Clean Run - April 2017 - 37

Take a Peek at Parkour
Dog parkour enthusiasts were happy to share examples of the sport. If you subscribe to the printed copy of the
magazine, the easiest way to view the videos listed in this article is to go to the Clean Run magazine YouTube
channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/CleanRunMagazine) and select the April 2017 play list.
ADP Grand Champion Level 5 entry by Elizabeth Frum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2h4Ugjv63I
Blaise demonstrates 12 things to do with two rocks by Elizabeth Frum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ_OD4joAE
IDPKA Training Level (optional) entry by Caroline Hunt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0BQDU_God4
IDPKA Novice Level (part 1) entry by Caroline Hunt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd3G3az5ZKg
ADP Grand Champion Level 3 entry by Kristine Hammar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m7yHeE1NaA

Both organizations have exercises based on similar concepts. Getting on an object with two feet and with four feet,
climbing on a moving object, going under and between
objects, jumping, and more, are elements of parkour titling in both venues. Both encourage novel interaction
with a variety of objects and have similar philosophies.
And both have a strong focus on safety, with rules and
restrictions involving heights, spotting using harnesses,
and so on.
But there are differences between the two organizations
as well. IDPKA provides a list of specific behaviors that
must be demonstrated for most of the levels (Training, an
optional level, Novice, Intermediate, Expert, and Champion). ADP has more than 30 possible exercises for the
handlers to choose from and then requires entries for
each of its five levels to include 12 of those exercises
(the number of different exercises required increases by
level), allowing handlers a variety of choices.
IDPKA offers the same program for all dogs, although there
is flexibility in the performance of the exercises. ADP has
two divisions: Open (for any dog) and Special (for senior
dogs and dogs with physical challenges). There are some
modifications in exercises in the Special division.
IDPKA requires that a specified number of obstacle performances be completed outside with things found in the
environment and that number increases by title difficulty

Benefits of Dog Parkour
Dog parkour offers many advantages to its canine participants and their handlers. It increases canine confidence
and body awareness, dog and handler fitness and teamwork, and fun! Plus its noncompetitive nature leads to camaraderie among those who play in dog parkour together.
While dog parkour can be very athletic in nature, nearly
any dog can participate in some way. "The unique and inclusive nature of parkour means that any dog will benefit
from parkour. Puppies or fearful dogs learn to be confident in a wide variety of situations while your overconfident dogs lacking in self-preservation are rewarded for
thinking and making good choices. Athletic dogs will find
that the physical challenges of parkour help them become
© gennie abbiss

April 17 | Clean Run

level (excluding the Champion Parkour Dog title, which
is structured differently and requires a variety of environments). ADP is more focused on the location in which titling
exercises take place throughout the program. The All Dogs
Parkour Rules and Guidelines state, "Each entry must
demonstrate 12 exercises done entirely at a single location. The location, once used for a qualifying entry, cannot
be used again until the dog has completed all five levels."
There are specifics for the appropriate use of "Environmental Features" (the objects that a dog interacts with while
doing parkour exercises) and suggestions of "theme locations" which are not required but offer a fun option.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CleanRunMagazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - April 2017