Agility Voice December 2018

December 2018

Volume 35 | Issue 12

In this month’s issue...

RULE CHANGES FOR KC AND UKA CONTACT CONFIDENCE LESSONS FROM THE DOG YOU LOVE ... and much more

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The Agility voice

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Ask the Trainer Have you got a training issue that you would like resolved?

Does your dog run out of the ring? Does your dog miss its contacts? Has your dog decided that the start line is a place that has to be left long before you are ready? How about wing wraps, do you want to have tips for making them tighter? What about those German turns?

The Voice would like your questions to put to a variety of trainers, who knows we may even be able to solve that nagging training problem you’ve been having.

It doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner or running at Champ there is always something that you could do with help on and we would like to try and find the answer for you.

Please send your questions to Jill Spurr at editor@agilityclub.org

Correspondence Address Please can all membership correspondence be posted to:

Kate McLaren, Agility Club, 129 Myrtle Grove, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3XL

Enter your Agility Club Annual Awards points online at: www.agilityclub.org Remember that you are now also able to pay your annual subscription online with PayPal with major credit/debit card Simply login, go to ‘Members Admin’, click ‘Pay My Subscription’ and follow the instructions.

Membership Rates: £29.00 Single £35.00 Family £43.00 Europe £50.00 Rest Of The World

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 3

The Agility voice

Editor’s Note...

The Agility Club Committee Chairman Simon Chandler sjabbaman@aol.com Vice Chairman / Show Secretary Christina Wilkin christinawilkin@aol.com Honorary Secretary Jan Smith jansmith.agc@aol.co.uk Honorary Treasurer Roger Wilkin rogerwilkin@aol.com Editor Jill Spurr editor@agilityclub.org Starters / Invitationals Sandra Ross starters@agilityclub.org Points & Web Nicola Ayres nicola.ayres@outlook.com Membership Secretary Kate McLaren membership@agilityclub.org Certificates Mark Hickman mdhickman@hotmail.co.uk Committee Steve Seale Designer Dafydd Williams hello@dafyddwilliams.co.uk Cover photograph by Dave Midgley Original AC logo concept by Sue Ashby THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED WITHIN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE AGILITY CLUB COMMITTEE OR EDITORIAL STAFF.

Use Your Voice Have you got something to share with the rest of the club? Whether it’s congratulations, a personal brag, or you want to comment on any of our articles, we want to hear from you.

Use your Voice!

Email: editor@agilityclub.org.uk

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Welcome And just like that, it’s the end of the year.

It seems to have gone so quickly.

I’d like to say we slow down in December, but weekends are full with breed shows, and Drama has a scent trial in there somewhere too. That said, I will definitely be indulging my guilty pleasure – back-to-back schmaltzy American Christmas films on Channel 5, with a decent coffee and snoozing dogs all around. Bliss. I’m all about the warm fuzzies at Christmas.

December is also Drama’s birthday, when she will be four. She is definitely more ready for the agility ring next year, and I’m starting to think about which shows to go to. Dogs don’t have to be in the competition ring on the dot of 18 months if its not right for them. Competition is a big atmosphere, and as I learned with my second dog, Bryn, doesn’t suit everyone. I’m a firm believer that we can ‘do’ agility without having to enter a competition – as much as I love getting rosettes, my dogs are not reinforced by them.

I don’t do an awful lot of agility training with pups before 12 months, but I do like to do something to introduce them to the basics, so when I saw a 2-day puppy camp advertised for a free weekend, I thought it would be good idea for Heaven. Fiction is concentrating on the show ring for now – it’s finally occurred to me that I can’t spread myself so thinly and do both girls justice.

Unfortunately, it only really occurred to me that anything could happen once I walked into the school – this was Heav’s first introduction to group classes, let alone all things agility, and there were two classes working side by side. It would be Drama’s idea of hell, and she’d be too over-aroused to learn much.

Well little Heaven did me proud! She played and had fantastic toy drive but switched to treats when she needed to. She took everything in, but didn’t bark, run off or struggle in the environment. She was settled in her crate between exercises. She was a joy to work with.

The camp was hosted by Dan Shaw and Naarah Cuddy, whose enthusiasm and encouragement never faded for a moment, and both obviously enjoyed the weekend.

Heav is only 7 months, so we were in a baby dog class

Editor’s Note

learning the start of wing wraps and turns, restrained recalls to different sides and handler moves, flatwork and lots of games. Around +80% of it will translate to garden training with limited room, but of course there was advice to generalise behaviours in different places.

There was lots of take-homes for me. Dan spoke up for luring as a training technique which resonated. Shaping can build frustrations, so a little well-placed luring can work wonders, and as Emily Larlham credits seeing Mary Ray using luring as making her (Emily) the trainer she is today, then that will do for me. He also gave great tips on how to do a restrained recall on your own and supercharge your hand touch. Naarah had boundless energy for driving lines and jump work she was teaching, and again, lots of useat-home ideas and explanation of criteria to ensure pup didn’t get confused.

Between quality content, a friendly, supportive group and Heaven being, well, heaven to work with, it was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. The kinds that reminds you why we do this crazy hobby of ours, so thank you to both Dan and Naarah for the inspiration.

