Pete the Vet: Outdoor activities your dog will love

From agility training to flyball, these pursuits will excite your dog and keep them fit 

Check out the Official Irish Agility Group if you're interested in introducing your pet to agility training. The Facebook page is particularly informative offers support and information to newcomers. Pic: iStock.

Dogs were originally kept as functional companions, whether for herding livestock, hunting for food, or acting as burglar alarms. Many pedigree dog breeds reflect these original functions, from collies and other herding breeds to spaniels, pointers, terriers, and other hunting breeds, to guard dogs such as Dobermanns and others.

In recent centuries, humans have started to keep dogs simply as companions, and as well as new dog breeds specialising in just being pets, the traditional functional dog breeds have adapted to fit in better with human homes and families. However, their original genetic heritage still lies deep within many dogs, and this can cause problems as well creating opportunities.