Novice B Fast Title

Birmingham trial off to a good start.

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Title Tables

New AKC Regulations

Effective 9/1/2010:

• Specialties can hold events concurrently with all-breed trials using the same judge as long as the all-breed trial excludes the breed(s) in the specialty and both events keep separate records.
  
• Clubs can now submit their premiums electronically.
  
• Clubs may now offer a wait list that can be filled after closing.
  
• Clubs may now place entry limits on specific classes/judges/sets of classes (not by number of total runs/day).
  
• Less tolerance and more information on aggressive and menacing dogs in and out of the ring.
  
• A-Frame set to 5'0" for 4" and 8" jump heights.
  
• Dogwalk up contacts are no longer judged.
  
• Teeters must be calibrated prior to the start of every trial - clubs are responsible for having calibration materials.
  
• Table behavior is now position-less. Table count begins as soon as four paws are on the table.
  
• Dogs must restart weaves at pole one (can't fix pop-outs in the middle of the poles) and limited to three attempts.
  
• During windy weather a panel jump can now be replaced by a bar jump.
  
• Tire heights now are 4" lower than the standard height. 24" dogs will jump a 20" tire. No word on the 4" preferred tire height.
  
• Changes in YPS requirement (slower pace) for the 8" and 24" dogs - in Standard and JWW.
  
• Handlers may now reattempt contact obstacles (and the chute) if a dog falls off. After the one reattempt the dog will be excused.

Effective July 1, 2011

• No more MACH point multipliers for 1st and 2nd placements

Effective January 1, 2012

• Chute shortened to 6'6"
  
• 24" weave pole spacing!!!
  
• Mandating design on the double and triple (sides have to be transparent)
  
• Time to beat (T2B) class becomes a titling event

Effective July 1, 2012

• MXB, MXS MXG Titles - Lifetime achievement awards at the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels in STD, JWW and FAST.

AKC Agility Rulebook

AKC Agility Rules:   http://www.akc.org/pdfs/rulebooks/REAGIL.pdf

AKC Excellent

Excellent is the "top" level and is divided into two important divisions. 

• The "A" division is for dogs that have not completed the AX/AXP or AXJ/AJP titles, and scores of 85 are required to finish. No refusals, no table faults, and no wrong courses are allowed, and THREE points are deducted for each second over SCT.
  
• The "B" division is for dogs with Excellent A titles, and is the only place where points towards the MACH title can be earned. The dog must score a perfect 100 to qualify. To earn the Master level titles out of the class the dog must earn 10 qualifying scores in appropriate "B" division. Excellent courses feature very challenging sequences and traps. Success at the highest level is difficult because SCT times are faster, challenges are difficult, courses have more extreme turns, and mistakes are not tolerated.

To earn the Master Agility Champion (MACH) title, the dog must earn qualifying scores in both Excellent B Standard and Jumpers with Weaves on the same day, accomplishing that feat 20 different times (this is called a double "Q"). Additionally, the dog must accumulate 750 "championship points", which is earned for every full second completed UNDER SCT. These points can be multiplied for finishes of first or second place in a class. Preferred dogs cannot earn a MACH, but can earn the Preferred Agility Excellent (PAX) title, which requires 20 QQ out of the preferred Excellent B Standard and JWW classes on the same day.

Montgomery Trial

Another Title - EXA Jumper with Weaves

Teetered & weaved absolutely perfectly. I got lost and directed Nina over 2 wrong jumps.  Jumped off table first run, all other obstacles were perfect.




1 Q JWW - Titled Excellent A.  Now we run for points.  I calculated that it would take us 4.6 years to get MACH title at current Q rate and current average speed!

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Huntsville Trial

One Q - JWW ExA

Great show. Nicest people and best potluck lunch. 


Nina continued her teeter phobia. Got some good training suggestions (teeter party, noise, heights, make it happy and fun.)


She also popped out of the weaves - first time ever. 10th pole pop-out.  Dont' tell me it has a name and lot's of dogs do this!


1 Q JWW

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Las Vegas Trial - More Pics

Las Vegas Poodle Club Trial

Getting ready for competition in Las Vegas

Beautiful Setting

Worn out after 2nd day of agility trial

Great fun at our first outdoor trial. Nina was nick-named the Tennessee Tracking Dog. All she wanted to do was sniff.


