Clean Run - May 2012 - 7

Everything you always wanted to know about agility
By Brenna Fender

I’m thinking of adopting a dog with three normal legs and one deformed leg that is small and can’t be used. Will he be allowed to compete?
The Agility Association of Canada (AAC), American Kennel Club (AKC), United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), and Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) state that they will not allow three-legged dogs to compete. But other organizations will allow three-legged canine competitors, with some caveats. A representative for Canine Performance Events (CPE) states: “Tripod dogs (leg must be removed) are allowed to compete in CPE with documentation. The owner will include with the registration form a letter from their veterinarian [saying] that the dog is fully mobile on three legs and in their opinion, can compete safely in agility; and a letter from an agility instructor or judge who has seen the dog run agility and [stating that], in their opinion, the dog can compete safely. Either source shall include if the dog cannot do certain obstacles. Approval is on a case by case basis.” Dogs On Course in North America (DOCNA) addresses canine amputees in the “Physically Challenged Dogs” portion of the rules. President Jim Mills says the rules state, “Physically challenged dogs that may otherwise be in good health and that display the desire and ability to safely execute required obstacle performances are welcome to enter and compete in DOCNA events.” But there are restrictions: “Physically Challenged status is only available in Select, Veteran, Grand Veteran, and Junior Handler divisions providing the dog meets the requirements of that division. At no time may a dog that has been given the status of Physically Challenged compete in the Competition Division.” The rules also state that “Canine amputees should acquire a letter from their veterinarian stating that the dog is capable of competing in agility and that the dog will not likely suffer any long term affects above and beyond what might be normal for dogs that engage in this sport.” North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) allows threelegged dogs to compete only in Tunnelers, Hoopers, and Weavers as long as, in the judge’s opinion, the dog can safely negotiate a course,” says NADAC representative Becky Woodruff. According to Sydney Suwannarat, Executive Director of Performance Events at the United Kennel Club (UKC), “Dogs with three legs are allowed to compete. A dog with three legs can only be excused for lameness if it shows signs of stiffness or injury in one of the remaining limbs. The dog must be able to navigate the course and all of the obstacles regardless of its missing leg.”
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.

Since your dog has a non-functioning leg, he may be excluded from competition by some organizations. Contact the organizations that allow three-legged dogs to determine if he can compete.

Is there a minimum age for agility handlers in both regular classes and those designed especially for juniors?
These answers vary based on the sanctioning organization. Below you’ll see the minimum age to enter the regular classes first, followed by the minimum age to compete in the organization’s junior handler program or to be eligible for awards or other honors as a junior, if applicable.

· · · · · · · · ·

AC: No minimum for either. A KC: No minimum for either. A ustralian Shepherd Club of America: No minimum for either. A PE: No minimum for either but the handler must be able to C take the dog in and out of the ring unassisted and must have control over the dog in the ring. OCNA: 7; 7 unless the child has a title in another organizaD tion or the child’s parent/guardian contacts DOCNA and provides specific information on the experience of the child and dog so that DOCNA can consider it on a case-by-case basis. ADAC: No minimum age for either, but the handler must N be able to control her dog. DAA: No minimum. Kids of any age may participate, as T long as they are in control of the dog. No junior program. KC: 2 for both. U SDAA: No minimum; old enough to answer the Junior U Handler exam questions. D

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Clean Run - May 2012

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