what is the official agility course

The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. There are two types of ACT courses. ACT Standard – ACT 1 and ACT 2 – which are the beginning level standard courses.

Full Answer

How to make your own agility course?

Section 1. Jurisdiction. All UKC licensed Agility trials shall be governed by the UKC Rules for All-Breed Events and Misconduct & Discipline Guidelines and the Official UKC Agility Rulebook. The awarding of UKC Championship points and titles issued by the United Kennel Club are uniform and are not given on a local or geographical basis. Section 2.

How to get started in agility?

Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT) Effective January 1, 202. 1. This insert is issued as a supplement to the Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT) Amended to January 1, 2020 and approved by the AKC Board of Directors November 10, 20 20 Chapter 1. REGULATIONS FOR AGILITY TRIALS Section 14.

How to improve my agility?

The AKC held its first agility trial in 1994. Agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the United States and is the fastest growing event at the AKC. A trial is a competition. Clubs hold practice matches and then apply to be licensed to hold official trials. At a licensed trial, handlers and dogs can earn scores toward agility titles.

How to cultivate learning agility?

You can also purchase an agility teeter-totter, or one made for small children. The official length of the ramp should be 12 feet. However, it is more important for your doggo to be able to see the base when close. Affordable: Relaxadays Pet Seesaw. Moderately Priced: Trixie Agility Dog Training Seesaw. Expensive: DogSport Rubber Top. A-Frame

What is in an agility course?

Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. At each trial you and your dog will race around the unique courses designed for that day.Mar 8, 2022

What is an agility course test?

The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry-level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. All ACT programs, including ACT Jumpers are being offered virtually.Mar 8, 2022

What are the levels in AKC agility?

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). In addition, AKC offers the Premiere Standard and Premiere Jumpers with Weaves classes for Masters level dogs to compete on international-style courses.Dec 14, 2017

What is standard in agility?

Standard agility courses will consist of 10 to 15 obstacles with a course time of 75 seconds. Areas in which courses are set up should be at least 60 feet by 70 feet. 2. Advanced classes will consist of 16 – 20 obstacles with a course time of 60 seconds.

How do I get my AKC agility title?

Agility Excellent: For a title, dog must earn 3 qualifying scores in Excellent A Agility class under at least 2 different judges. Excellent Agility Jumper: For a title, dog must earn 3 qualifying scores in Excellent A Jumpers With Weaves class under at least 2 different judges.Mar 8, 2022

What is AKC Act jumpers?

ACT2 (Standard)/ACT2J (Jumpers). ACT2/ACT2J are the second level Agility Course Tests that are open to all dogs that have dogs that have not earned a title in any AKC Agility class and that meet the age and physical requirements for a regular AKC agility trial (Chapter 1, Section 3).

Do dog competitions make money?

While some best-in-show recipients can earn huge awards, such as the $50,000 offered by the AKC National Championship, dog-show competitors generally aren't focused on getting rich. But even competing is expensive.Feb 22, 2018

What obstacles are in a dog agility course?

The only obstacles allowed at the start and finish of a standard agility or jumping course are: hurdle, wall, spread jump, brush jump, long jump, tyre, wishing well, pipe tunnel.

How does AKC agility fast work?

1:118:28How to Play AKC FAST - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe novice handler must send the dog. Through jump number four to five or send them in the opposite.MoreThe novice handler must send the dog. Through jump number four to five or send them in the opposite. Direction from five to six and they must stay behind the dotted.

What is fast class in agility?

One of the courses an AKC agility trial may offer is the FAST course. FAST is an acronym for Fifteen And Send Time. The FAST course requires both the skill to work a distance from your dog and strategy. Courses have obstacles that are assigned point values.Dec 31, 2020

What exercises are good for agility?

8 Best Agility Training ExercisesLateral Plyometric Jumps. Lateral plyometric jumps help build explosive power, balance, and coordination by using our natural body weight. ... Forward Running, High-Knee Drills. ... Lateral Running, Side-to-Side Drills. ... Dot Drills. ... Jump Box Drills. ... L Drills. ... Plyometric Agility Drill. ... Shuttle Runs.

What does preferred mean in dog agility?

AKC Preferred Agility allows dogs to jump one height lower than the regular jump height division and it also gives them five extra seconds to complete the course. The program is great for seniors or dogs that have suffered injuries.Apr 8, 2015

What is the AKC Act?

The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. There are two types of ACT courses. ACT Standard – ACT 1 and ACT 2 – which are the beginning level standard courses.

When is the ACT Jumper program?

All ACT programs, including ACT Jumpers are being offered virtually through December 31, 2021.

