PaRKoUR

Parkour is a great activity to help build confidence and a stronger bond with your dog. With obstacles found in a local park, building supply store, forest or farmyard, and armed with a sturdy harness and leash along with a cell phone and tripod, you can earn titles while exploring with your furry sidekick.

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.

Jump directly to TRaINiNG, NoViCE, INTeRMeDiATE, EXPeRT, SPeCiALTY & CHaMPiONSHiP levels.

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.

Besa is sporting the Truelove Harness that can be purchased at this link: https://a.co/d/0wbtVSF

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.

CLiCK HeRE FoR a SPeCiAL TiP

SPeCiAL TiP: You will need to upload your videos to YoUTuBE (or another video sharing service). I recommend uploading each video you are satisfied with right away (delete any “practice runs”) and organize them into a Playlist for that title, numbering each video in the order listed on the form. For skills with multiple videos (ie 4 Ft. On, etc.) label them 1A, 1B + 1C, etc. This will make things much easier when you fill out the application. Remember that the Sequence videos (3 Obstacles in Novice, 5 in Intermediate, etc.) and Creativity are done in a single uninterrupted video.

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.

TaKE a LoOK!

4 Ft oN - ELBoW HEiGHT

4 Ft oN - 2ND OBSTaCLE

2 Ft oN - ELBoW HEiGHT

UnDeR: LeSS THaN HeAD HEiGHT

THRoUGH: NaRRoWeR THaN DoG'S LeNGTH

GeT iN

BaLaNCE: 2x WiDTH oR LeSS, 3x LeNGTH

CReATiViTY: 2 BeHaViORS oN oNE OBSTaCLE

NoViCE PaRKoUR DoG

There are 15 behaviors required to earn the PKD-N title.

TaKE a LoOK!

iNTeRMeDiATE PaRKoUR DoG

There are 16 behaviors required to earn the PKD-I title.

TaKE a LoOK!

ExPeRT PaRKoUR DoG

There are 15 behaviors required to earn the PKD-E title.

Take a LoOK!

The remaining titles don't increase in difficulty in the requirements, however they do test your parkour "eye" and prove your knowledge of the sport!

SPeCiALTY

There are multiple Specialty titles that can be earned with 3 potential levels–expanding on each of the classic parkour behaviors. Mix and match from the lists of requirements using a minimum of 3 from each category. No behaviors can be repeated between levels (ie you must find a different setting to perform the skill for each level that fulfills the requirement).
Level 1: requires 10 behaviors
Level 2: requires 15 behaviors
Level 3: requires all 20 behaviors

TaKE a LoOK!

CHaMPiONSHiP

CoMiNG SOon!