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Basics
of Agility & Jumping Competitions ...
Dog
Agility and Jumping s a sport in which a handler is given a set
amount of time to direct a dog off-leash through an obstacle course.
Originally loosely modelled on equestrian stadium jumpers competitions,
the sport has evolved its own additional obstacles, scoring systems
and performance ideals. Agility made its debut as an entertainment
for spectators at the Crufts Dog Show in 1979; it has since become
the most rapidly growing dog sport in England, Western Europe and
North America.
Spectators continue today to get caught
up watching the dog and handler's enthusiasm in their athletic race
against the clock.
Australia's National Controlling Body,
the Australian National Kennel Council, sets the rules for the National
competition; these rules are implemented by the affiliated clubs
and are administered by their local State Controlling Body (ACT
Canine Association Inc. in the Australian Capital Territory.
The competitions conducted allow for a wide range of skills,
from Novice to Master levels and are all based on the original international
rules and specifications which calls for the highest level of agility
from the dogs in both terms of speed and the physical ability to
perform the obstacles.
Obstacles
...
A Frame, Dog Walk, See-Saw, Pipe Tunnel, Collapsed
Tunnel, Table, Weave Poles, Tyre or Hoop Jump, Various other types
of Jumps
The
obstacles used in Agility have been designed with both safety and
spectator appeal in mind.
All jumps have easily displaceable
bars so that the dog should not experience injury should it misjudge
and take down the jump bar.
All obstacles that the
dog must physically scale have 'contact' zones painted on the equipment,
the contact zones enforce safe training techniques since handlers
know that dogs will be faulted unless one or more feet are in the
contact zones when ascending/descending these contact obstacles.
All contact equipment surfaces are roughened for good traction
in both dry and wet weather. In competition, the obstacles
are arranged in various course configurations, always unique from
trial to trial, that offer levels of challenges appropriate to the
class and experience level of the dogs competing.
The handler must direct their dog around the course in the sequence
that has been predetermined by the Judge.
At the
entry levels of competitions courses contain few complications and
are more of a test to prove the dog can competently perform the
equipment within a reasonable amount of time. As the dog and
handler earn their way into successively higher levels, the courses
increase in complexity and begin to require split second timing
and coordination between the handler and dog in order to accomplish
the course withint
he standard course time (SCT) established by the Judge.
Rules
...
The
rules are fairly simple; handlers may give an unlimited number of
commands or signals to their dogs, but may not touch either the
equipment or the dog.
Dogs are "faulted" for
actions such as taking down a jump bar, failing to put one or more
feet in the safety or contact zone when ascending/descending contact
equipment, taking obstacles out of sequence, and running past or
stopping before next obstacle to be performed. Time penalties
are additionally assessed against dogs that exceed the SCT.
"How
can I get involved in agility/jumping?"
In
order the become a competitor in these competitions you will need
to join and Obedience and Agility Club to be able to train your
dog.
"What
breeds are suitable for Agility/Jumping Training?"
The
rules for agility/jumping trials allow for three variations in jumping
heights/lengths, to accommodate small, medium and large dogs. Some
dogs are more agile than others but individual dogs vary in their
ability to complete an agility course. Dogs must be 18 months old.
"How
do I enter an agility/jumping trial?"
In
a similar way to obedience trials. Agility/Jumping trials are often
held in conjunction with obedience trials.
"What
prerequisites are required for entering an agility/jumping trial?"
No
obedience prerequisites are required. You will need to acquire a
registered height certificate for your dog.
"What
agility/jumping titles are available?"
Agility
Dog (A.D.); Jumping Dog (JD), Agility Dog Excellent (ADX); Jumping
Dog Excellent, Agility Dog Masters (ADM); Jumping Dog Masters (JDM).
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