An agility trial is a great way to test your dog's ability to follow commands and track objects.Getting your dog ready for the trial through practice and instruction is the most important part of the process, but entering him into a trial has its own set of issues.If you know the requirements of the four primary agility trial groups in the U.S., you can navigate the entry process with ease.
Step 1: Take a look at your options.
There are five groups that offer agility trials in the United States.There are many groups that sanction agility trials.You can find additional agility trials by searching online.Dogs are required to negotiate an obstacle course in an agility trial.The regular program and preferred program are agility programs.Dogs in the Preferred Program are allowed more time to complete the course because they jump one jump height lower than the regular program requires.Dogs are measured at the withers to determine how high they will jump.The Championship Program and the Performance Program are agility programs that the USDAA has.Compared to the Championship Program, dogs in the Performance Program face lower jump heights and are allowed longer time on the course.The jump height of the dogs must be determined by their size.Larger dogs jump higher than smaller dogs.The judging clinics help fund the NADAC Championships.There are rules and regulations.There are three classes for dogs to compete in at the NADAC Championship level.Access to a given competition class depends on the dog's performance in the competition throughout the year.The more points a dog earns at NADAC events over the course of the year, the higher the competitive level the dog can compete in during the Championships.Various canine organizations host the agility trials.For more detailed information, consult the event organizers.
Step 2: You can learn the rules of the trial.
There are rules and regulations for agility trials.You might only receive guidelines for the agility trial you and your dog enter into when you register, though these are typically posted online.The rules and regulations can be found at http://images.akc.org/rulebooks/REAGIL.The rules and regulations can be found online.The USDAA rules and regulations can be found online at http://usdaatitlemania.com.
Step 3: The groups have different course differences.
There is no national standard for agility trials.Each group comes up with its own standard.The specific course set-up for each group is something you should be familiar with.There are different levels of competition.The top levels are Excellent and Master.The levels are the same.The average spacing between obstacles is 18 feet to 23 feet with a few exceptions depending on the type of obstacles being used, the challenge being presented and the class.Large spacing on courses is what NADAC uses.Dogs are required to run faster on the courses.There are different opportunities for different types of challenges in USDAA's games classes.The course times are more generous and the jump heights are lower.Visit each group's website for a complete list of specifics.
Step 4: The registration requirements are compared.
There are slightly different registration requirements for each group.A minimum age is required in order to be accepted into an agility trial with your dog.A dog's full name, sex, breed, birth date, and height are required by most organizations.They need your name, address, email, and phone number.Both mixed breed and purebred dogs are allowed to compete.When deciding if you and your dog can enter an agility trial, you need to evaluate the particular preconditions of the trial.Certain trials require that your dog compete in other trials over the course of the year.A complete list of registration requirements can be found on each group's website.
Step 5: If you and your dog are ready to enter, you must make a decision.
You will probably be ready to make a decision about which trial you and your dog want to compete in after evaluating registration requirements, differences between various organizations, and the courses offered by each group.There are three main factors that you should consider when determining if you and your dog are ready to enter an agility trial.Your dog can't be too old or young.A dog must be at least one and a half years old to participate in agility trials.The USDAA trials have separate trials for dogs over the age of seven.The size of the dog is determined by the breed.Large dogs are harder to negotiate.Analyze your dog's ability to learn and obey commands.Some breeds are harder to train than others.If your dog still can't sit, lie down, and roll over, it's probably not a good candidate for an agility trial.
Step 6: Get an entry form.
Entry forms can be found on each group's website.
Step 7: You can choose your level.
Whether your dog is a beginner or an experienced agility trailer is determined by title level.You have to start at the lowest level in most groups.The title levels are as follows: Open, Excellent, and Master.NADAC has three levels.There are three categories in USDAA, each with their own levels.The categories are Championship, Performance, and Junior.Each group has a description of the title levels on their website.
Step 8: Choose your division.
The groups break the competitors into divisions.If your dog has a handicap or the handler is elderly, you will compete against other dogs and handlers in the same division.There are two divisions: regular and preferred.There are special awards for juniors.The standard, veterans, and junior handler divisions are part of NADAC.If you want to register as a Veteran, you can either jump or non-jump.Veteran handler is defined as age 60 and over.The USDAA has three divisions.There are four divisions: Standard, Veterans, Jr, and handicapped/differently Abled.Each group has a website with a description of the divisions.
Step 9: You can choose your category.
How high your dog will have to jump is referred to as the category.A specific jump height is assigned to your dog.Each group has an event that allows you to enter your dog in a lower jumping event.There are two categories: regular and preferred.Dogs must jump their height in the regular category.You can lower the height of your dog in the preferred category.Proficient and skilled are the categories of NADAC.The Proficient category requires dogs to jump their measured jump height.You can lower your dog's jump height if you're in the skilled category.There are two categories in the USDAA: Championship Program and Performance Program.The Championship Program requires dogs to jump at a measured height.You can lower the height of your dog in the performance program.There are four categories: Regular, Veterans, Enthusiast, and Specialist.Dogs must jump at their measured height in the regular category.You can lower your dog's jump height in the Veterans category.You can lower your dog's jump height in the Enthusiast category.You can lower your dog's jump height in the Specials category.
Step 10: Choose a class.
The different games, courses, and obstacles that are available for your dog to demonstrate their agility are called classes.The class tests different skills.Standard, Jumpers With Weaves, Fifteen and Send Time, and Time to Beat are all classes.The classes offered by NADAC are Regular, Jumpers, Tunnelers, Weavers and Touch-N-Go.Standard, Gamblers, Jumpers, and Snooker are the classes offered by USDAA.Standard, Colors, Wildcard, Jackpot, Snooker, FullHouse, and Jumpers are some of the classes offered by CPE.A complete description of the various classes can be found on each group's website.
Step 11: Pay the registration fee.
There are different registration fees for agility trials.If you enter your dog in more runs, the organization will give you a discount.The registration fee depends on the event the dog is entered in.For more information on your dog's specific event, consult the registration fee schedule.
Step 12: The form you submit is in the premium.
The location of the trial site and whether refunds are available will be listed in the premium.The premium should be read carefully.Get it in as soon as possible by checking the deadline on the form.If you submit the entry form early, you are more likely to get a spot.