PaRKoUR
Several of our Sittingbullies Fam have earned Parkour titles, including two who are among an elite group of just twenty dogs worldwide that have attained the highest level—the Parkour Dog EXPeRT title. Titles start at the optional TRaINiNG level (for dogs under 18 months old or those just wanting to ease into parkour skills) or you can jump right into the NoViCE title. Once you’ve checked off requirements for NoViCE you can pursue the INTeRMeDiATE Title, CHaMPiONSHiP or a variety of SPeCiALTY titles. The EXPeRT title follows the INTeRMeDiATE level for those who want to really test their skill and ability.
TiPS FoR GeTTiNG STaRTeD
Here’s how you can get started in this fun and rewarding sport.
The complete rules and requirements can be found in detail at: www.dogparkour.org
MEaSuReMeNTS
To make it fair and accessible for all dogs, many behaviors are gauged on the specific size of the dog. You will need to know your dog’s height, width and length to find obstacles suitable for them. This diagram clarifies what they are looking for:
SaFeTY
This is the foundation for success in the sport of Parkour. All dogs are encouraged to play this game regardless of age, breed, or even disability—as long as it is done safely. Always use proper spotting when needed, make sure your dog is safely under control if off-leash and inspect any obstacles used to make sure they will be safe.
HaRNeSS & LEaSH
Dogs must be fitted with a sturdy harness & leash for any skills that requiring spotting. The harness & leash can be removed for behaviors that don’t require spotting (ie going under or around) as long as the area is safe. The leash should be 4-6’ long and Flexi-leashes are not permitted.
FiLMiNG
You can use a simple tripod and camera phone to film each of the required behaviors for the title you are working on—or have a friend film you. Be sure that the video shows the dog going from the ground onto the obstacle, as well as coming off the obstacle back down to the ground for the skills that apply. It is helpful to try and film with the dog between you and the camera when possible to make it easier to see the performance.
TReATS
You are not allowed to lure the dog while they are performing each behavior but it is perfectly acceptable to treat & praise your dog immediately after the skill is completed.
UNiQUE OBSTaCLeS
Handlers are not allowed to use the same obstacle for a behavior they filmed with a different dog. Parkour is all about finding and exploring new places to try your skills. (If you are working with a friend and filming each other, it is ok for each handler to use the same obstacle with their own dog—but discovering great things to use is part of the fun!)
SHoULDeR HEiGHT RuLE
Dogs should be spotted any time they are jumping down to a hard surface from any obstacle higher than their shoulder (ie withers). Exceptions can be made for jumping down onto soft surfaces up to twice their shoulder height—but when in doubt SPoT THeM! *NoTE: Dogs under 18 months should be spotted coming off anything higher than their stopper pad (see measurement diagram)
PaRKoUR DoG iN TRAiNiNG
There are 8 behaviors required to earn the PKD-T title.
Here is an example of the Parkour Dog in Training title showing Pickles earning her PKD-T at 8 months old. Since she was under the 18 month age limit for the regular titles this gave her a great intro to the sport.
NoViCE PaRKoUR DoG
There are 15 behaviors required to earn the PKD-N title.
Here are some examples of successful Novice Parkour submissions.
Solo was the first of the Sittingbullies Gang to earn a Parkour Title, though Besa was right on his tail!
Besa worked on her PKD-N title at the same time as Solo but each of the obstacles used were unique to each dog.
Once Pickles turned 18 months old she was finally eligible to compete at the Novice level. She quickly earned her PKD-N and then jumped right into working on the next title.
Here are some examples of successful Novice Parkour submissions.
Solo was the first of the Sittingbullies Gang to earn a Parkour Title, though Besa was right on his tail!
Besa worked on her PKD-N title at the same time as Solo but each of the obstacles used were unique to each dog.
Once Pickles turned 18 months old she was finally eligible to compete at the Novice level. She quickly earned her PKD-N and then jumped right into working on the next title.
iNTeRMeDiATE PaRKoUR DoG
There are 16 behaviors required to earn the PKD-I title.
Solo was first to receive his Intermediate Parkour title certificate–even though Besa’s was submitted nearly a week before his! So much for “ladies first”! The time can vary for processing titles depending on who is doing them.
Besa loves doing parkour and it has been a great way to help get her past her disdain of car-riding. Taking short, frequent rides to do this rewarding sport has really changed her view of the car!
Pickles was ready and waiting to do as much Parkour as I would allow her to do. Once she was of age (18 months) she has zipped through the levels as fast as I could find obstacles for her to tackle!
Here are some examples of successful Intermediate Parkour submissions.
Solo was first to receive his Intermediate Parkour title certificate–even though Besa’s was submitted nearly a week before his! So much for “ladies first”! The time can vary for processing titles depending on who is doing them.
Besa loves doing parkour and it has been a great way to help get her past her disdain of car-riding. Taking short, frequent rides to do this rewarding sport has really changed her view of the car!
Pickles was ready and waiting to do as much Parkour as I would allow her to do. Once she was of age (18 months) she has zipped through the levels as fast as I could find obstacles for her to tackle!
SPeCiALTY
There are multiple Specialty titles that can be earned–expanding on each of the classic parkour behaviors. •These titles require a Training Title title before submitting *These titles require a Novice Title before submitting.
CHaMPiONSHiP
ExPeRT PaRKoUR DoG
There are 15 behaviors required to earn the PKD-E title.
Here are some examples of successful Expert Parkour submissions.
The sport of Dog Parkour has garnered submissions from around the globe, yet Besa was only the 17th dog to earn this prestigious title. You can see how she tackles every exercise with joy and enthusiasm…and surprising agility for a stubby little gal!
Pickles watched her mother Besa as she learned the skills for her PKD-E title and insisted on trying some of them herself! So it was no surprise that she blazed through this top-level title in a matter of a few weeks, becoming the 20th dog of any breed worldwide to earn the PKD-E just a few days after her 2nd birthday.
Here are some examples of successful Expert Parkour submissions.
The sport of Dog Parkour has garnered submissions from around the globe, yet Besa was only the 17th dog to earn this prestigious title. You can see how she tackles every exercise with joy and enthusiasm…and surprising agility for a stubby little gal!
Pickles watched her mother Besa as she learned the skills for her PKD-E title and insisted on trying some of them herself! So it was no surprise that she blazed through this top-level title in a matter of a few weeks, becoming the 20th dog of any breed worldwide to earn the PKD-E just a few days after her 2nd birthday.