Clean Run Magazine - May 2007 - 7

Everything you always wanted to know about agility but were to ask afraid By Brenna Fender ? Are AKC agility judges allowed to compete in agility with dogs that do not belong to them or members of their immediate family? Obedience, conformation, and rally judges are not allowed to do so, but the wording in the Agility Judges Guidelines is not as clear. A representative for the AKC says, “Yes, they are allowed to do so.” I talked with two avid agility competitors who informed me that Vizslas are not allowed to compete at the Agility Association of Canada (AAC) Nationals in 2007 because they are on the “banned list.” Although they said they found the information on the AAC website, I can’t find it there. Can you help? Do you have a question about agility rules or anything else agility related? Mail your questions to Brenna Fender: brennafender@gmail.com Brenna collects the questions and forwards them to us so we never see the names. AAC Vice-President John Willis says, “I have never heard of a Vizsla ban of any kind anywhere, and certainly have seen no need for one.” Willis, who doesn’t approve of any breed bans, continues, “Unfortunately there is currently a law in Ontario, where this year’s Nationals will be held, that bans Pit Bulls or Pit-Bull-type dogs, including Staffordshire Terriers. This law is being fought vigorously but while it is hoped that it will overturned, it seems unlikely to be in time to allow people to plan to go to the Nationals in August if they qualify at their Regionals.” Because Vizslas are not banned in Ontario, they are welcome at the AAC Nationals. How should I approach someone whose dog is very overweight? Is there some way to be polite and helpful, or is even bringing up the dog’s weight too rude? lead the conversation in the right direction. Another option is to discuss the February 2007 Clean Run article, “A Weighty Subject.” It might be just the conversation starter you are looking for. I’ve heard people refer to the “Run Index” at NADAC trials. What’s that? The online NADAC exhibitor’s handbook states, “The Run Index tells each competitor how their dog performed in a class when compared to the average performance of all the other dogs in that class and jump height over the past year. Runs that are fast and efficient will have higher run index (RI) scores than otherwise.” The Run Index isn’t related to qualifying scores; it only affects NADAC’s annual Top Ten awards. The Handbook states, “Runs with an RI of over 100 will be worth fifteen (15) points instead of ten when computing the dog’s Top Ten points in that class.” It does not change the number of points earned toward a title—those are completely separate from the RI. In the future, the Run Index may be used as part of the qualification process for the NADAC National Championships. My dog has his Open title in AKC. Am I allowed to enter the Open or Excellent level FAST class? Weight is never an easy topic to discuss, but watching an overweight dog do agility is like watching an accident waiting to happen. Strenuous exercise can damage a body that is already taxed by extra weight. There is no way that you can bring up this subject with a stranger and know for certain that you aren’t going to be offensive. Even talking to your closest friend about her dog’s weight can be a problem. With a touchy subject like this one, you will need to choose your words carefully if you want your message to be heard. You might try mentioning your own efforts to keep your dog in shape to start the conversation. You could talk about why you consider keeping a dog fit so important, which might No, all dogs must begin at the Novice level in FAST. The AKC just added an optional 26" jump height. Who can enter? Jump heights are addressed in Chapter 2, Section 1 of the AKC agility regulations. Entry into the optional 26" jump height is at the handler’s discretion. Although many of the competitors in this class are preparing for international competition, anyone can enter it. D 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 07 | Clean Run 7

Clean Run Magazine - May 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - May 2007