She continued her phobia of the teeter - jumping off before getting to midpoint.

Making Mistakes

Welcome to the first of my series on being a Good Student.

 

Ever wonder why two people can go to the same dog training workshop or class and not leave with the same information? If learning meant just showing up to class then we would all be Einsteins!

 

Being a good student involves developing skills you may not have previously considered.  Over the next several emails I will share what I feel are the main characteristics of someone that is a good student. 

 

I really believe by adopting these concepts you will help maximize every learning opportunity that comes your way.

 

Key Concept #1

Be yourself and embrace the opportunity to make mistakes.  Try not to be self-conscious about how"good" you and your dog look in front of the instructor or your peers that may be watching.  We all make mistakes and by exposing your faults you allow the instructor to glean some insight into why you and your dog are having troubles.

 

All too often people allow their fear of failing or the fear of being embarrassed in front of someone they respect, to hold them back from making the most of an opportunity to learn from someone that can help you improve. It might be that you are learning in a group that includes some of your own students. It might be that you have had some past success in the area you are studying so you feel"pressure" to be brilliant.  Whatever the reason. Let go of your ego and allow yourself the privilege of making mistakes.

 

You don't need to justify your performance with comments such as;

 

          I have been away so my so my dog and I are rusty

 

          or

 

          I haven't been sleeping well so my brain is a bit foggy 

 

or whatever!

 

Just be yourself. We are all human. We all make mistakes it is okay. If you try to put on a"performance" your mind will be focused on showing and you close your brain off from taking in all that is being offered to you. Go to your next seminar with mindset of learning  that is available. Don't even consider what you or your dog look like, just open yourself up to all that is available and allow the learning to come to you.

 

I leave you with some of my favorite quotes on Failing. 

 

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure can be avoided only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and in the end, being nothing.
~ Denis Waitley

 

Notice the difference between what happens when a man says to himself, "I have failed three times," and what happens when he says, "I am a failure." 
~ S.I. Hayakawa

 

And my all time favorite on this subject;

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.
~Robert F. Kennedy

 

Happy training everyone. Part two in these series is coming your way soon!

 

Susan Garrett

Say Yes Dog Training Inc

www.clickerdogs.com

On-Line Registration

Create PDF AKC Entry Forms  with all of your dogs infomation,  including the show, fees and classes ..  Convenience without the Fee.  No more handwriting each entry!

Just Print It, Sign It, Drop It in an Envelope with the Entry Fee and Mail It off to the Superintendent or Trial Secretary.

Maintain an OnLine History of the shows entered. Store your Dog's information OnLine

Available Anytime, Anywhere you need it.  Quick and Easy

http://www.oaklines.com/ExpressEntries/Default.aspx

TVKC September Trial 2010

Great trial.  It feels like we might be getting the hang of this.  Nina Qed on four of the six runs.  Highlights of the weekend:

• Rain and wind on Saturday.  Nina ran like the wind and was perfect.  Camping was miserable with the awning blowing off hitting Joe's truck.  Blew down satellite.  Is camping worth it?
  
• Responsible Dog Ownership went OK. Lot's of work for minimal gain. Glad to get this completed.
  
• Loved visiting with Jean and Ms. Trula in their motor home.  We watched Grease and laughed and laughed.  Nina was spoiled with lots of string cheese.

East Tennessee Agricultural Exposition Center at Roane State Community College
Set up and Ready for Agility

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Course Time Deductions

Course time deductions are made as follows:

Novice:

• 1-point deduction for every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers.

Open:

• 2-point deduction for every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers.

Excellent:

• 3-point deduction for every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers.

Time is called at course time plus 20 seconds, and the dog must be excused.

Lessons Learned

1.  Toys are not allowed in the ring, even at the end after the dog is through running - Result:  EXCUSED

• CHAPTER 4 - SECTION 8 - Handling Aids. Food and toys are not permitted in the course area.  Handlers are not permitted to use (or have in their possession while running the course) whistles, stopwatches, leashes, fanny packs or other handling/training aids.

2. Socializing with the judge, timekeeper, chute straightener, or any other official in the ring is note encouraged - EXCUSED.

