Clean Run Magazine - May 2006 - 7

? Everything you always wanted to know about agility but were to ask afraid
By Brenna Fender Do you have a question about agility I'm confused about
the latest NADAC rule changes. What are the rules or anything else agility
related? differences between titles in the Skilled and Proficient
categories? Mail your questions to Angie Pawinski: Is the NATCH available
in both categories? Have the jump heights jmpink9@aol.com changed? Have
the times been tightened in the games classes? Angie collects the
questions and forwards them to us so we never see the names. NADAC
representative Becky Woodruff says that the changes to the regulations are
not as complicated as they might seem. The basic requirements for the
Skilled and Proficient titles are the such as teaching a dog to sit for
more than a minute if the same 30 qualifying points. Points from the
Skilled category competition demand is a minute! Good athletic training is
about and the Proficient category are combined for titles at the Novice
reducing the likelihood of injury, about preventing hazards. and Open
levels. Novice and Open titles will be noted the same. Asking a dog to
jump at his competition height, and nothing Elite titles will be different
for each category EAC/EAS, EJC/ but, does not build in a safety zone of
strength, flexibility, and EJS, and so on . NATCH plaques will come from
the Proficient endurance. category only. Certificates and medals will be
awarded for Clothier does not advocate always jumping a dog higher
equivalent titles in the Skilled category at the Elite level. than
competition height. She suggests that in training, jump In the Proficient
category, the dog must run clean with no course heights should depend on
whether the trainer is developing, faults, no time faults, and with
successful completion of the improving, or maintaining physical condition,
[or] preparing simple lateral distance test in order to qualify. A
qualifying run for competition, in competition, or in a rest period. is
awarded 10 points. In the Skilled category, a dog may incur up M.
Christine Zink, D.V.M., Ph.D. and Julie Daniels discuss to 5 course faults
and still qualify with 5 points an unfaulted practice jump heights in their
book, Jumping from A to Z. They run earns 10 points . In Proficient, the
dog jumps his regularly mention that athletes who participate in sports
that require measured jump height per the current jump-height table. The
exceptional performances, like marathon runners or Iditarod Skilled
category offers reduced jump-height options. sled dogs, do not routinely
train over long distances. They work The base times in Tunnelers, Touch N
Go, and Weavers are the on strength, skill, and endurance separately and
then put them same as they have always been. The obstacle performance time
together in competition. for the 8 and 12 jumping dogs has been adjusted,
which affects Zink and Daniels suggest teaching a dog to occasionally
handle standard course times. higher jumps because differences in terrain
and course design For more information, visit NADAC's website at
www.nadac.com. can cause some jumps to require more effort than normal.
They suggest, however, that routinely jumping higher may cause a dog Is it
good to train at higher jump heights so that competition will be to be
pattern-trained to jump a specific height, which means he a breeze for the
dog? will always jump that high, whether he needs to or not, wasting Many
agility experts advocate using higher jump heights so that effort and
time, and potentially shortening his career. a dog is physically prepared
to jump higher than needed in a Zink and Daniels subscribe to the theory
that a dog only has trial. Then under the stress of competition the dog
finds jumping a finite number of jumps in him before the dog must retire
lower heights easy. Renowned jumping expert Suzanne Clothier so they
suggest a well-thought-out training program that uses says, [In] all
sports with the exception of ultimate performance varied jump heights
including some higher than the dog's think Olympics with absolute all-out
demanded [experts] competition jump height to help create a thinking
jumper. With recommend that you train past competition demand. Far too
good jumping skills, a dog can handle a jump that is placed on many
handlers barely condition the dogs adequately to the a hill, or one that
is set at the wrong jump height, and will jump competition height, never
mind ensure that the dog can easily efficiently and accurately. exceed
competition height by 10% to 20% on a regular basis in order to develop
more strength and endurance in the muscles Jumping higher than normal
heights can be dangerous for dogs than will be required during the event.
Strangely, I don't know that are overweight or otherwise not in shape.
Dogs recovering from injury should also jump carefully. D anyone who would
not exceed actual behavioral expectations, NOTE: While it is not
permissible to make copies of Clean Run magazine, we wish to give readers
permission to make copies of this particular column for personal use. This
means you are free to share copies of this column with students, friends,
or club members. The information may also be included in not-for-profit
newsletters as long as credit is given to Clean Run. | May 06 Clean Run 7
http://www.nadac.com
Clean Run Magazine - May 2006

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