Jumping through hoops to foster ties with pets

A ‘doggy-dog’ world: A woman having her race bib attached for a dog trail race where owners and their dogs navigate obstacles, in Shanghai. — Reuters

Dog trail races that allow people and their dogs to navigate off-road obstacle courses in tandem are growing popular in China, as the pace of pet ownership and active lifestyle pursuits picks up.

“Originally, I would only go to the gym and run to lose weight,” said Hong Feiwen, one of many participants who see the races not just as a recreational activity, but a way to strengthen bonds with their four-legged friends.