3. A poodle cannot have her bling on her collar in the ring.  The flat tag I bought for trialing turns out to be illegal. - EXCUSED

4. Running out of the ring (not on lease) is not allowed.  Perfect run? Not anymore.  DISQUALIFIED.

5. Pooping in the ring is NOT good manners - EXCUSED!

All items learned in Perry, Ga at our first competition.  I guess I should have read the rulebook a little closer.

First Trial in Perry, GA

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Wow!  Four days - way too much for first trial.  Can't believe we got two Q's.  We finished the last run of the last day with a poop in the corner of the ring!  Will we get the hang of this????

Our First Trial

Well, we finally made it to our first trial.  B Match in Perry, GA, Wednesday, July 7, 2010.  It was really fun, and we learned a lot about what to do and what NOT to do.  Here is Joe's video of the milestone.  I'm not sure what is funnier:  

1. Joe trying not to laugh (but you will see his camera bouncing when he couldn't contain himself), or
   
2. The fact that I STILL had not caught my dog when the video ends.

Our second run was prettier.  Maybe a LITTLE prettier.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Some pics of our Georgia experience...

My Fence

I am so, so, so happy to finally get a backyard fence.  It has made practicing agility so much easier!

Used MAX 200 Equipment

I am so happy with the used equipment I purchased last week.  Less than two years old. Great shape! I am so lucky!

Adjustable A-Frame

The side walls of the A-frame are 3' wide and 9' long and made from 1 1/2" square aluminum tubing skinned with wood sand painted.  The aluminum frame doesn't require painting. Includes a large diameter rod for connecting the side walls, two corrosive-resistant chains and s-hooks for attaching the chains to the side walls. By shortening or lengthening the chains, you can set the apex at regulation height or at any lower height for training.

Adjustable Dog Walk

Aluminum base - lightweight, never need painting, and won't rust. Each base folds up flat for easy transportation and storage. By adjusting the chain that connects the legs of the dog walk bases, you can set the height of the middle plank at regulation height or at any lower height down to only inches off the ground for training purposes. The substructure of the 12 ft planks is solid aluminum skinned with wood sand painted. The middle plank has hinges for attaching it to the bases and the up and down ramps.

Adjustable See-Saw

See-saw base is manufactured from steel for weight and so it will long outlast traditional wooden bases. It weighs 25lbs. (just the base) and folds up flat for portability and easy storage. Powder-coat painted base.  By shortening or lengthening the chain that connects the legs of this see-saw base, you can set the pivot point at various heights for training and regulation height for competition.  The substructure of the 12 ft plank is solid aluminum and is  skinned with wood sand painted.  (Not included: See Saw anchors for securing the See Saw during trials. Anchors fit over the ends of the base and have spiked tips so you can drive them into the ground. The stabilizer bar is used to keep the See Saw fixed at the 24" competition height. Great at trials as it provides more stability and saves time.)

Tunnel

Open tunnel 24" in diameter 20' length made from heavy-duty material that is used for air ducts in mine shafts. The material is a scrim - vinyl coated and reinforced with steel rings. UV resistance and anti-microbial treatments insure longevity.  Durable with a thick wire sewn into the fabric. Has grommet tabs so the tunnel can be staked into the ground or attached to a tunnel holder with a short bungee. Mine have sandbags not tunnel holders.  (Two)

Collapsed Tunnel (Barrel and Stand)

Collapsed tunnel consists of a 25" diameter heavy-duty plastic barrel bolted to an aluminum stand. The stand is sturdy and yet compact, lightweight and requires absolutely no maintenance. The barrel comes with a locking ring and a bungee for attaching a chute. To give dogs more traction, the floor is covered with non-skid tape.  The  chute is made from durable nylon pack-cloth. Regulation AKC/USDAA 12' long chute with  sandbag pockets to help in windy conditions. 

Weave Poles

Competition Base - No agility obstacle is more difficult for dogs to master than the poles. There are many methods of training the poles and this versatile base handles them all. The competition base is the traditional set-up where all poles are in a straight line.   22" spacing (allowed in all agility competitions).  Two sets of six each.

Bendable Knuckles 

The rigid weave pole base can be converted into the weave-a-matic training system. 