So that’s it then, your last Voice of 2018. I hope you all continue to enjoy it, and I would like to thank you all for the feedback you have shared, which bar a couple of people has been resoundingly positive. There is more to do yet, but I hope 2019 will see the magazine go from strength to strength and that more of you will share your stories.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy, and successful 2019.

Jill (Editor)

We have a New Home We have a new postal address Please send all correspondence, including membership renewals to: Kate McLaren, Agility Club, 129 Myrtle Grove, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3XL You can also renew your membership online at www.agilityclub.org - don’t forget if you recommend a friend, you get two months extra for free!

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The Agility voice

Featured in this month’s issue...

News & Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 KC announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ShoutOut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Distant Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Control Precision Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ty’s Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Starters Agility Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Dog You Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Olympia Running Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Nicola Wildman Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Agility Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Ever fancied becoming an Agility Instructor?

If the answer is yes, then look no further.

Enrol on the Agility Club’s Accredited Instructors Seminar.

This 3 day course involves both classroom lectures and practical instruction with fully qualified instructors who have all taken part and passed the course.

The course content covers all aspects of instructing including obstacle techniques and student critiquing amongst others. At the end of the course if successful you will become an Accredited Instructor.

The course also gives you the chance to meet other like-minded people and make new friends.

This course is open to all but Agility Club members will get a discount.

Cost: Agility Club Members £265 / Non-members £300 Venue: BCA Hall Place, Burchetts Green, Maidenhead, SL6 6QR If you are interested, please contact Jan Smith at jansmith.agc@aol.co.uk or message on Facebook.

6 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

From The Chair

from

The Chair

Welcome everybody, well its that time of the year again – Christmas, and another year is almost over. Just the small matter of the wonderful, spectacular Olympia finals first, for a small number of lucky people to take part in. These are indeed the pinnacle of the year and it showcases some of the finest handler/dog partnerships in the UK. And to be held at the world-renowned Olympia horse show gives these partnerships the chance to show themselves to thousands and thousands of the public.

This year, I will be behind the scenes shadowing judge Martin Cavill, as I’ve been given the privilege of judging the Olympia Finals in 2019.

As I write this, another Agility season is coming to a close; a year of reflections, of successes, of near misses, of huge improvements, of sadly the loss of some of our beloved dogs… The memories these furry friends leave behind are ones to cherish and always look back on with great fondness. Also, we’ve got memories of the great fun had at shows by people brought together by a common thing… our dogs! Many friendships have been forged over the years by people who first met at shows and these friendships have in some cases lasted for many, many years.

There’s something about the end of the year that makes us remember these friendships, the people and dogs who have sadly left us, but also take a minute to remember that Agility is still a hobby for the vast majority of us. Yes, by all means, let’s be competitive; yes let’s hope we win and progress but remember for the dogs it’s just FUN and we should never lose sight of that fact. On that note I can only say one more thing…

Happy Christmas to you all, enjoy your time with your families and friends and remember to have FUN! I will see you next year.

Simon

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 7

The Agility voice

News & Announcements

The Think Tank for Pets The first ever think tank for pets, has been formed to address the severe lack of pet-friendly rented accommodation across the UK. A committee of animal-loving economists, charity representatives from Crisis and RSPCA, property pros and vets front the unique all-pet policy institute, which was initiated by SpareRoom.

What’s more, SpareRoom plans to employ cats and dogs as ‘research assistants’, to help better educate landlords and emphasise the positive effects that pets can have on tenants and properties. The pets’ role would be to visit rented homes and demonstrate to landlords how well-trained cats and dogs might behave and treat their properties.

The purpose of the think tank for pets is to develop ideas and policy suggestions to encourage more landlords to consider allowing pets into their properties – an issue that’s becoming ever more important in the era of ‘generation rent’.

The potential benefits of allowing more pets in rented properties aren’t limited to increased income for landlords, but also include improved physical and mental wellbeing for tenants, a reduction in the number of pets that end up in rehoming centres and even a potential reduction in homelessness.

In the process of developing ideas to address the lack of pet-friendly rented accommodation, the think tank members studied original research by SpareRoom, conducted among tenants and landlords. In a survey of 3,193 pet owners, they discovered: - 78% of tenants said they have struggled to find rented accommodation that will allow their pet(s) to live with them - This has resulted in 21% of tenants keeping a pet in their property without their landlord’s knowledge and breaching the terms of their rental contract in the process -D espite the popularity of pets among Brits, figures from SpareRoom reveal that only 7% of ads in the UK on

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SpareRoom would ‘consider’ pets, with this dropping to just 5% - that’s one in 20 homes - in the London area - Out of the tenants that already own a pet, 53% of these stated that they pay between £10 and £49 extra rent per month to allow their pet to live with them, with 32% paying between £50 and £99 extra per month When landlords were quizzed, 69% said they wouldn’t allow pets in their properties, citing smell (57%), potential damage to the property (55%) and concerns the animals won’t be trained (37%) as their main reasons for not allowing pets in their properties.

