K9 Multi Sports Option Exercises Agility

Agility

Assessment Guidelines

The height of the jump is to be set approximately:

for the achondroplastic breeds or types: at the height of the dog's elbow

for a normal dog: between the elbow and the height at the dog's withers

The Assessor can override these requirements in consideration of the environment and special cases. A jumping mat may be placed under the jump for additional safety.

The objective is to demonstrate that the dog has been taught and controlled through very specific agility movements in a specific fashion.

During the three repetitions of each exercise the Assessor will be looking for a consistent performance. When demonstrating more than one movement or action the Assessor will be looking for a controlled change and a smooth transition.

At no time will the speed, athleticism or height of the dog's movement be assessed, but the dog must make a clean jumping action without touching the equipment and the take off and landing be equally balanced, ie the dog must land without turning to face the trainer.

3 = consistent, clean action

2 = mostly consistent with perhaps a minor deviation in one repetition

1 = generally consistent but with more than one deviation

At all levels the dog must complete each exercise three times.

Agility Level 1

The dog must cleanly jump the hurdle and return over the jump whilst maintaining forward focus. The trainer can move to ensure the lead does not inhibit the dog's movement.

Agility Level 2

The dog must cleanly jump a single hurdle in a figure of 8 pattern where the hurdle is the crossing point of either circle. The dog may start at any point and the trainer may move with the dog.

Agility Level 3

The dog must complete a row of at least 5 stepping poles (placed apart the approx width of the dog's body length from withers to hips) and be cued to turn and return back over the poles. The trainer may move with the dog

Agility Level 4

The dog must complete a figure of 8 over four jumps whilst the trainer remains stationary. The trainer can stand at any point, the dog can start at any point.

Agility Level 5

The dog must be sent over 3 jumps in a row to a target mat, hold a position on the target mat for 5 seconds then come back over the 3 jumps. The trainer must remain stationary before the return jumps.

Agility Level 6

The dog must complete a figure of 8 over 2 jumps, maintain a 5 second down position on a mat and step over 8 stepping poles, with the handler stationery in the centre. The pattern will be declared at the start of the event.