What is Act 1 and Act 2?

ACT 1 and ACT 1J are designed for the beginning dog to show basic sequencing and performance skills. ACT 2 and ACT 2J require s an increased skill level shown by the additional number and types of obstacles to be performed. In addition to showing their dog’s entry level skills, exhibitors will learn to fill out an AKC entry form, ...

What is UKC agility?

UKC aims to provide the opportunity to participate and experience success in Agility to all dogs and all handlers. The overall performance should convey an image of fun, enthusiasm and partnership between the dog and handler.

What are the rules for a UKC show?

Section 1. Conduct Applicable to Exhibitors and Spectators. UKC exhibitors and spectators are expected to display good behavior and good sportsmanship in and out of the ring. Judges may excuse exhibitors from their ring for violations of these rules or conduct that interferes with the event and event participants. Event Committee members and host club ocers may excuse exhibitors or spectators from the show grounds for violations of these rules or conduct that interferes with the event and event participants. Section 2. Poor Sportsmanship. Poor sportsmanship that rises to the level of misconduct must be dealt with in accordance with the rules set forth in the Ocial UKC Rules for All-Breed Events and Misconduct & Discipline Guidelines,category 1. If the person has any dogs entered in the event, they shall not be permitted to exhibit until the hearing has been held and the exhibitor cleared of misconduct. An exhibitor who is not cleared of the misconduct charges may be requested to leave the event grounds by the Event Committee. In such cases, the club is not required to refund entry fees for said dog or any additional dogs the exhibitor has entered on that day regardless if the dogs were shown or not.

How to determine a dog's height?

Determining a Dog’s Height Division. A dog’s height is determined by measuring from the top of the withers perpendicular to the ground while the dog is standing normally and not leaning. Each handler is required to include the height division of their dog on the entry form when entering a dog in an Agility event.

When was the AKC ACT approved?

This insert is issued as a supplement to the Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT) Amended to January 1, 2020 and approved by the AKC Board of Directors November 10, 2020

How many square feet are required for a golf course?

Course areas must be a minimum of 3,500 useable square feet. The course area must be moderately level and clear, and be a minimum of 40 feet wide. Refer to Chapter 4, Sections 1 and 2 for additional information.

What is a dog walk?

Dog Walk. The dog walk consists of two ramps and a straight, elevated walkway in between. Your four-legged companion will learn confidence and stability as they do the dog walk. Ensure the surfaces are non-slip and the planks are set up solidly. If you have more than one size dog, you can purchase adjustable walks.

What is the simplest obstacle to DIY?

The table is the simplest obstacle to DIY at little or no cost. This is a place for your dog to jump, sit, and pause briefly during the course. You can use anything from an old coffee table, to an ottoman, to a piece of plywood elevated on two concrete blocks.

How long is the dog ramp on a doggie seesaw?

You can also purchase an agility teeter-totter, or one made for small children. The official length of the ramp should be 12 feet. However, it is more important for your doggo to be able to see the base when close. Affordable: Relaxadays Pet Seesaw. Moderately Priced: Trixie Agility Dog Training Seesaw.

What is a spread hurdle?

Spread Hurdle. These hurdles are long and broad, meaning the bars are spread out to test jumping length. The bottom should be strong enough so it cannot be knocked over if your canine bestie doesn’t quite clear the bar. At the same time, look for a set easy enough to transport.

What is a pipe tunnel?

A pipe tunnel is a straight tunnel through which you lead your pup, and they are usually made of fabric to minimize the risk of injury. You can use children’s crawl-through toys as discussed earlier, or a long cardboard box (or attach some together).

How long is a collapsed tunnel?

Toddler toy tunnels can be utilized in place of the more expensive manufactured products. The official minimum length is 12 feet, and the max length is 20 feet. Here are some suggestions:

What is an A frame?

An A-frame is just as it sounds. It is in the shape of an A, so the two ramps that meet at the top are quite vertical. However, they cannot have too much of an incline. The official numbers on the angle are 104° or 112½°, depending on whether you go by the instructions for the Championship or Performance Program.

What is agility in sport?

Agility in sport is defined as ‘‘a rapid whole-body movement with change of velocity or direction in response to a stimulus’ ’ (Sheppard, 2005). Meaning agility must involve a reaction to a stimulus, for example, a goalkeeper reacting and saving a penalty kick in Football.

What is agility based movement?

For example, a defender’s reaction to an attacker’s sudden movement would be classified as an agility-based movement, as it requires them to make a reactive decision based upon the attacker’s impulsive movement.

What is the difference between agility and change of direction speed?

