Dogtrekking is an
extreme canine endurance
sport, in which large
distances are negotiated
within a time limit. A
participant passes the
route with the aid of a
map and an itinerary
prepared by the
organizer. The handler
can lead his dog or dogs
either on a leash held
in hand or connected to
a belly band (it is
possible to switch
between the two
possibilities). In no
case is it possible to
have the dog off leash.
Everyone must carry the
compulsory equipment,
the list of which is
established by the
organizer, and which
always contains at
minimum a sleeping bag,
a head-lamp, food and
drinks for the handler
and for the dog, a dish
and a map.
The dogtrekking tracks usually have the length of 100 and more kilometers. The shortest events have 80 km. They are comprised of legs/stages or they only set a time limit. The recommended leg/stage length is at minimum 40 km. During the competition, the participants develop their physical, psychical and orientational abilities and a positive relationship to the nature, in cooperation with their four-legged companions, which leads to a mutual cooperation and understanding between the human and the dog.
The first dogtrekking event in accordance with the rules took place in 2001 in Žïárské vrchy, having the track length of 126 km. With the increasing popularity, the number of events grows each year and at present, they take place in many attractive locations in the Czech Republic, particularly in the mountains. During the last two years, this canine sport has spread into several other countries (Slovakia, Austria, Belgium, Poland), often with the aid of Czech organizers and dogtrekkers. The actractiveness and popularity of this sport consists, inter alia, in the modest equipment and accesibility for all dog breeds (including mixed-breed dogs), which are able to negotiate the track.
Each year, an independent association of organizers of dogtrekking events gathers, which prepares the term calendar and evaluates the Czech championship series.
