Agility

The Agility Event is one of the best ways to introduce your dog to a level of competitiveness it has never
known. The Agility event is made up of training and some obedience with a generous helping of fun, which is the
most important part. The agility might seem a little demanding to the novice participant but most assured the payoff
is well worth it. In the Agility dogs are scored and graded how they perform on the obstacles set in front of them:
the Jump, the tunnel, the dog walk, the weave poles, the hurdles, the pause table, the teeter, the tire jump
and finally the A frame.
For beginners we highly recommend entering the handling class prior to the show to acclimate the dogs to the
course as well as your dog's ability to participate in the competition.

Here is a brief run down of the order of events.
Your dogs name is called. Enter agility ring and wait till judge or assistant gives you the ok to begin.
Run the course. Follow any instructions the judge gives you. Exit course.

Agility Equipment
The entire Agility course is enclosed by fencing or barrier that must be a minimum of 4 feet high.
The Jump
A jump set at a maximum height of 8 inches.

The Tunnel
A 25 ft cylindrical tunnel system dogs must travel through made of very light plastic or canvas material.

The Dog Walk
A 12 ft up and down wood ramp with grab bars. Yellow contact points at the beginning and end of the ramp
mark where a dogs paw must touch.

The Weave Poles
Pvc pipe poles a dog must weave (zig zag) through. Poles are spaced at 22 inches apart.

The Hurdles
3 obstacle jumps set at a height of either 12 or 16 inches.

The Pause Table
A 3 x 3 ft table that dog must board and pause. It sits at a height of 12 inches.

The Teeter
An 18 inch, 12 ft long plank balanced on a central fulcrum that seesaws when dog boards. Yellow
contact points at the beginning and end of the ramp mark where a dogs paw must touch.

The Tire Jump
A jump through obstacle (hoop or tire) that is 10 inches in height from the bottom to the ground.

The A-Frame
A 4 foot wide obstacle reminiscent of the letter 'A' that is 3 1/2 ft tall at the apex with grip bars on ascent and
descent. The dog must ascend and descend the A Frame while one paw must touch the yellow contact points at
the beginning and end of the ramp.

Agility Officials
Agility Judge - stands in the agility ring scoring dogs on time and level of ability to complete obstacles. Reinforces
safety and rules; the judge's decision is final.

Agility Ring Steward - helps Agility judge on scoring and time. Organizes class entries.

The Agility rules are designed for the safety of the dog and its owners. These rules must be followed for
safety and to avoid disqualification.

1. All dogs must wear a collar or harness and leash at all times.
2. Dogs may compete with leash applied.
3. All dogs must be 5 feet apart at all times.
4. No Females in heat in or around Agility ring.
5. Dogs toe nails must be trimmed. (Foot inspection to prevent injury)
6. The dog must complete course in 2 minutes to avoid disqualification.
7. Dogs will be scored on a point system; this will be a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) for each individual
piece of equipment.
8. The dog with the most points for its run in its class will take first place.
9. In case of a tie in the score the deciding factor will be time.
10. Time will start as soon as dog begins course.
11. Judge can start, re-start or stop competition anytime.
12. Dog has 3 fouls and 5 alibis.
13. Two alibis equals one foul. The third foul or fifth alibi is an immediate disqualification.
14. Foul if owner touches dog.
15. Foul if dog misses an obstacle.
16. Foul if owner has to correct dog.
17. Disqualification if dog leaves ring.
18. Judges option to skip or disqualify competitors if not ready for event.
19. Challenging judges decisions and calls results in immediate disqualification.
20. Arguing with judge, assistant judge or any unprofessional attitude, inappropriate behavior, loud profanity and
any form of dog abuse will result in disqualification.
21. The use of any bait including live bait, dead animal flesh or food is striclty prohibited.
22. Disqualification if dog relieves itself in ring.
23. Disqualification if dog bites owner, judge or anyone else.
24. Barefeet is prohibited.
25. Awards and results are presented at the completion of event.
26. All rules and decisions are final, No refunds available.