Put simply, agility involves reactive abilities in unpredictable environments, whilst change of direction speed focuses purely on physical ability and is typically performed in pre-planned environments. This infers that traditional agility tests (e.g. t-test and pro-agility) are not actually capable of measuring agility, and thus should be referred to as change of direction speed tests. Recent research has shown that higher-level athletes perform better on agility tests than lower-level athletes, but the same does not apply to change of direction speed tests.

Why is agility important in sports?

In a nutshell, agility is vital for successful performances in most sports (6). Take invasion/territorial sports (e.g. football, rugby, hockey, and American football) for example, whereby the objective of each team is to invade the opposition’s area in an attempt to score a point (s).

Why are agility tests called agility tests?

As a prime example, the T-test, Illinois agility test, arrowhead agility test, and the pro-agility test have all historically been referred to as agility tests, simply because they require an athlete to complete a pre-planned course of directional changes as quickly as possible.

How to prevent the attacking team from scoring?

To prevent the attacking team from scoring, the defenders must continuously ‘anticipate’ and ‘react’ to the attackers’ movements. In order to do this successfully, the defenders must use the cognitive functions listed above which are all components of agility.

Do higher level athletes perform better on agility tests?

Interestingly, higher-level athletes have been shown to perform better on agility tests than lower-level athletes (3, 4, 7, 8, 9). This indicates that improving an athlete’s agility may be very important if they wish to progress and compete at a higher-level in their sport. Furthermore, unlike agility tests, higher-level athletes’ do not perform ...

Who is responsible for setting the agility course?

Judges are responsible for the proper setting of the agility courses at the trials theyjudge. All courses are different for every trial andthey must meet certain guideline standards, estab-lished by the AKC, to ensure safety and consistencythroughout the country.

What is agility trial?

a dog in an agility trial is theultimate game for you and your dogand is one of the most exciting caninesports for spectators. In an agility trial, a dogdemonstrates its agile nature and versatility byfollowing cues from the handler through atimed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels,weave poles and other objects. It’s an activitythat strengthens the bond between dog andhandler and provides fun and exercise forboth, which might explain why it’s so enjoy-able to watch and has become the fastest-growing dog sport in the U.S.!

How to contact AKC for agility?

The AKC offers a wide variety of resources toassist everyone, whether you are new to the sport orwant to know how to set up your own agility trial.Contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or email [email protected] inquire about thefollowing resources:

What is a time fault sport?

is a time and fault sport where the qualifyingrequirements are more challenging as the competi-tion class levels get higher. There are two types offaults: time and penalty. Time faults are given for everysecond a dog goes over the Standard Course Time.

What is agility training?

Agility courses provide dogs and their owners with a fun and healthy way to bond while getting some exercise. You can even sign your dog up to compete in organized activities, called agility trials, if you’d like! If you want to start teaching your dog to do agility work, you’ll need a few obstacles. You can buy commercially manufactured obstacles ...

What is the Animal College Behavior Blog?

The Animal College Behavior Blog provides tips for making a few agility obstacles that are very easy to create. Specifically, it provides plans for constructing jumps and ladders. However, this blog recommends buying tunnels, rather than making them yourself, as commercial models typically last longer.

How to play with your dog in your backyard?

As a fun way of playing with your dog in your backyard. If you choose to go this route, you can make whatever obstacles you like, set them up however you want, and teach your dog to complete them any way you wish. Just keep your dog’s safety in mind and go have a blast. In organized agility trials.

How to keep a dog from boredom?

Learning to negotiate obstacles while following you around an agility course will help keep your dog’s brain humming. This will help prevent boredom, provide a number of emotional benefits, and generally help keep your dog healthier and happier.

What is a jump in track?

Jump – Jumps are obstacles dogs are required to bound over. They’re typically constructed like a hurdle used in human track and field events. Spread Jumps – A jump that requires your dog to clear a predetermined distance and. Panel Jump – Jumps that utilize a flat panel, rather than a hurdle-like design.

What is a dog tunnel?

Tunnel – A flexible tunnel your dog must run through. Collapsed Tunnel – A collapsed tunnel is like a normal tunnel, except that the frame is removed from the far end. So, your dog will have to run in the open side of the tunnel and then push her way through the opposite side which is caved in.

Can mixed breed dogs compete in agility?

Additionally, mixed breed dogs with a suitable build and temperament can also excel at agility trials. However, this may limit the number of organizations who’ll allow your dog to compete, as some are only open to registered dogs of a few given breeds. As you can see, agility obstacles are pretty easy to build, and they’re great fun for many dogs. ...