FAQs

What is dog agility?
Agility is similar to Horse Show Jumping. It is a sequence of obstacles (including, but not limited to: hurdles, tunnels, dogwalks, A-frames and weave poles) which the dog learns to negotiate without errors against the clock. The dog that completes the obstacles correctly within the time set will achieve a "Clear Round". The winner is the quickest of these dogs.

Of course, not everyone who trains their dog for agility competes. It is a great way to enjoy time with your dog whilst developing your relationship with your dog. Agility provides plenty of exercise and mental stimulation for your dog helping to alleviate bad habits that are created through boredom.

How do I start?

The best place to start with Dog Agility is to find a club near you. Please check our handy links on our website for some of the clubs in Queensland and NSW.

Then you might go along and see how it all works, talk to the other owners and instructors, and get a feel for what's involved. You can apply to be a member of the club, and apply for a training course. We help you choose the right course for you and your dog.

And as they say from the top of the A-Frame... it's all down hill from there!

How do I become a member?
To become a member, simply print out our membership application form from our website, and post to the address on form along with the appropriate fees!

How do I book a course?
To book a course, simply print and fill out our 'course application form' and our 'membership application form' from our website, and pay the appropriate fees by posting to the address on forms. You will then be notified if you have been accepted into the class as there are a limited number of dogs in each course.

What are the rules?

To find out what ADCQ's rules and regulations are, please visit our membership page on our website.
To find out what A.D.A.A's rules and regulations are for competitons, please visit our website.

What is point score?

New Format

Point Score is no longer in operation - the new format is that we hold course training days where there is a Starters course and an Open course set up so that members whose dogs are competing or about ready for competition get the opportunity to run a course as if in competition but still able to get assistance and reward the dog.

Old Format

Point Score is basically a practice for competition. The club conducts a bi-monthly point score competition. This is open to all Intermediate, Advanced & those ready in Intermediate class participants.

Members can learn about what happens at competitions and develop some real time competition skills with the assistance of more experienced members. It is important to remember that sometimes these courses are harder than the beginning levels of ADAA competitions but it is the best place to gain exposure to this type of environment.

At the conclusion of point score, participants will get to practice some of the sequences in the course in a class environment. All other classes are conducted as per normal on these nights.

What about vaccination?
The club requires your dog to be up to date with its yearly vaccinations. We recommend a C5 vaccine as this vaccine is the best available.

The C5 vaccine covers Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza and Bordetella. These diseases/viruses are highly contagious and the club policy is that if your dog has been in contact with another animal with one of these diseases, your dog is not permitted at the training grounds for 14 days post contact. This is to reduce the risk of spreading these diseases to other member's dogs.

The club requirement is that a minimum C3 be administrated or proof of Titre testing. Do take the advice of your Veterinary Surgeon.

We require proof of vaccination either a photocopy or by siting the original.

Is my dog fat?
Can you feel your dog's ribs without applying heavy pressure? Does your dog have a waistline? Can your dog sustain long periods of normal dog activity without panting heavily and having to stop often? If you have answered no to one or all of these questions your dog may be overweight. Agility is a highly active sport and as such your dog should be in a lean and fit condition. Excess weight on your dog can cause undue stress on the bones, joints and ligaments. A happy and healthy backyard dog is different to an athletic agility dog. Please don't be offended if a senior instructor suggests your dog should lose some weight, they are not out to upset you, they have only your dog's health in mind.

So what do I do?

First thing is, write down on a piece of paper everything your dog is fed, including all the little tit-bits and training treats. Next you have to stop feeding your dog this amount, so try reducing the intake by ¼ for about 1 month. If there is no decrease in weight, reduce by another ¼. You don't want your dog to loose more than 1kg per week. Gradual weight loss is the best for your dog. Try to also increase (again gradually) your dogs exercise time. Instead of walking for ½ hour each day, increase it to 45mins, you will benefit as much as your dog. There are special diet foods available from your veterinarian. These foods are designed to reduce your dog's weight without having to reduce the amount you feed. Remember if your dog loses weight rapidly or you have problems reducing your dog's weight consult your friendly veterinarian.

Please note: ADCQ are not Veterinarians. This is meant as common sense advice only. It is recommended to seek proper medical attention before attempting any weight loss program.

Where to now?
So you have successfully completed the Basic Training. Where to next? The Skills class followed by the handling class awaits you and so does the competition arena, if that's what you would like to do. Hopefully the next few paragraphs will explain your options and the transition in a clear manner.

Skills Class

The Skills Class is all about teaching the dog all the obstacles, including contact training and basic hurdle training.

Handling Class

The Handling Class consists of Hurdles and the odd Tunnel. There is no contact equipment or weave poles in this class. This class is about increasing handler and dog skills with regards to Front Cross, Rear Cross, Serpentines, Lead-out Pivot and Start Lines. It is also about understanding your dog's path, how your dog turns, timing and when to cue the turn. The class will vary from single and double boxes to small Hurdle sequences. Both handler and dog must have a basic understanding of all turns, and the dog be confident with jumping, before they enter this class.

Competition Class

Competition class is for dogs and handlers already competing or about to compete. Starter courses and Open courses are regularly slotted into training in the first hour to give those members an opportunity to experience running a full course as they would in competition but with the choice to reward along the way if they require.

Competition

Now you will be ready to start coming along to competitions. You must become a member of ADAA to compete.(see below)

ADAA

Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd. The club is affiliated with ADAA and conducts competitions under the rules and guidelines of ADAA. ADAA is solely dedicated to the promotion of agility. There are four levels of competition. Of which I suggest, for a first attempt at a competition, the following levels: Elementary and Starters agility. These courses are of simple design, purely to ensure that you and your dog can run about 16 to 20 obstacles in one go. Advanced dogs are not allowed to enter these events. It does not include seesaws or spread jumps. Elementary does not include weave poles and Starters has relaxed rules about performing the poles. Novice jumping is also a good event for agility newcomers; although the courses can sometimes be a little complex, there are no contact obstacles (A-Frame, seesaw, dog walk).

If you want to compete then you will need to join ADAA, as this is a separate entity to the club.

Competitions are held regularly around South-East Queensland , many right here at the training grounds.

Entry fees are quite reasonable. Information about Upcoming Competitions can be found in a few places: ADAA's website, or by contacting us.