Steel Pause Table

Adjustable pause table made from steel. 36" by 36" square top with a 3" fascia.  All joints are professionally welded. 1/2" primed plywood attached to the tabletop which is primed, painted and sand coated. Table base, the tabletop frame, and all the legs painted with a rust-preventative primer, then powder coat everything. The table comes with three sets of steel legs so it can be adjusted to different heights.

Legs for Pause Table

8, 16, and 24 inches

Long Jump

High Tech Plastic Regulation, Weight 50 lbs

Aluminum Tire Jump

Extremely portable and easy to set up and break down. The frame of the tire jump is comprised of four sections of square aluminum tubing. You can set up the tire in seconds and one person can quickly change the height of the tire without assistance.  Includes: Tire, wrapped with colored vinyl tape, stainless steel bolts for locking the frame sections in place, and a hook and wire and bungee cords for suspending the tire in the frame.   NADAC or AKC Specification - 24" Tire

Triple Jump

Lightweight, portable yet sturdy and made out of a new COMPOSITE MATERIAL which eliminates the required maintenance and care of traditional wood versions. Each jump comes with pole supports and four 5' striped poles.  Sides can be detached from the uprights in seconds, so you can easily transport a number of these jumps and store them compactly. The uprights are 32" tall and made of solid aluminum stock. The sides (approximately 26.5" wide) attach to the uprights using two stainless steel bolts and wing nuts. 

Double Jump

Lightweight, portable yet sturdy and made out of a new COMPOSITE MATERIAL which eliminates the required maintenance and care of traditional wood versions.   Each jump comes with pole supports and three 5' striped poles.  Sides can be detached from the uprights in seconds, so you can easily transport a number of these jumps and store them compactly. The uprights are 32" tall and made of solid aluminum stock. The sides (approximately 15" wide) attach to the uprights using two stainless steel bolts and wing nuts. 

PVC Jump

Non-winged jumps have 3' tall uprights made from furniture-grade PVC.  The jump comes with two 5' PVC striped poles.  Poles are easily displaceable and are supported by PVC Jump Cup Strips.  You can adjust the  poles in increments from 4" to 26".  The jumps are designed so that the bases can be connected to create a spread jump.  The bases are removable for easy transportation and storage.  Set of 5 jumps.

PVC Non-Wing Economy Jump

Made from the same furniture grade PVC pipe, this less expensive version of the competition non-wing jump is great for home use but it is built to regulation specifications so it can be used in a trial in a pinch. The jump comes with two 4' PVC striped poles. The jump comes with jump cups strip to hold bars at lengths every 2" from 4 inch to 26 inch.  Set of 5 jumps.

Free Standing Wing Jump

Convert wingless jumps to winged jumps easily with these free-standing wings made with sturdy, lightweight PVC and lattice.  Designed to straddle any foot that may extend from your non-wing jump. Feet are removable for transportation  and storage.  Two sets of 2. 

Obstacle Markers (A-Frame Style Markers)

Made from 10" A-Frame shaped high tech plastic with weather-resistant 3" high numbers.  The Frames can be stacked for portability and easy storage.  One set 1-20 with carrying case.

Max 200 

Trial Toaster

http://trialtoaster.com/

The Dog Agility "Trial Toaster" is set up to contain slices of many different trials. We are committed matching the lowest price in the country and at only $2 per first entry and $1 per subsequent entry per dog in each event day we hope you will find the service as economical as it is easy to use.

Agility Jump Heights

AKC

AKC Agility Jump Heights

Dog's Height at Whithers	Jump Height	Table Height	Broad Jump Span	Double Jump Span	Triple Jump Span
10" and under	8"	8"	16"	4"	8"
14" and under	12"	8"	24"	6"	12"
18" and under	16"	16"	32"	8"	16"
22" and under	20"	16"	40"	10"	20"
over 22"	24"	24"	48"	12"	24"

NADAC

NADAC Standard Class Jump Heights

Dog's Height at Whithers	Jump Height
11" and under	8"
14" and under	12"
18" and under	16"
20" and under	20"
over 20"	20" or 24"

UKC

UKC Agility Jump Heights

Dog's Height at Whithers	Jump Height	Table Height	Broad Jump Span	Spread Jump Span
14" and under	8"	8"	16"	6"
20" and under	14"	14"	28"	12"
over 20"	20"	20"	40"	18"

