National Agility Code

NATIONAL AGILITY CODE

The AIM of the National Agility Code is to give encouragement and focus to agility training, with a view to owner/dog bonding and keeping the dog mentally and physically active. Whilst the scheme is open to all breeds and dogs over the age of six months, Club Instructors and Officials should consider the physical maturity of the dog and whilst small dog breeds may be mature before 12 months of age others may not mature until 18 months or older.

PREPARATION FOR ASSESSMENT

Handler/Owner to provide the Organizer with the following:-

  • Up to date vaccination certificate.
  • Indicate that they worm their dog regularly.
  • Show details of identification required by law – Name tag etc.
  • Have suitable and properly fitting equipment – collar, lead etc, know how to take them on and off.
  • Have suitable basic grooming equipment (brush, comb etc).
  • Have a poop scoop or equivalent.

Points that could be considered by the Examiner:-

– Is the dog one you would like to own?
– Would you like it living next door?
– Is the dog and handler working as a team?

There are Four Levels of Certificate: – GROUNDWORK, BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD.

Each Level is made up of; A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL; and B.EXAMINATION (plus grooming in Groundwork).

THE ASSESSMENT

Dogs and handlers are evaluated on the basis of Pass or Not Ready with the following course faults; GROUNDWORK = 0; BRONZE, SILVER & GOLD = 10. To obtain a certificate dog and handler must pass each of the test exercises. Suitable club officials can assess some of the exercises before the main test day; the examiner will obtain these results before starting their assessment.

The first two levels may be examined in house, but the bronze level examiner should not be directly involved with the instruction of candidates, silver and gold examiners are to be from outside of the organisation. It is the responsibility of the organisers of the test to make sure the Examiner has the knowledge and experience to test the scheme and that they fully understand what is expected from the handlers and dogs taking part.

COURSE PLAN & EQUIPMENT:

The organising body should ensure that the equipment is well maintained and in good condition before the test, this should be checked again by the examiner before the course is assembled. The examiner should bring the course plan on the day/night of the test which should not have been seen by anyone else prior to this.

ALL LEVELS OF CERTIFICATE

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

The National Code Agility is not a competition; it is to demonstrate that the handler/owner has the ability to control their dog whilst negotiating various agility obstacles. Assessment is based on the dog’s response to their owner and that the dog is under control and not a nuisance to others whilst in and around an agility environment.

If during the test (as in life) an unforeseen situation arises, the handler can and should take the appropriate responsible action without being penalised. This may include putting the dog back on the lead until it is safe to continue.

  • In all exercises, uncontrolled jumping-up, lack of response will be a failure.
  • Handlers can use Commands, Encouragement and Signals.
  • Contact equipment and the table may be used at training heights/widths, but not garden equipment.
  • Jump heights can be reduced for individual dogs by one level if they are:
    • Aged 7 year and over, jump heights for small dogs can be reduced by using crossed poles (or equivalent).
    • Weigh 3 times their height or more i.e., dogs at 30 inches (76 cm) in height and weighing 100lbs (30″ x 3 = 90lbs/41kgs). This does not apply to dogs that are overweight and owners are to be encouraged to seek advice from their veterinary surgeon.

Handlers should indicate prior to the start of the course that they wish to jump at a reduced height.

B. EXAMINATION AND GROOMING

This is a practical test demonstrating that the dog can be examined and showing no undue resentment prior to training taking place.

The examination of the dog will be done by the handler, the dog can be any position whichever allows the handler easy manipulation. The examination should be sufficient to pick up any issues that may affect the dog’s ability to run the course.

  • The Examiner must be satisfied that the handler can examine their dog and that the handler shows an understanding of how to handle and place the dog without upsetting it.
  • The Examiner is looking for the ease that the handler shows and the dog’s willingness to be examined.
  • The Examiner should consider the overall condition of the dog, being clean and well groomed.
  • The Examiner can check any aspect of the dog. During any of the certificates the Examiner can ask questions.

All Certificates. Examination of the dog and warm up exercises are to be tested before running of the course. Warm up exercises are determined by the handler of the dog.

GROUNDWORK CERTIFICATE

For puppies 6 months and older.

Preparing dogs in the fundamentals before starting more formal agility training. Owners can opt out of this level for dogs that are over 24 months and have been training agility for at least 12 months.

A. BASIC CONTROL

1. Vehicle safety
2. Control around people and dogs
3. Warm up
4. Wait
5. Control off lead
6. Pipe Tunnel
7. Channel Weaves
8. Contact Points

B. EXAMINATION & GROOMING

1. Coat and Skin
2. Head, Eyes, Nose & Ears
3. Feet & Nails, Front & Rear
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area

BRONZE CERTIFICATE

For dogs not less than 12 months old.

For owners that have completed the Groundwork level and wish to continue their training

A. BASIC CONTROL

1. Vehicle safety
2. Control around people and dogs
3. Warm up
4. Wait
5. Control off lead
6. Pipe Tunnel – ‘U’ shape
7. Channel/Guide Weaves
8. Control over jumps – max 7
9. Contacts – A Frame or Dog Walk
10. Tyre

B. EXAMINATION

1. Coat and Skin
2. Head, Eyes, Nose & Ears
3. Feet & Nails, Front & Rear
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area

SILVER CERTIFICATE

For dogs not less than 18 months old.

This Certificate is to encourage the dog owner to progress from the bronze course, and giving purpose to the continued training.

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

1. Vehicle safety
2. Control around people and dogs
3. Walk the course
4. Warm up
5. Wait
6. Control off lead
7. Pipe Tunnel
8. Weaves – straight line of 7
9. Instant down
10. Control over jumps – min 10 at medium height
11. Contacts – See Saw plus A Frame or Dog Walk

B. EXAMINATION

1. Coat and Skin
2. Head, Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth & Teeth
3. Feet & Nails, Front and Rear pads, Fur/Skin between pads
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area
5. Tummy Area & Genitals

GOLD CERTIFICATE

For dogs not less than 24 months old.

This certificate is for the dedicated club member who has completed the Silver level.

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

1. Vehicle safety
2. Control around people and dogs
3. Walk the course
4. Warm up
5. Wait
6. Control off lead
7. Pipe Tunnel
8. Weaves – straight line full set
9. Instant down
10. Control over jumps – min 15 at standard heights
11. Contacts – Full set

B. EXAMINATION

1. Coat and Skin
2. Head, Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth & Teeth
3. Feet & Nails, Front and Rear pads, Fur/Skin between pads
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area
5. Tummy Area & Genitals

 

For further information please contact the National Codes Registrar.