A-Framework of Dog Agility

An Activity for each Dog

One of the great facets of agility trials is the wide variety of events. Every breed can take part! Agility trials have six different categories in which a dog can compete, including Standard, Jumpers with Weaves, Time 2 Beat (T2B), and Fifteen And Send Time (FAST). Additionally, offers the Premiere Standard and Premiere Jumpers with Weaves courses of instruction for Masters level dogs to compete on international-style courses.

Each of these categories have different levels that can be entered based on the dog’s experience. The first level, Novice, is for dogs just starting out in the sport. In Novice, you will find 14-16 obstacles, and also the course is less intensive for handler and dog. A higher level, Open, increases the difficulty of the program and the number of obstacles to 16-18. The highest level, Excellent or Master, is for dogs who have successfully completed open level. This level combines tricky routes and an increase to 18-20 obstacles to challenge the dog’s stamina.

In each event, the dogs are separated into classes according to jump height. Dogs are measured to the point of their shoulder and must jump in the class for their height or perhaps in a higher class. The most well-liked division offers modified standards of lower jump heights and additional seconds on target for dogs who require it.

Scoring

Agility is scored on a some time and fault basis. Dogs must complete all necessary obstacles in a course in the time allowed. Dogs can accumulate faults for various reasons including running an obstacle out of sequence, displacing a bar on the jump, or refusing an obstacle. However, your dog isn’t the only person around the team who can cause faults. A handler who touches your dog or obstacle, or who can’t get charge of their dog, will even accrue penalties.

Standard Event

In standard agility, there are a variety of obstacles that the dog must successfully conquer. The A-frame, dog walk, and seesaw are contact obstacles that require your dog to put a minumum of one paw within the yellow zone before the obstacle is recognized as complete. Dogs who miss this contact zone will receive a fault. Additional obstacles towards the course include weave poles, tunnels, and a pause table where the dog must watch for five seconds before continuing.

Jumpers with Weaves

This event is comparable to the standard class, nevertheless it doesn't contain contact obstacles or the pause table. Removing these obstacles is supposed to encourage fast running without any stops. Handler and dog must make instant decisions and be aware of their teammate’s direction when they want to succeed.

Fifteen And Send Time (FAST)

FAST events allow for creativity of the handler as there is no set course. The class has 15 obstacles with assigned point values to each. Six of the 15 should be single bar jumps, as the remaining obstacles can have a value of two to 10 points that are based on the judge. You will find rules about which obstacles can be taken back to back, what direction the obstacle could be approached, and there's a set time limit for that course with penalties for going over. The primary point earner of this event is the “send bonus”. To earn this bonus, the handler must remain a predetermined distance away while sending the dog over a sequence of two or more obstacles. Your dog must complete all parts from the sequence successfully to get the send bonus.

Time 2 Beat (T2B)

The Time 2 Beat events reveal the fastest and many accurate dogs. The scoring of the event is dependant on which dog can run the course within the fastest here we are at their height group without incurring penalty. Contact obstacles are combined with other obstacles based in the standard events, however the pressure originates from the necessity to function as the fastest around.

Competing or Spectating

Interested in starting a dog in agility training? Create your own course aware of a few simple to find obstacles or go online to check out an agility training center near you!

Want to determine some Master level dogs perform agility? Check out the Agility Invitational in Orlando, FL, on December 15-17. The National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin, and the Canine Extravaganza, will also take place during this fun-filled weekend celebrating man’s closest friend. If you’re likely to attend, don’t forget to go to PetPartners in the Fun Zone conveniently located between the vendors and the concession area!