Is there an official rulebook?
Not a single international one. Courses and scoring are set by the organiser, which is why every event looks different.
Agility and obstacles
Canine Ninja
A format inspired by human obstacle-course shows: ramps, moving platforms, tunnels and unstable surfaces, tackled with the emphasis on balance rather than speed.
About the discipline
What Canine Ninja is
Canine ninja is more an event format than a discipline with a single international rulebook. Each organiser builds their own course, and the obstacles vary considerably from one competition to the next.
What stays constant is the idea: a course of unusual obstacles that tests the dog's balance, strength and confidence in its own body - wobbling platforms, strange textures, sloping ramps.
Being young and loosely governed, it is appreciated for its relaxed character. It connects naturally with dog parkour, with which it shares most of its basic exercises.
How it works in practice
Types of obstacle you will meet
- unstable or suspended platforms
- sloping ramps with varied surfaces
- tunnels and narrow passages
- balance obstacles of reduced width
- steps and structures to climb
- stopping zones where a position must be held
Which dogs it suits
- agile dogs with good body awareness
- dogs that have already done parkour or agility
- teams looking for a relaxed competition format
What you need
- a comfortable harness
- obstacles checked for stability
- rewards for marking correct execution
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Canine Ninja
How does it differ from agility?
Agility means speed on a standardised course. Here the emphasis is on balance, strength and control over unusual obstacles, and the clock matters less.
Where do I start?
With dog parkour, most simply. The basic exercises are the same and the equipment needed is minimal.
How do I prepare for an event?
Through parkour, again: work on balance on narrow surfaces, controlled climbing and rear-end awareness. The rest is adapted on the spot, because courses differ so much between organisers.
Is it safe for the dog?
As safe as the organiser makes it. Before entering, check that platforms are stable, surfaces are non-slip and the heights are modest. A well-run event uses obstacles a dog can negotiate slowly and deliberately, not ones that reward reckless speed.
From the same category
Related sports
Canicross with obstacles
Running with your dog on courses that include obstacles.
Agility
A course of jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact obstacles.
Hoopers
A course of hoops, tunnels and gates, with no high jumps.
Dog Parkour
Controlled negotiation of obstacles in urban or natural settings.
We do not run Canine Ninja
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.