USDAA

USDAA Championship Class Jump Heights

Dog's Height at Whithers	Jump Height	Table Height	Broad Jump Span	Parallel Spread Span	Ascending Spread Span	Extended Spread Span
12" and under	12"	12"	20"	N/A	10-12"	12"
16" and under	16"	16"	36"	N/A	10-12"	12"
21" and under	22"	24"	48"	12-15"	15-20"	20-24"
over 21"	26"	24"	60"	12-15"	15-20"	20-24"

USDAA Performance Class Jump Heights

Dog's Height at Whithers	Jump Height	Table Height	Broad Jump Span
12" and under	8"	12"	12"
16" and under	12"	12"	24"
21" and under	16"	16"	36"
over 21"	22"	16"	48"

Oaklines.com - Express Entries

http://www.oaklines.com/ExpressEntries/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/ExpressEntries/Default.aspx

This link allows you to create entry forms online.  Available Anytime, Anywhere you need it.  Quick and Easy.  

Create PDF AKC Entry Forms  with all of your dogs infomation,  including the show, fees and classes .  No fee.  No more handwriting each entry!   Maintain an OnLine History of the shows entered.

Just Print It, Sign It, Drop It in an Envelope with the Entry Fee and Mail It off to the Superintendent. 

Venterinary Contacts

Walter R. West
Diane Laviola
Chilhowee Veterinary Clinic
821 Montvale Rd, Maryville, TN 37803
(865) 977-6958

Dr. Lee Ann Blackford
ACVS Veterinary Surgery Surgeon
Blackford Veterinary Surgery Referral
1505 Bob Kirby Road
Knoxville, TN 37931-4604
(866) 693-9204
blackfordvet@bellsouth.net

Dr. Donna M. Raditic
UT Integrative Medicine Service
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee
2407 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 755 8222 Fax: (865) 974 5554
draditic@utk.edu

Get Back to Work (Play!)

I started getting out my agility equipment this week.  I had it in the garage during Nina's recuperation. 

• Table - I built a table in March.  This has been one obstacle she really likes.
  
• Teeter:  She has no teeter fear.  My problem is she gets in a hurry and want to jump off before it hits the ground.  Our practice teeter is full height.
• Jumps -  I have her doing some jumping 8" to get her back in shape.  I have several exercises to help me with my handling.  Making sure I know how to lead her past hurdles and go where I want her to.  I need to get some more jump cups and bars so I can make double & triples.  Later I want to build a broad jump and a panel jump.
  
• Wings - I've made a couple of lattice wings.  It is more for my practice than hers.
• Tunnel - one of Nina's favorites.  I have a nice 12ft tunnel and a lightweight collapsed tunnel (with chute).
  
• Walk - our practice walk is only about 3 ft high, but she has never had any issues at full height
• A-frame - don't have one in yard - She's done OK at Ace's place
• Weaves - she completed a four weave section first try yesterday.  First she's done since Feb.  I think she'll be back to speed in no time.
• Tire - I have a dinky hula hoop.  I've got all supplies to build a good one - maybe I'll start next week.

Can't wait to get back into full practice!

Rubberized Surfaces

Rubberized surfaces offer a safe climbing surface for dogs' claws to grip, without the loud 'scrabbling' of a sand-treated contact surface. It's becoming increasingly common at trials as clubs resurface their contacts for safety and speed. Rubber surfaces are taking contacts by storm!

Should you do it? We suggest you use rubber surfaces if you are serious about competing and concerned your dog might encounter rubber surfaces at trials, or concerned with your dogs' safety in performance. If you are still unsure, you can coat half your equipment (half the a-frame, half the dogwalk, teeter, etc) and surface the other half later if you wish with ContactACoat.

We are proud to offer Contact-A-Coat kits! These kits include everything you need to resurface your used or new equipment. You will receive colored rubber pellets, resin and detailed application instructions. The color-infused rubber chips will adhere to any surface, and there is no need to repaint. Contact-A-Coat will retain its superior grip in any conditions, for even the fastest dogs! We provide blue and yellow chips for A-frames, dogwalks, and teeters, and yellow for the Table. 


http://www.affordableagility.com/contactacoat.html