After extensive debate and discussion among think tank members, the think tank’s first set of ideas to address the issue of pets in rented properties has been released in a 44-page report. Initial ideas and suggestions to convince landlords to accept pets are: - Working to get damage by pets covered, both in landlord insurance policies and by tenants - Tenants agreeing to sign a contract to say that they’d pay for any damages their pet was responsible for - Charging a subsidy for pets on top of a tenant’s normal monthly rent - Creating a pet policy agreement between landlords and renters, which could be easily downloaded. The template would include conditions such as ‘regular landlord inspections’ to check that the property is free of mess and damage, and to check in with neighbours that they’re happy and have no issues with the pet Another key point raised by members of the Think Tank committee was that they’d like to see a set policy that all social housing providers must take pets.

Matt Hutchinson, Communications Director for SpareRoom said: “With more of us renting our homes it’s vital we have a conversation about what that means for quality of life. We know that allowing pets into rented homes can be particularly beneficial - and in more ways than people might think. Pets can be a source of higher rental income for landlords, but they can also improve

News & Announcements

the wellbeing of tenants, reduce the number of pets given up for rehoming or, worse, abandoned, and they can even have an impact on reducing homelessness.

“Ultimately, there’s no reason tenants shouldn’t be able to live with pets, subject to certain relevant conditions and checks being in place. By finding the obstacles and

removing them, as well as seeing the positives, not just the negatives, we should be able to make it much easier for people to have a pet, whether they own their home or not.”

Obstacle Dimensions for Intermediate Dogs The release of the ALC minutes has confirmed the dimensions of all the obstacles for Intermediate height. Although there was much talk about the pole height for a hurdle, few other obstacles impacted were mentioned. However, the following have been approved:

Long jump: to comprise 3 to 5 units, the overall length to be between 1m and 1.3m. The height of the front unit to be 127mm and the height of the rear unit to be 381mm – same units as large, but shorter length.

Rising Spread Jump: The top bar on the first hurdle must be 400mm, and the maximum spread is 475mm.

(The requirement for the first hurdle to be at least 150mm lower than the second is removed for all heights).

Wishing well: roof no less than 1,500mm (same height for large). Displaceable top bar at 500mm, overall width of the base will be between 900mm and 1400mm, depth of the base (which the dog jumps) maximum 475mm.

The minimum space from the top of the bar to the top of the base will be 155mm

Hoop-(Tyre): Aperture centre from the ground 650mm.

Water jump: between 1m and 1.3m. If a low hurdle or brush is used, it must be 450mm

Table: 450mm high.

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The Agility voice

News & Announcements

Goood for Your Dog, Goood for Our Planet There is no doubt we are living in a world where ethical decisions like sustainable produce is becoming more important, but its probably not in your mind when you choose your dog food.

Recent publications suggest that dogs could have a similar carbon footprint to that of a large SUV.

They even make donations to charity for each sale, giving food to the Salvation Army for dogs at homeless shelters and making a donation from the sale of puppy food to support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Hugo Griffiths, Director said:

Goood has set out to change that, having formulated premium sustainable dog food, sourced from certified free range or organic farms, with fish sustainably caught from MSC- certified fisheries.

“With dog food trends becoming more humanised, we realised the impact the industry is having on the environment. Animal welfare has been at the forefront of consumers mind in the grocery sector but not when it comes to dog food.

Packaging for dog food can also pose issues, but Goood is packaged in the world’s first ever two-part materially recyclable dog food packaging. The bags are made from a special material that makes them extra recyclable. This means they can be remade as an entirely new product and not just thermally recycled (burnt) for minimal energy like other dog food bags.

Our mission at Goood is to create a dog food brand that not only puts animal welfare at the forefront but ensures there is no negative impact on the environment. We decided the only way forward was to be a fully carbon neutral brand, in fact we are going the extra mile and offsetting more CO2 than we produce. Everything we do has the environment in mind.”

Goood has been developed by Interquell GmbH, a company with over 50 years’ experience in the Dog food market, collaborating with leading food experts and vets to create a premium dog food to suit all sizes, ages, tastes and feeding methods.

The Goood food range is available in five flavours: free range lamb, organic turkey, free range chicken and organic chicken & sustainable fish, in both kibble and tinned wet food, along with dog treats. All the feed is grain free and contains only natural ingredients with no small print! It is available to purchase online at goooduk.dog

Their eco credential go even further as Goood is a carbon neutral product made in Germany. When dog food is manufactured, CO2 is an unavoidable by-product - in farming, during production, during transport but they offset this carbon dioxide by planting trees. With forest protection and planting projects in Germany, UK, Togo and Brazil the company is doing all they can to maintain, protect and care for the eco system.

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News & Announcements

Financial Ombudsman Investigating Insurance Premium Hikes Aquarium Warns of Challenges Ahead for the Industry The Financial Ombudsman Service has Announced a Probe into Lifetime Pet Cover.

The regulator is looking into lifetime pet polices in the wake of a surge in complaints. Cover is traditionally sold on the basis that any accident or illness will be covered (irrespective of age) as long as premiums are paid. Yet some insurers are ramping up premiums as animals age – so much so, that owners have been forced to drop cover.

One couple were staggered when their annual premium increased to £7,410 for two dogs: three times what they usually paid. They are not alone in complaining to the Ombudsman.

“Technology can improve retention levels via an enhanced customer journey, as well as helping with market penetration,” added Mark. “But this is a road many will never take if the industry gains a reputation for arbitrary price rises. Regulators are now willing to look at increases penalising loyal customers. While premiums have always fallen outside their gaze as a ‘commercial issue’, times are changing; particularly where it can be argued dramatic price increases are unfair or anti-competitive.”

