and chipmunks.

Start with Puppy-K, then basic obediance and work from there. If you can get through and advanced obediance training, and dog is confident, not easily spooked or distracted and willing to please, then talk to a trainer about starting agility.