Ready for a Run Thru?

If you’re looking for a new location and/or new equipment to test your agility skills, come by for a run thru at
1101 Warwick Park Road, Richmond, VA 23231
Thursday, July 23
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Novice and Master level courses available.
$5 per run, $10 for 3 runs (per handler)
Treats, toys, targets, touching your dog, leashes, collars are all allowed in the ring. Someone will be available to time your run and note faults if you would like. Please do bring a chair and a crate or x-pen. Not permitted are: harsh behavior toward your dog or others, a dangerously aggressive dog, dogs who do not have experience on agility equipment. Each person will be asked to fill out a registration form and sign a waiver upon your arrival.

We’re just off of Route 5 about 5 miles east of the Richmond city limits. Almost 3 acres of flat grass far away from busy traffic. The back ½ acre is completely fenced. Shade trees border the property for your vehicles. Kitchen, refrigerator and indoor restrooms available. Please, contact Marie Tripton at (804) 226-4742 or tripton@verizon.net with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Rules of the Game: Q9 2009

In AKC, a 2Q or Double Q (Double Qualify) is earned by qualifying in an Excellent B Standard Agility run and an Excellent B Jumpers with Weaves run on the same day. How many 2Qs are required to achieve a MACH (Master Agility Champion) Title?

a. 3
b. 20
c. 5
d. 10

Table Countdown

The judge's count for table performance typically goes, "Five... and... four... and... three... and... two... and... one... and... Go." If your dog leaves the table before the judge finishes the word "Go." you have not completed the obstacle properly. The faults you earn will not be worth the split second you think you're saving. It's in your best interest to wait until the countdown is complete.

Rules of the Game: Q8 2009

What does the NADAC term NATCH stand for?

a. North American Trial Champion
b. NADAC Agility Trial Course Handler
c. NADAC Agility Trial Champion
d. Novice Agility Trial Champion

Rules of the Game: Q7 2009

Only one of the following organizations requires your dog touch the contact zone on the UP ramp of the A-frame and Dogwalk. Which one is it?

a. CPE
b. NADAC
c. USDAA
d. AKC
e. DOCNA

Watch those Wings

It's easy to forget to practice jumps with wings, because they are bit more complicated to construct. Yet, 50% of jumps in an AKC course must be wing jumps. Wings are only 18 - 24" wide, but they do alter the way you handle jumps. If your dog has never been exposed to wings, he may be completely confused on initial introduction -- wondering if he should jump over the wing parts or run around them. Wings also force the handler to approach a jump at a different angle or distance, further confusing your dog about how to actually complete the obstacle. Make sure to introduce your dog to wing jumps before you encounter them in a competition ring. You'll be glad you did!

Rules of the Game: Q6 2009

What's the name of the USDAA game that incorporates the use of colored flags to indicate the point value of various obstacles on the course?

a. Colors
b. Gamblers
c. Full House
d. Snooker

Rules of the Game: Q5 2009

DOCNA, and other agility organizations, do not permit treats in a competition agility ring. However, treats are permitted...

a. ...in your pockets in the agility ring.
b. ...10' away from the agility ring.
c. ...in your mouth in the agility ring.
d. ...on the fence line of the agility ring.

CVAC Agility Trial Tomorrow

Central Virginia Agility Club (CVAC) is hosting an AKC agility trial at Campbell Springs Horse Farm in Chesterfield. The trial begins tomorrow evening and runs through Sunday afternoon. It costs nothing to observe and the weather this weekend promises to be quite pleasant.

Read more about the scheduled runs by downloading the premium from this page: http://centralvirginiaagility.org/events.htm

Rules of the Game: Q4 2009

TDAA rules indicate a preference for smaller obstacles like a tunnel with a 16" diameter opening and an 8' teeter, but there is not much difference at all in the number of obstacles in a course. What is the maximum number of obstacles permitted in a TDAA Superior Agility Course?

a. 20
b. 22
c. 12
d. 17

How to Set that Pesky Double Jump

Setting the height on most jump obstacles is pretty straight forward. Setting the height of the double jump, however, perplexes quite a few (even experienced) competitors. Here's a brief explanation:

1. 4 bars are used to set the double jump -- 2 bars are set at the jump height, and 2 bars are set in a crossed pattern beneath.

2. The top 2 bars are always striped bars. They are set parallel to each other on identical height jump cups.

3. The 2 crossed bars are typically white (but striped bars can be used) and are set at opposite angles. The bottom of each bar rests on the ground. The top of each bar rests on the jump cup just beneath the height bar jump cup.