“Consumers may perceive that insurers are overpricing renewals to get rid of pets with ongoing claims; with socalled ‘push off’ premiums,” explained Mark Colonnese, director of Aquarium Software, a leading pet and travel insurance platform. “The industry was warned about this last year and while insurers have to cover their costs, software can resolve some of the key concerns.”

Over one million claims were settled in 2017, but this means the industry is paying out £2m a day or £775m a year. He believes technology is key to bringing such costs down, but the industry must reach out to owners of the 67 percent of dogs and 84 percent of cats who are uninsured – as more pets insured will bring premiums down for all.

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The Agility voice

KC Announcements

Kennel Club Reveals Agility Team GB Squad for 2019 The Kennel Club has Announced the Names of the Agility Competitors who will be part of the Agility Team GB Squad in 2019.

Two teams will be selected from the newly announced squad, which will go on to represent Great Britain at the European Open Agility Championships in The Netherlands from 25-28 July 2019 and the FCI World Agility Championships in Turku, Finland from 19-22 September 2019.

Agility Team GB is supported by the Kennel Club, DOG StreamZ and Nottingham Trent University.

The 2019 squad was selected following the collection and submission of points from prestige agility events held during 2018. Handlers on the long list will attend two squad days at Nottingham Trent University, and a Performance Weekend which is being held at Arena UK, Grantham (new for 2019). Following the performance weekend, teams will be selected for each of the championships.

Agility competitors not part of Agility Team GB will also get the opportunity to compete at the Performance Weekend, to give them an opportunity to practice on European style courses judged by an overseas FCI judge. The schedule will be released shortly on the Agility Team GB Kennel Club website.

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Team Manager, Mark Laker said: “It’s encouraging to see the increased number of handlers interested in Agility Team GB again this year. We have a good mix of experienced handlers, ex-juniors, people on the development programme and handlers who have shown commitment at Kennel Club qualifiers to win squad points. The Coaching Team and I look forward to working with them over the winter leading up to the Performance Weekend in April”.

DOG StreamZ founder Matt Campbell commented: “DOG StreamZ is proud to sponsor the Agility Team GB squad for another year. It was a privilege to work with the squad so closely throughout 2018. We look forward to another exciting year of agility and continuing to provide our natural technology to the squad.”

News & Announcements

The Successful Handlers and Dogs are:

Ellie Curtis with Cacciatore Greenfinch

Large Squad

James Adams with Devongem Tiz Gold Standard

Annette Parker with Smoketrail Coco Chanel

Lauren Burns with The Harlequin Fox

Anthony Clarke with Rujaff Fatel Protest

Marita Davies with Harvey Bird

Ben Alderson with Say Yes To RR Chocolate Moose

Natasha Chambers with Northfen Indie Go Go

Dan Shaw with Ag Ch Comebyanaway Redefined

Natasha Poddubecki with Ag Ch Lady of Croftmoor

Dave Munnings with Ag Ch Comebyanaway Reddy for fame

Nigel Staines with Ag Ch Morgans Dark Destroyer

Euan Paterson with Devongem Quick Time

Rhiannon Thomas with Channerswick Kryptonite

Greg Derrett with Nedlo Addicting Sproglett

Robin Gretenkort with Heikym Quitzel

Heidi Clelland with Gunrun too hot to handle at Cornishmyth

Sam Towe with Foxstones Penelope Pitstop

Helen Anderson-Postle with Delanor Dark Agent

Shannon Springford with Ag Ch ShansDream a Gift of Love

Jennifer Hart with Blackharts Royal Dezire

Steven Richardson with Ag Ch Noworries Sweeps Dream

Emma Gamble with Dynamite Dinky Diva Hayley Telling with Ah Ch New Illusions Bi Enchantment Of The Five Colors

Jessica Clarehugh with Lynwood Beanie Jessica Clarehugh with Avonwolf Beanies Dizzy Dora

Small Squad

Jo Gleed with Lookylooky Ready Or Not

Alan Bray with Devongem Firestarter at Upanovatigers

Joanne Tristram with Ensorcell Back In Black

Ashleigh Butler with Ag Ch The Closet Monster of Ashpen

Laura Hope with Regalaway Serendipity

Bonny Quick with Ag Ch Goldheart Trail of Flames

Lauren Langman with Darleyfalls Bright Day at Devongem

Chloe Brown with Licosateria Mai Sunbeam

Lauren Langman with Devongem Bright Spark

Dawn Weaver with Ag Ch Galaxy's Dream Summer

Lucie Hinchley with Ag Ch Borderspirit Bright Star

Graham Turner with Kristal Twister v d Blessewich of Engalah

Marita Davies with Lalapaws Taken By Surprise

Hayley Tindall with Tindall’s Usselby Princess

Martin Reid with Ag Ch Borderpaws Secret Surprise

Karen Hugo with Willowthorn’s All That Jazz at Sabresnipe AW(D)

