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Are you interested in entering an agility competition

but don’t quite know what to do?

 

The Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd (ADAA) has started holding a competition several times a year 
at the Paws 4 Fun training ground. These competitions will include events for people who may not have 
trialled before.  

The purpose of this page is to­ introduce the three agility organisations that operate in NSW, and explain 
how to enter a competition.

    

 

 

1. Summary of NSW agility organisations

 

 

Association:

Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd (ADAA)

ADAC Agility

Of NSW

 

Royal NSW Canine Council Ltd trading as Dogs NSW

 

Website:

www.adaa.com.au

 

www.adacagility.com

 

www.dogsnsw.org.au

Who runs the competitions?

The competitions are run by ADAA or by clubs affiliated with ADAA

 

By ADAC

By clubs affiliated with Dogs NSW

Where are the competitions held?

1. Paws 4 Fun training ground, Eric Mobbs Reserve, Excelsior Ave, Castle Hill

 

2. Blacktown Dog Grounds, Owen Street Glendenning.   UBD Map 167 H8

 

3. North Parramatta, South Coast and Northern NSW

 

Blacktown Dog Grounds, Owen Street Glendenning.   UBD Map 167 H8

Various metropolitan and country locations.  "Home" ground is Erskine Park.

 

What events are suitable for beginner?

Elementary agility - simple course design; no weave poles, tyres, spread jumps or seesaw

 

Elementary jumping – simple course design; no weave poles, spread jumps or contact equipment

 

Starters agility –

simple course design; weave poles, tyres, spread jumps or seesaw. Includes weave poles - errors may be corrected without penalty

 

Starters jumping - simple course design; poles, spread jumps or contact equipment. Includes weave poles - errors may be corrected without penalty

 

Novice agility –

All equipment*

 

Novice jumping -

Jumps & tunnels*

 

Novice Gamblers

All equipment*

 

* Table, chute tunnel and tyre are not used in this code.

Novice agility

All equipment except see-saw

 

Novice Jumping

Tunnels (open and chute), spread jump, broad jump, winged jump, hurdles (i.e. no wings), tyre

 

Novice Gamblers, Novice Snooker, Novice Strategic Pairs - all as for Novice Agility.

 

Are there events for children?

 

Yes, for handlers 10-16 years of age

Yes -

No, but they can enter with adults There is a minimum age

How do I join the agility organisation?

 

Go to the ADAA website and click on “ADAA Forms” then click on “New Membership”.

 

You must fill out two forms – one for you and one for your dog

 

Go to the ADAC website and click on “Forms” and then click on “Registration form”

Go to the Dogs NSW website and click on “Members” and then click on “Forms”

How do I enter a competition?

 

Go to the ADAA website and click on “ADAA Forms”  then click on “Competition Entry Form”

 

 

Go to the ADAC website and click on “Forms” and then click on “entry Form”

 

 

Purchase entry forms from Dogs NSW HO, Visit www.agilitynsw.com.au, the website of the Dogs NSW Agility committee, for instructions on how to complete entry forms - click "forms" in the left hand column

When are the competitions held?

 

Go to the ADAA website and click on “Events Calendar”

Go to the ADAC website and click on “Calendar”

 

Members are posted a monthly copy of "Dogs NSW" which contains "the Gazette" where all trials are listed.  Members can also access the Gazette on the Dogs NSW site, using their membership number

 

 

2. I want to join ADAA but I don’t know which program I should register for

 

There are two "performance programmes" - Regular Programme (RP) and International Program (IP).  You must decide which programme your dog will be competing in, and register your dog in that programme only.  In the RP programme, jump heights are lower and standard course times are longer than in the IP.  If you have more than one dog, they can be registered in different programmes - it's up to you.

If you would like your dog to jump the lowest possible height, then you should register for the Regular Program. 

If you change your mind later, you can transfer to the other program.

 

Dog's Height

Category

Regular program

jump heights at trials

International program

jump heights at trials

Toy

150mm

250mm

Mini

250mm

400mm

Midi

400mm

550mm

Maxi

550mm

650mm

 

See Getting Started at ADAA for more information.

 

 

3. What level should my dog be at before I should compete?

 

 

Your dog should be able to complete a continuous sequence of 16 obstacles, without you touching him, or offering a food or toy reward.  (You are not allowed to take toys or food onto a course.) 

 

If your dog is very good at jumping-type obstacles, but not so good on contacts or weaves, then start by just entering jumping events.  You don't have to do both Agility and Jumping to start competing. 

 

Your dog should be fairly reliable at coming when called when it is off the lead - collars must be removed before the dog starts the event.

 

 

4. Competition etiquette

 

Everyone involved with Dog clubs and trials is a volunteer, so help out where you see something that needs doing. 

 

At ANKC Trials ONLY, the host club is required under the rules to provide people to set up the equipment, do the scoring, marshall the competitors, and take the dog's lead from the start line to the finish line.  Unless you are a member of the host club, you can just sit back and run your dog - but it's still nice to offer to help!

 

This is NOT the case at ADAA and ADAC.  In these two codes, competitors are REQUIRED to help with all these jobs.  If you don't know how to score, you can help set the equipment up, you can be the lead steward, and you can help marshal people.  Help is also needed with raising and lowering the heights of different obstacles.

If you are not entered in the event that is running, ask someone how you can help! 

 

Make sure you give your dog the opportunity to go to the toilet before entering the ring.  If your dog eliminates in the ring, you will be disqualified.  It is also very unfair on dogs running after yours. 

 

Now when it is your turn, know who is before you, and BE READY to enter the ring as the previous dog is going over the last obstacle. 

 

Watch the judge, and wait for them to indicate that you may start.  In the judge’s briefing, before the event starts, the judge should tell you what their starting procedure is.

When you have completed your run, QUICKLY put your dog back on lead and leave the ring. 

 

When entering

 

­          Please check your form before mailing it to ensure that it is correct. If you are not sure of how to complete the form, ask a Paws 4 Fun instructor for help.

 

At the competition

 

­          Arrive at the competition early

­          At ADAA and ADAC competition, help with the equipment (getting it out, height changes and putting it away). If you are not sure of what to do, ask  - there will be someone there from Paws 4 Fun

­          Check when your test will be on. Sometimes the judge may run the events in a different order to the printed schedule. If in doubt, ask.

 

Competing

 

­          The competitors can walk the course 10 minutes before the event starts

­          Be ready for your event! Don’t hold everyone up. Take the opportunity to focus your dog.

 

 

5. Who should I ask for more information?

 

The easiest person to ask is any instructor at the club. Alternatively, email the club secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your questions.

 

 

 
 

wet weather

 

 Council may close the training field in wet weather. Members are usually told by email by the Secretary, when the field is closed, but this may not always be possible. Members can check by going to http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Sports-Ground-Updates.htm  or by phoning 9843 0354 (recorded announcement)

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