GRC Dogsports is a new breed of dog sport
that seeks to celebrate and test not only the dog’s Gameness (G), but the Relationship (R) with the handler, and the dog’s self Control (C).

Even though we are doing the drive sports associated with the APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier), we are open to all breeds.

The sports we offer competition in are:​

Treadmill Race
Weight Pull
Wall Clim
Spring Pole

Of course before we even get to the drive events….. All teams will do a “Social Responsibility” test. This will be broken into three portions. A Leash Communication portion. An Obedience portion. And a Liberty Portion. Unlike most tests, you will LOSE points for focused control during the Leash/Liberty portion. We allow focused heeling as a management strategy to walk your dog past the distractions. And, clearly if your dog has an un-resolvable issue with a trigger, an incompatible command of focus is the responsible thing to do! But, the ultimate goal would be for a dog to be able to make good, relaxed, decisions in these situations without the need to be “under orders”. We want to encourage handlers to have dogs that can play hard, AND be liveable. The scoring reflects that. In the Obedience portion, it is done as a more traditional test of verbal command obedience. Here is where we WANT to see the focused control Obedience is associated with. An SR Title must be earned by every dog, BEFORE being allowed to move on to the drive events.

A toy is mounted to a spring or cord that is suspended above the dog. Much like the flirt pole, when used correctly it gives a dog an appropriate outlet to act upon instinctual behaviors in appropriate ways. This is great for yard play and is more self-directed than the flirt pole.

is where your dog completes a vertical retrieve to win a toy. Your dog climbs to new heights to win a toy with you by their side. In GRC you will be required to catch your dog (this can be assisted with a belay).

Weight pull looks intense the unfamiliar observer, but it is a great outlet for a strong and determined dog! Dogs are conditioned wear a special harness that distributes weight through their body, and are given verbal encouragement to pull a weighted cart 16 feet. Of course, not everyone has access to a cart, so you may see someone practicing with tires or other heavy items. It is a slow paced, low impact activity similar to human weight lifting, and the dog cannot be forced to pull.

Dogs can use treadmills for the same reasons humans do – to stay physically active, to stay in shape, and for rehabilitation programs. They are an excellent tool to use in climates where temperatures may be too hot or too cold to physically exercise outdoors. Unlike the treadmill at the gym, a slatmill or carpetmill is powered by the dog, not electricity. The dog is able to exercise at a rate that they choose and can stop anytime.