Megan Hunt with A Moment In Thyme

Lauren Langman with Ag Ch Samsir Blinkin Brilliant at Devongem

Naarah Cuddy with Lilhaze Dark Pleasure

Lian Knight with Licosateria Fightin Spirit

Natasha Wise with Ag Ch Nedlo Flipping Shiny Pebble

Lou Cadman with Ag Ch Another Mad Moment

Nicola Wildman with Devongem Freekin Awesome

Rachel Ward with Blazecroft Midnight Akemi

Ola Kordas with Dessa Ferencik

Sam Lane with Hillsidejemz Evil Genius

Sian Illingworth with Ferdis Mirror Image

Sarah McLean with Milo’d Of Mischief

Stephanie Best with Maximum Reds

Sarah Roots with Stowledge Angelica

Vanessa Lloyd with Trust Your Heart Gin

Toni Dawkins with Ag Ch Basileas Hear Me Roar

Walter Dingemanse with Nice of You to Come Bye Double Dice

Tricia Elms with Ag Ch Hotspot’s Jive Bunny

Medium Squad Abigail Doxford with Annervalley Cassie Aemillia Nicholson with Little Miss Woo Woo Anson Zheng with Breezybrook Gabbi Blyth Fox with Devongem Golden Moment Camryn Macleod with Folkvang Purple Lucky Christine Hicks with Uphill Flyer Dalton Meredith with Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive Dawn Weaver with Galaxy’s Ace of Spades

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 13

The Agility voice

KC Announcements

Approved Agility Regulation Changes This is a summary of the regulation changes that have been approved by the Kennel Club’s Board and are going live from January. All the deletions and changes can get confusing, so we’ve just printed the new rule. The details are available on Annex A of the ALC agenda for January, on the Kennel Club’s website www.thekennelclub.org.uk.

Regulations not related to Grading or Heights

and passed the assessment.

Regulation H11.g.

d. All Judges must have completed and passed an Agility Judges examination on the Kennel Club Academy every five years since passing the Regulations and Judging Procedure examination.

… In the event that a dog becomes eligible for the next grade at a particular show, after the entry for that show has been sent, it is the competitor’s responsibility to notify the show secretary or the show processor at least 14 days before the date of the show…

Regulation H18.b … You should note that we reserve the right to cancel the contract before the date of the appointment if there is a change in your circumstances, which in our reasonable opinion would adversely affect your ability to fulfil the appointment. Clubs may cancel a judging appointment where there is clear evidence that the judge’s ability to fulfil the appointment has been adversely affected, or in consultation with the judge.

Agility H20. Judges and Judging. a. Organisers of Agility Shows must ensure that those invited to judge are competent to fulfil their engagement taking into account the nature of the competition. b. Additionally judges appointed to officiate for the first time at a Kennel Club licensed Agility show (other than those judging special classes at a Limited Agility show) must have completed and passed an Agility Judges examination on the Kennel Club Academy prior to attending a Kennel Club Judges Seminar. c. Judges appointed to officiate for the first time at a Kennel Club licensed Agility show (other than those judging special classes at a Limited Agility show) must have attended a Kennel Club Agility Judges Seminar

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This Regulation is effective from 1 January 2022.

Regulation H(1)4.a. a. On the front outside cover or page, the name of the Society, the type, venue and date of the competition as described on the licence and any additional title for which prior permission has been given by the Board of the Kennel Club; the names and addresses, or email addresses, of the Guarantors of the competition, and the Secretary’s name, address and telephone number where appropriate, and the name of the Competition Manager.

Regulation H(1)10.c. c. Dogs must not wear any type of slip, half-slip collar or lead when under test. A single flat, close fitting collar is permitted, providing the only attachment is a plain identification panel as an integral part of the collar i.e.: not attached by a ring.

Regulation H(1)(B)3.i.

Pipe Tunnel—This obstacle should have a diameter of a minimum of 600mm and should be a minimum of 3m in length. The tunnel may only curve in a single direction.

Regulation H(1)(B)3.n n. Dog Walk—A walk plank of approximately 1.200m measured from the ground to the top of the plank, with firmly fixed ramps at either end…

News & Announcements

Regulation H(1)(B)4.(11)

Regulation H(1)(A)10

An additional measurement may be requested by the Kennel Club or a Kennel Club approved Championship Agility Judge. The dog in question must have already had its final official Kennel Club measurement. The Judge need not be officiating on the day the additional measurement is requested but must be in attendance at the Show. No fee will be required from either the Judge or the handler/ owner. Any Large dog which has not been through the measuring process shall not be eligible for an additional measurement.

10. Points Progression. At the handler’s discretion a dog may progress up to Grade 4 by winning 100 points at each grade, using the agility Warrant points scheme, regulation K3.c refers. A minimum of 50 points must be gained in agility (not jumping) classes in the relevant grade. If this method of progression is selected, the handler must ensure the Show Secretary signs the dog’s agility record book at the first show entered at the higher grade. There is no time limit on this progression, however, once a dog has progressed, it cannot return to a previous grade.

Regulation H(1)(B)4.(15)

Regulation H(1)(A)11

(15) The dog will continue competing at its current height until the additional measurement has been completed.

The Kennel Club will confirm the results of the additional measure in due course.

11. Standard Classes

Regulation changes related to Grading New Regulation H(1)(A)6 A maximum of four standard classes may be scheduled for any dog on an individual day of competition.

Any number of special classes may be scheduled.

(Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered) Regulation H(1)(A)6 6. Class Structure. A Class may either be held as a Graded Class or a Combined Class. A Graded Class may be scheduled for a maximum of three consecutive Grades with separate results and awards issued for each grade.

The eligibility for a Graded Class is detailed below. A Combined Class may be scheduled for more than one consecutive grade with one overall set of results. A Combined Class is open to any combination of dog and handler that qualifies for any of the Grades in that class.

Regulation H(1)(A)9 Progression from each Grade will be determined by the eligibility for the class as referenced in H(1)(A)11.

Results from Combined Classes will only count towards progression from the dog’s current grade.

To count for progression, wins must be gained in standard classes at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows.

Only first prizes and points gained in standard classes at Kennel Club licensed agility Shows may be used for progression through the classes. (A dog is only eligible for one grade). In defining the eligibility of the owner or handler for Grade 1, the two wins and points progression referred to in the definition apply only to one dog and not an accumulation of dogs. a. Grade 1 Open to owners, handlers or dogs which have not gained a minimum of two first places at Grade 1 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, at least one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class. N.B Owners, handlers or dogs previously qualified out of Grade 1 are not eligible for this class. b. Grade 2 Open to dogs which are not eligible for Grade 1 or have elected to progress on points from Grade 1 and are not eligible for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. c. Grade 3 Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of two first places at Grade 2 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class or have elected to progress on points from Grade 2 and are not eligible for Grades 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7. d. Grade 4

Regulation H(1)(A)2

Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of three first places at Grade 3 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping classes), or have elected to progress on points from Grade 3 and are not eligible for Grades 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7

TO:

e. Grade 5

2. In the following definitions of classes First prize or other prize wins are those gained in standard classes at any Kennel Club licensed Championship agility, Premier agility, Open agility or Limited agility Shows (i.e. special classes and invitational events are excepted).

Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four first places at Grade 4 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for Grades 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7

Only a first place with a clear round completed within the course time set by the judge will count towards grade progression.

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The Agility voice

f. Grade 6

h. Championship Class.

Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four first places at Grade 5 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, three of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7.

Open to dogs having qualified to compete in Grade 7 which have had five wins at Full Height in either Grade 6 or Grade 7, at least three of which must be gained in Agility classes. To consist of 2 qualifying rounds of Standard Kennel Club Classes, 1 Agility Class and 1 Jumping Class and a final round of Agility to be held at the same Show.

g. Grade 7 Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of five first places at Grade 6 at Kennel Club Licensed Agility Shows, three of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

In addition to the above, references to imperial measurements have been removed from the relevant regulations.

Agility Liaison Council Meeting Agenda The next Agility Liaison Council (ALC) meeting is on 17 January 2019. This means that our reps will be holding meetings face to face and online to gauge feelings about the points on the agenda.

Please support them by attending meetings and offering constructive feedback.

Below is a summary of the main points of interest – please see www.thekennelclub.org.uk for the full agenda.

Matters arising from July’s meeting At its meeting on 2 October 2018, the Board approved a number of amendments to H Regulations, relating to the following issues: Progression structure The Activities Committee considered the Council’s recommendation that a 5-year moratorium be placed on any further changes to the progression structure, except for minor amendments or corrections if necessary, and any changes relating to Championship classes. This would allow for the impact of the current changes to grading and progression to be fully realised before making any further amendments.

The Board approved the imposition of the 5-year moratorium as outlined above, with the exception of issues relating to health and welfare.

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Jump heights and height limits for dogs The Committee considered the implementation date for the above, noting the Council’s recommendation that the revised Regulations should come into effect on 1 January 2019. However, there were some concerns as to the practicalities of early implementation and whether an implementation date of 1 January 2019 would allow sufficient time for competitors, show organisers, and equipment manufacturers to prepare.

It also acknowledged that there would be implications on office resources, such as alterations to the Kennel Club website and the production of FAQs to assist competitors.

In addition, it would be necessary for show processors to re-programme their systems to accommodate the new Intermediate height. In view of these concerns the Committee recommended that the new implementation date for the revised Regulations H(1)(B)2 Height Limit for Dogs and Regulation H(1)(B)3 should be 1 January 2020.

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This recommendation was subsequently approved by the Board.

No proposals have been received

Use of whistles - proposed new Regulation H(1)10.h The Committee considered a proposed new Regulation to prevent the use of whistles in standard classes, however it did not accept that there was any necessity to make any amendment to H Regulations. It was of the view that there were other ways in which the issue may be addressed by show organisers wishing to exclude the use of whistles, such as the inclusion of a statement in schedules indicating that they may not be used, or via judges’ contract documentation. Accordingly, it did not recommend approval of the proposed amendment.

Mrs J Gardner: Advertisement of shows

Restrictions on shows held on the same date At its meeting on 18 January 2018, the Council noted that a new Customer Relationship Management database was currently under development by the Kennel Club, however this would not be in place until 2020. Until such time as the new system came into operation, it would not be possible to implement measures relating to clashing shows, such as the restriction of licences for shows within a specified distance of each other. The Council agreed that a further discussion on the issue should take place, and, accordingly, it is invited to consider whether any changes to the current procedures are necessary, and if so, what changes would be required. Any changes proposed by the Council would be subject to approval by the Activities Committee and the Board.

