Clean Run Magazine - August 2006 - 7

? Everything you always wanted to know about agility but were to ask afraid
By Brenna Fender I'm confused about one aspect of the recent NADAC changes.
If you Do you have a question about agility get your NAC and OAC through
the Skilled category, I understand rules or anything else agility related?
that there is no difference between titles earned in either category Mail
your questions to Angie Pawinski: at the lower levels. Can you switch to
the Proficient category to get jmpink9@aol.com your Elite titles so that
you will be qualified to earn the NATCH? Are Angie collects the questions
and forwards them to us so we never see the names. you free to choose
between the Proficient or Skilled categories at each level, regardless of
what you've done before? According to NADAC Representative Becky Woodruff,
a I want to know what to do at agility trials. Although I worked as
competitor can choose to compete in the Skilled or Proficient a gate
steward at my first trial, when I wasn't running my dog or categories
regardless of the way in which she earned previous seeing my friends I
felt bored and restless. My dog, usually the titles. strung-out one,
calmly rested between runs. I find myself not driven As an agility newbie
I am wondering which classes to enter at my to trial much because I can't
figure out how to use all the time and first trial. Should I compete both
days, twice a day, or only once? Just there is a lot between runs. enter
Starters or start with Jumpers or maybe try Gamblers so that There are
many possibilities to keep you busy during an agility if I mess up and the
dog goes to the wrong obstacle it is not so bad? trial. Volunteering is
certainly important and helpful. Agility Many competitors start their
young dogs' agility careers in is built on volunteers. Don't limit
yourself to one job. Learn games classes for various reasons. The NADAC
Tunnelers to play all the roles needed to keep a trial rolling. Scribe,
work class is a good starting point for handlers who want a low the
electronic timing equipment, build courses, and try all the stress, fun,
first time in the ring. Other NADAC classes other tasks that volunteers
can do. and USDAA Jumpers offer fast runs with no contact When you aren't
working, study the sport. You can learn so obstacles or weave poles that
might trouble beginning dogs. much about agility by watching handlers
closely. Analyze their USDAA Gamblers and Snooker classes offer handlers
the performances. Did a dog go off course because the handler's
opportunity to design parts of the course themselves. Smart foot was
pointed the wrong way? Did the dog turn wide competitors can plan smooth,
flowing courses that favor a because the handler failed to adjust her
speed young dog's strengths. Many handlers find that as she neared the
turn? Find a knowledgeable beginning in a games class causes them friend
to watch runs with and discuss each to put less pressure on themselves,
one. Just remember to be polite, since you which leads to less pressure on
their never know who might be sitting nearby. You dogs. A talented handler
may be able might even consider videotaping as many to enter a Standard or
Regular class runs as you can so that you can watch them without stressing
a novice dog. in slow motion at home and really see what The number and
type of classes entered is going on. on a dog's first weekend out should
If that isn't enough to keep you busy,
Clean Run Magazine - August 2006

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