The Imaginative Sport for Active Dogs
and
Creative Trainers
and
Creative Trainers
January 2008
Travelling around the world over the last
few years has opened up my imagination regarding the activities
we can enjoy with our dogs. Seeing people not only enjoy
displaying the abilities of their dogs, but also meeting the
challenge of competing in fields where their dog is not usually
recognised. Clicker training opens up to communication that
allows us to teach our dogs several activities performed at a
high level.
After enjoying 25 years of competitive
obedience, 10 years of Heelwork to Music and various other
competitive sports I find a single sport not quite enough
any more. I know my collies can be trained to the very high
competition requirements that these days favour this breed, but
the Gordon Setters would struggle to compete in equal terms.
Their inherent abilities do not favour the strict accuracy of
competition or the enduring length of exercises without
feedback or reinforcement.
This new sport designed to provide
opportunities for talented dogs and trainers to showcase their
skills in a wide range of sports and activities and includes
sports from around the world and from around my imagination.
The sport will encourage positive
training and the enhancement of the relationship between dog
and trainer. At all levels handlers are encouraged to
reward their dogs for achievement.
Assessment is against a benchmark at each
level and in each activity for the dog and trainer to acquire.
There will also be optional competitions between trainers.
The dogs will be Assessed in Core
Exercises at 6 levels with a choice of 5 Options at 6 levels.
The Exercises are built on the accumulation of experience in a
range of different canine skills.
K9 Multi Sport is not intended to favour
any type, breed or size of dog or their inherent abilities.
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Entering Events
Qualifications for calculating
eligibility is the closing date for entries to be posted for
the event, or the day of the event for "enter on the
day" events. Schedules for Events will indicate which Core
level Tests will be Assessed and which Options are available.
The owner of the dog entering an event
does so at his or her own risk and agrees to abide by the Rules
of the K9 Multi Sports Organisation.
When arriving at an Event the trainer
must book in with Registration/Event Verifier, who will
allocate the Assessor and approximate time slot for their
Assessment.
If time allows the trainers may register
for additional Assessment pending the results of their initial
Assessment. This is at the discretion of the Registration/Event
Verifier.
It is the responsibility of the trainer
to ensure their Record of Achievement is correctly completed,
signed by the Assessor and stamped by the Event Verifier.
The Organisation will cover its
administration costs from entry fees and events and invite
people of suitable experience to join the Advisory Board for
maintenance and amendments of Rules, Hosting Events, Assessing.
At present there are still administration
systems to set up, Assessor Guidelines and Registration for
hosting organisations and dogs. If you are interested in
hosting and event, entering, or assessing please contact us and
keep an eye on the website for developments.