Discussion items

There is an assumption amongst the agility community that all shows being advertised had already applied for, and been granted, their show licences. However, Mrs Gardner wishes to highlight that this is not the case, and that some shows being advertised have not only not had their licences approved but have not even applied for these licences.

Mrs Gardner is of the view that this situation should be clarified, in the interests of competitors and judges who may plan their attendance at shows only to find that a licence for an advertised show is not subsequently granted by the Kennel Club.

She wishes to highlight that anyone wishing to check the licensed status of a show may do so at the Kennel Club’s Find A Show page: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/ services/public/findashow The site displays show dates which have been allocated, including those which have not yet been licensed, noting that licences only need to be applied for 6 months prior to the show. It is possible to filter results by discipline, date, location, and by a further filter on a club name or licence type.

Ms T Stilgoe: Running Orders in Championship Classes

Issues faced by agility judges The Council had requested that both the Judging Panel and the Activities Judges Sub-Group give further consideration to issues facing agility judges, in light of the Council’s views on the matter with a view for further discussion.

Ms Stilgoe wishes to draw the attention of the Council to the issue of running orders in Championship classes. She is of the view that it is unfair on handlers with more than one dog who are drawn to run consecutively, especially when there are quite a number of dogs in Championship classes these days.

It is invited to note that the Sub-Group had noted the Council’s concerns regarding the number of agility judges who were retiring from judging, for a variety of reasons, including health, age, and possibly issues relating to social media. It also accepted that the overloading of judges was also an issue.

Ms Stilgoe notes the importance of warming up dogs prior to competing but is concerned that being drawn consecutively in Championship classes does not allow for the first dog to be cooled down, or for the second dog to be warmed up.

The Sub-Group noted that the concerns applied mainly to agility and acknowledged that efforts must be made to ensure that enough new judges were being trained to support the growing number of participants in the discipline. This included the provision of an adequate number of seminars, and also mentoring services which were necessary to ensure that new judges felt confident.

Accordingly, it requested that the matter be referred back to the Agility Liaison Council for a further discussion on ways in which existing judges could be supported to prevent them retiring from judging, and ways in which new judges may be encouraged.

Accordingly, she wishes the Council to discuss the possibility of amending Regulation H(1)7.a., to ensure that no handlers have a consecutive running order in a Championship class. Ms Stilgoe’s suggestion is that the Regulation be amended to read as follows: Regulation H(1)7.Ballot for Championship Running Orders a. Agility Round and Jumping Round - A draw for the running order of the Agility and Jumping Rounds must be made prior to the Show. The relevant competitors must be notified before the day of the Show. The dogs must run in the order in which they are drawn. After the draw has been carried out, and where a handler runs more than one dog in

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The Agility voice

a Championship Class, there should be a minimum of x-number (suggest 10 or 12) dogs between a handler's runs. This should be done by the show secretary prior to the issue of the running orders to competitors, and should be done by moving the later drawn dog further down the running order list.

If this is not possible (because of consecutive draws at the end of the class), the first drawn dog should be moved up the running order list. (proposed insertion in bold) Mr A Stafford: Removal of the Table from the list of obstacles Mr Stafford wishes the Council to consider removal of the Table from the list of obstacles as specified in Regulation H(1)(B)3.e. He is of the view that the Table has not been used for many years and that there is no set way of judging it.

Cornwall Agility Club Geographical Spread of Championship Agility Shows The Club wishes the Council to discuss and review the geographical location of Kennel Club Championship Agility Shows throughout the UK, and to make recommendations to improve the geographical spread.

It wishes to highlight that there is a very active agility community in the South West which feels itself to be disadvantaged, with the nearest Championship Shows at Chippenham and Gillingham, in excess of 120 miles from the nearest locations in Cornwall for Large Championship competitors, and 150 miles for Small and Medium Championship competitors.

Cornwall Agility Club also wishes the Council to discuss the criteria used by the Kennel Club when considering applications for Championship status, and to consider whether these should be published with the objective of assisting clubs in formulating successful applications.

Ms H Grantham: Increase of Minimum and Maximum Number of Obstacles Ms Grantham requests the Council to discuss a change to the current Regulation regarding minimum and maximum obstacles that can be used in an agility or jumping course. It is suggested that the maximum number of obstacles should be increased to 22.

Regulation H(1)(B)1.a.(3) currently states: Design—The course should require a dog to traverse at least 10 obstacles but not more than 20 and all jump obstacles in any class should be the same height. All obstacles should have a minimum of 5m and up to a maximum of 10m between centres of consecutive obstacles using the straight line centre-to-centre method.

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With ever increasing demand and pressure on judges to design grade appropriate, safe, yet challenging courses, a maximum of 20 obstacles is unduly limiting for judges.

Some judges, having designed a course, then realise that 21 or 22 obstacles are required to maintain the test they wish to set, as a result of which it is necessary to remove parts of the test and redesign the course to conform with the Regulation above.

The above is also applicable to the minimum number of obstacles permitted within a course which is currently set at 10. This minimum is hardly used and Ms Grantham is of the view that it is not possible to set a sufficient standard of challenge using just 10 obstacles, especially in agility classes where four of those obstacles must be the three contacts and weaves. The Council is requested to discuss raising this minimum number to 15.

Value for money is part of the judges training program and judges are encouraged to set courses more towards the maximum number than the minimum, therefore most courses are set within the 17 to 20 obstacle mark.

