WAAG-ADC...Training Articles- Competing at ADAA

WAAGer's Guide to Competing in ADAA Agility

So you are ready to start to compete in agility….Hopefully this article will provide you with some answers to all the questions on membership, entry forms, what to take with you, what to wear, competition etiquette and who to ask for help.

BEFORE THE COMPETITION

1. Membership: The first thing you need to do before you can compete is become a member of ADAA. ADAA is the parent organisation that sanctions competitions, awards titles and registers dogs and handlers. You have two options for becoming a member of ADAA- you can choose Associate membership that costs $5 and is a lifetime membership fee. Alternatively, you can become a full member for $25 per year (less for juniors and concession card holders) and receive a free rule book and quarterly issues of Contact (a magazine that includes competition schedules and training articles). To become an ADAA member you can download the forms from the forms and membership page or ask Gayle, our club treasurer, when signing in for training. You need to complete both a membership form AND a dog registration form. These forms need to be sent to the address on the form with a cheque or money order (WAAG does not handle ADAA membership forms for members!). These forms should be sent off at least a week before you compete. You will receive a membership card with membership numbers around a month after application.

2. Which competition: Once you have sent off your ADAA membership forms you need to decide which competition and which events to enter. Competition schedules can be found at the Agility Dates page, in the Contact magazine or at the ADAA site. We usually suggest that you enter Elementary and Starters Agility tests when first starting to compete. Other advisable classes include Intermediate Jumping (no seesaw) and for some fun, you may want to try a team game. If entering a team game it is up to you to organize team mates and this needs to be done before you can enter for the event. If you have no ADAA titles you are actually eligible to compete in all classes though most people enter around four classes per dog. Most dogs find the competition environment somewhat stressful and it will often take a lot of their energy, so we usually get best results if we don't ask too much of them to start with. (Same for us handlers too most of the time…) You also need to have an idea of your dog's height- it will actually be measured officially at the first competition, however to enter you will need to make an estimation of whether they are toy (300mm or less), mini (400mm or less), midi (500mm or less), or maxi (unlimited height).

3. Entry forms: Once you have decided on a competition and suitable events you need to complete your competition entry form. Competition entry forms can be downloaded from either the WAAG website or the ADAA website. You can also buy a book of forms from ADAA if you prefer. You need to complete a separate entry form for each dog you wish to compete with. The entry forms require you to enter a code for each event, for example Elementary Maxi Agility Test is E/MX/AT and Starters Mini Agility Test is S/MN/AT - if you are uncertain on codes for events please ask a club member to help you. If you haven't received your membership numbers from ADAA yet then you need to just put TBA in those boxes on the entry form. Closing dates for entries are usually a week before competition, though some clubs will accept late entries on the day up to an hour before the competition starts. If you want to enter on the day, please still complete your entry forms before you get to the grounds to expedite your nominations.

DAY OF COMPETITION:

4. What to take: Competitions will usually take between 6 and 8 hours to run, so ensure you have all things you and your dog require to be comfortable for that length of time. A good start is to take with you a crate or stake and mat for your dog, a water bowl, treats and toys, a collar and lead, a folding chair, water, shade (if day time) and a copy of the event schedule with the events you entered marked on it. Most schedules will let you know if food and drinks will be available on the grounds on the day. The only dress regulation for agility competitions is suitable footwear- no thongs or barefeet. Most people dress in trackpants or shorts and polo shirts. Our club colours are red, black and white if you want to blend in with the team (you can also purchase club shirts from Gayle, our treasurer, for around $30). Another very good investment for agility is touch football shoes with good grippy soles so that you can run and turn at speed without fear of slipping.

5. Getting to the club grounds: If you are not familiar with the grounds the competition is being held at ask club members and they will give you estimated travel time and best route advice. We often form "convoys" if you feel more comfortable following another club member to the grounds. Just ask at training or on the email list the week before the competition. It is advisable to aim to be at the grounds at least 40 minutes before the competition starts to give you time to settle yourself and your dog in. If it is your first competition take note of what time measuring is scheduled to occur as you will need to be there for an official ADAA measuring of your dog. Listen carefully for when the organising club call out for dogs that need measuring. Ensure you toilet your dog and help set-up the equipment and rings (just follow the lead of the other club members- another advantage of helping set up is that you get to learn your course even better). This will also give you time to identify which ring you will be in first and the location of the running order boards.

6. Running Order: The order of dogs (the draw) for the event will be listed down by dog name on a board close to the ring. It is your responsibility to see where you are on the order and determine who the dogs are that are running three ahead of you. Ask club members if you are not sure which dogs are which, or introduce yourself to other handlers; "Hi, I'm Tracey and this is Billy"; and they will usually respond with their name and their dog. Just remember some people get quite stressed before running and would prefer to be able to concentrate than answer questions, so try to determine who the preceding three dogs are nice and early. The scribes at the table near the ring need to concentrate on the judge's signals so please do not ask the scribes where you are on, or which dog is which.

7. Walking the Course and Judge's Brief: Be listening out for the call to walk the course. You will usually be given around 10 minutes to walk and memorize your course and handling tactics. If you are about to compete in another ring at the time, just quietly let the scribes at the table know and they will arrange for a later walking or keep walking open longer. The judge's brief will inform you of the rules and standard course times- it is always polite to listen quietly to these briefs. This is also your opportunity to ask the judge questions you are uncertain about.

8. Warming up your dog: There are usually practice obstacles available to warm up on, though it is usually best to play tug and retrieve away from the rings first to warm your dogs' muscles and then use the equipment for a couple of minutes when the dog four ahead goes into the ring. (Trust that you have trained your dog well enough at home and club- you don't need to use this equipment repetitiously to train, just do a few repetitions to warm your dog up- i.e. don't be an equipment hog!). At three dogs ahead you should be lined up at the witch's hats ready to go. At this time it is good to play focus games with your dog such as weave between my legs, spin, rollover, pushups, touch and close-in catch. Remember that you are close to the ring and other dogs are working in the vicinity so refrain from using squeeky toys, or fetch games that will most likely distract other dogs. Try not to allow your dog to invade other dog's personal space either, as these dog's may be picking up on their handler's nerves and might not welcome your dog's attempts to say hello. When the dog before you starts their run, proceed to the start line and remove your collar and lead (and bumbag or equipment belt) and be ready to start.

9. Running: Once the dog ahead of you has completed their run, wait for the timekeeper to give the scribe table that dog's time, then confirm the name of your dog with the scribe table "This is Billy" and wait for the timekeeper's instructions. Once you are asked "are you ready?" say Yes (or No if not ready), and when the timekeeper says "in your own time" you may go. The time will start when your dog crosses the start line. Remember to have fun and enjoy running with your dog. Don't be harsh in your handling or verbally reprimand your dog if mistakes happen. It also a good idea not to talk too much to your dog so that your dog can concentrate on the important commands you give.

10. What if??? What if you have a clash in another ring? This happens quite often, especially to those with multiple dogs. Let the scribe table know (preferably between dogs) and they will drop you back in the running order. Be sure when you do then run out of order to confirm your dog's name with the scribes before you go and let the competitor after you know that you are running out of order. Remember if you have questions, just ask a club member. We are all there to help. Having said that though, there tends to be two times when all handlers like to be able to concentrate- when we are warming up our dogs for our run and when we are solving a handling challenge while walking the course. If you want to ask a question at these times please ask the person if it is a convenient time first!

Hope these 10 points help. Remember while competing for the first time can be nerve wracking, it can also be exhilarating. So ask when you are not sure on something and have fun, oh, and welcome to the world of dog agility competitions! Be prepared to become addicted!