Look closely at these pictures (double-click the image). This double jump has 5 possible height settings -- 8", 12", 16", 20", 24". One double jump is set for the 16" jump height and the other is set for the 24" jump height. Notice also how the bottom of each cross bar rests inside the double jump base.

Now you can set a double jump like the pros!

Biff Says:

"It's important to play tug with your Mom a lot. That way she won't be so stressed when she makes a mistake and you have to run around and pretend you thought she was asking you to find something. "

Rules of the Game: Q3 2009

CPE offers 4 jump height categories -- Regular, Veterans, Enthusiast and Specialist. Any dog over 15 months of age on the first day of the trial may enter in the Specialist category. If my dog measures 21" at the shoulder and I entered him in the Specialist category, what height would he be jumping?

a. 20"
b. 22"
c. 16"
d. 12"

The Value of Conditioning

Conditioning is important for any competitor. Whether you consider yourself a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you and your dog will suffer far less physical stress or injury if you make efforts to condition yourselves -- especially during the change of seasons. Take special care when preparing to attend an all-day workshop or trial outside. The weather can change drastically between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. -- ranging from cool and damp to hot and dry and back to cool and damp. Before you attend a special event, plan on taking some short walks during the warmer part of the days ahead. Work up to moderate walks during the warmest part of the days. And make sure to cool down after any unusual exertion.

Rules of the Game: Q2 2009

What does "Fifteen" represent in "Fifteen and Send Time" (FAST) -- the AKC class that tests a team's distance handling skills?

a. The 15 seconds you get to complete the "Send Bonus"
b. The 15 obstacles that carry points in the course
c. The 15 points you earn by completing the "Send Bonus"

Watch Where You're Going

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it. But when you’re worried about your dog completing an obstacle correctly or you’re simply enthralled by your dog’s jumping style, you may spend more time watching your dog, than watching where you’re going. Keep in mind that the direction your head is pointing also helps your dog decide which direction to run. Turning your head to look back over your shoulder is actually one of the first steps in performing a front cross. So, if you turn your head to look at her, your dog may pull up and slow down expecting you to “complete a front cross.” Instead, look ahead at the next obstacle you plan to take. Keep it safe for you and clear for your dog.

Andrea Cummins is our first "Rules of the Game" winner (see Q1 2009 comments below). Congratulations to Andrea and thanks to those of you who checked in and those of you who posted an answer. The next question will be posted Tuesday, April 7, at 8 a.m. By the way, you'll also find links to the various organizations and their rule books in the Rules of "Rules of the Game" at the bottom of this site.

Rules of the Game: Q1 2009

Which of the following obstacles would definitely NOT be found in a USDAA Starters Jumpers course?

Triple Jump
Tunnel
Table
Wing Jump
Weave Poles
Hoop

OH, and don't forget..."Rules of the Game" starts tomorrow night! The first correct comment wins!

Rainy Day Send Away

Here's a rainy day exercise. It requires 1 jump and 1 plastic cup -- and, of course, your dog and some "good dog" stuff. If you don't have a jump, you can manufacture one out of a broom and a couple of stacks of books. The jump does not have to be tall.

Step 1: Setup your jump so it's facing a wall, about 2' away from the wall. You and your dog stand on the other side of jump about 2' away from the jump, facing the jump. Set your plastic cup on the floor to mark where you're standing.

Step 2: Send your dog over the jump. Give him a verbal cue, then follow up with any kind of body or hand cue you'd like. Stare at the jump. Nod at the jump. Take a small step forward. Lure him over. Or toss a cookie if you'd like. Help him get over the jump, land in the 2' area between the jump and the wall, and return to you around the jump. Reward him lavishly. Repeat this step several times until he's completing it fluently.

Step 3: Take a giant step backwards and set your dog up there. Repeat Step 2 with this twist -- your body may not pass the plastic cup you set down earlier. Remember to take a giant step back from the cup each time you start this step. When he's completing this step happily. Move to Step 4.

Step 4: Walk up to the cup. Pick it up. Take a giant step backwards, then set the cup down beside you. Repeat Step 3 -- take another giant step backwards and send your dog over the jump without passing the newly placed cup.

Continue to repeat step 4 as long as your dog is happily travelling the established distance. If it looks like he's getting confused or frustrated, move back up a giant step, then move back again when he's confident. Keep in mind that your dog should have good surface traction. This is a "sending" exercise, not a "jumping" exercise. Enjoy!

Celebrate the Good Stuff

It's easy when you're learning something, to focus on the things you don't know -- to notice your mistakes and track the areas that need improvement. The strength to overcome obstacles, though, comes from the energy you gain from your successes. That which you know will help you learn that which you do not. So, don't forget to honor the stuff you're good at. Feel free to spend entire practice sessions simply repeating those skills at which you and your dog ROCK! And be excited by even your small accomplishments -- that's the stuff you get to celebrate. : )

Front Cross: Andrea & Kitsey

Meet Andrea and Kitsey. Kitsey deals with a few physical limitations -- she's deaf, has mildly obstructed vision, and is on a fairly high dose of prednisone that affects her muscle development. But Andrea is such a natural and Kitsey is so eager that they come together nicely and complete some really nice runs. Watch how Andrea moves right through her front crosses. You barely even notice she's switching sides.

Is it a bird? Is it a deer? No...it's Tina, Ike's housemate. Ike's nursing a sore leg at home, so Susan brought Tina by herself today to kick up her heels! She's new at this game, and already has quite a stride. Pretty soon she'll be leaping tall a-frames in a single bound. OK, maybe three bounds. We wouldn't want her to hurt herself. ; )

Arms

Remember to use your arms mainly to motor yourself around the course and to keep your balance while running. Extend your arm only when you need to "push" your dog out or away. If you run with your arm(s) constantly extended it will be less clear when you need your dog to respond to a hand signal. You wouldn't run a course muttering, "jump... jump... jump... JUMP!... jump... jump, etc." -- shouting "jump" louder only when you encountered an actual jump. Be just as clear with your arm and hand signals as you would be with your verbal signals.

Rules of the Game

Test your knowledge of agility organization rules and reg's AND save some money at the same time. We're starting a contest called "Rules of the Game." Here's how it works (in brief):
We'll post 2 new questions each week about agility organization rules and regulations. The first person to respond correctly to each question wins a $5 credit to be used toward lessons, run-thrus, or field fees. Here’s a tip…remember the March 23 post that listed the sites for the popular agility organizations? You’ll probably want to keep that handy. ; )
Read all the details in the “Rules of the Game” section at the bottom of this page.
The contest begins April 2, 2009!

6 Obstacle Approaches

There are only 6 ways to approach an obstacle on an agility course. Make sure to practice all 6 with each new obstacle.

1. Run by left:
   You run past (by) the obstacle with your dog on your right (left side of your dog).
2. Run by right:
   You run past (by) the obstacle with your dog on your left (right side of your dog).
3. Send:
   Send your dog ahead of you over an obstacle.
4. Recall:
   Call your dog to you over an obstacle.
5. Rear cross left:
   Start on the right side of your dog and rear cross to the left side as you approach.
6. Rear cross right:
   Start on the left side of your dog and rear cross to the right side as you approach.

Agility Organizations

Below are links to popular agility organizations holding events in the U.S. The rules, regulations, jump heights, titles, etc. are slightly different for each one. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answered or researched.

• http://www.usdaa.com/: USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association)
  (USDAA rulebook: http://www.usdaa.com/rulesreg_ebook.cfm)
• http://www.akc.org/events/agility/index.cfm: AKC (American Kennel Club)
  (AKC agility rulebook: http://www.akc.org/pdfs/rulebooks/REAGIL.pdf)
• http://www.nadac.com/: NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council)
• http://www.docna.com/: DOCNA (Dogs on Course in North America)
• http://www.k9cpe.com/: CPE (Canine Performance Events, Inc.)
• http://www.k9tdaa.com/: TDAA (Teacup Dogs Agility Association)

Contacts - 2 on / 2 off

Directionals

Use your right hand to signal a right turn and your left hand to signal a left turn, rather than using one hand to signal both. This not only makes the cue clearer to your dog, it can also help you remember which direction you're turning. "I'm turning towards my right hand, or I'm turning towards my left hand." ; )

Release

A consistent, clear, concise verbal release cue helps establish a solid stay at the start line. Your dog will hold a stay more confidently if he knows he's listening for one particular verbal cue to move. Otherwise he may think he can abort his stay as soon as you get past the jump, or as soon as you fix your hair, or as soon as you bend your knees.

Summer Fun!

OK, one more. Here's a fun video for you to watch.

Today, I created a blog site. Gotta start somewhere. ; )