Increasing the minimum to 15 and the maximum to 22 would give judges flexibility to design courses that test a good level of ability and ALC 17.01.19 contribute to raising the standard of agility competitors as a whole. The only adverse implication may be that the course time matrix would require reviewing, however it is likely that this will be reviewed as a result of reduction in jump heights being reduced so 2020 may be the optimum time to apply this possible change.

Ms N Cuddy Regulation H 28.a.(9) (Disqualification and Forfeit of Awards) Ms Cuddy wishes the Council to discuss a suggested amendment to the above Regulation as follows to remove the requirement that a dog may be disqualified if proved to have been “Handled by the scheduled judge’s spouse, immediate family or is resident at the same address as the scheduled judge.”

Under the terms of the suggested amendment, judges would be permitted to judge a spouse, immediate family member or resident at the same address in all classes at Kennel Club Licenced shows, with no exceptions.

Rationale Since its introduction in January 2012 the above Regulation has caused problems for both show organisers and competitors alike: • Experienced judges have withdrawn from judging due to the restrictions it places on their immediate family when competing, which has a negative impact on Agility.

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• Show organisers have found it much more difficult to find a good range of different judges for their shows to support a broad range of challenges being tested.

different criteria being applied for agility to those in other disciplines. However, in both breed and field trial competitions the above regulation is not in force.

• Assigning judges to classes once a contract is accepted has become more problematic for show organisers.

Often judges’ classes need to be reassigned and show organisation reworked once shows are closed and entries known.

Agility judges are bound to judge by the H Regulations and appropriate Codes of Best Practice, and as such their decisions are highly objective, producing results which are based on timing and accuracy. A clear appeal path is also in place should there be any cause for concern.

• Competitors may enter classes at a show, to find that their entry is no longer allowed due to a change in a judge’s class allocations.

It should also be noted that this issue has been addressed by the FCI due to similar concerns and arguments and amendments have recently been agreed to allow judges to judge spouses and family members.

A proposal to address these issues was discussed by the Council at its meeting in January 2015 but its recommendations were not recommended for approval by the Activities Committee due to concerns regarding

UK Agility Rule Changes for 2019 UK Agility has announced the revision of some of its rules for 2019 that competitors need to be aware of.

• The approach to a contact must be 8 metres maximum using the dogs’ path. This includes from exits of tunnels.

Major changes include;

• The breakaway tyre will now be faulted if the dog breaks the tyre when negotiating

• Performance Levels – No Games points needed to progress. For Novice to Senior the current points to progress still stands but dogs can also progress if they accrue 48 points, 24 of which are in Agility. For Senior to Champ the current points to progress still stands but dogs can also progress if they accrue 60 points, 30 of which are in Agility. The delaying progression rule has now been scrapped.

• Masters may now have up to 22 obstacles in a class • Ring size is still recommended to be 35m x 35m where possible. Other accepted ring sizes are 32m x 32m, 40m x 25m and 35m x 30m.

• Each contact can only be negotiated once in the course.

• Rolled collars, and for handlers with a visual impairment, a collar with bells sewn into it can now be worn • A dog cannot be called for a “significant hesitation” refusal if it creeps on the start line and stops in front of the first obstacle.

• A dog cannot be called for a refusal when negotiating the backside of a jump until it is on the “take off side” The full rule book is available on the UK Agility website: www.ukagility.com/about/judges. They have handily provided two versions of the new rule book. One is marked up with the changes from 2018 highlighted in red, as well as a standard edition.

• A single jump must be used for the Start and finish obstacle (with the exception of the Power section in P&S)

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The Agility voice

News & Announcements

Have You Checked out Our New Website yet?

Last month we launched the biggest change to the club in years, our bright new mobileresponsive website. It will enable you to enter those vital league points as they happen! It also ensures we are GDPR-compliant, and will enable us to do more, digitally, in the future. As much as we are proud of our history, we want to make sure we are here long into the future too.

It was a huge undertaking, led by committee member Nicola Ayres, on top of all her hard work with the leagues.

She has worked alongside developers Pink Fin, while top agility photographer Sean Cameron has provided some of his amazing images.

Thousands of pieces of data were transferred to the new site, and since going live, over 700 results have been added.

There have been a few teething problems, and several good ideas from members have been put forward as people have tried out the site. If you do experience problems, please email Nicola using annualawards@ agilityclub.org or via the link on the Committee page on the site. Email enables her to log the calls and ensure they are addressed via papertrail, so please use this rather than other methods of contact.

20 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

Please also remember that Nicola is a volunteer.

Sadly, some of the contacts have been very rude.

We understand that your points are important to you – we wouldn’t run the leagues if they weren’t important to us too – and any issues will be resolved as soon as possible. But please be patient and bear in mind that much of this work is done outside of Nicola’s full-time job.

To everyone who has sent in feedback – thank you.

For both the Voice and the website, your comments help us improve.

ShoutOut

ShoutOut!

An Apology… We inadvertently left one of our winners out of the gallery of photographs in September.

Louise Challis and Isla won the Grade 7 Final.

They are pictured here receiving their award.

Photo by Sean Cameron

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The Agility voice

Distant Handler Would you go to the ends of the earth for your dog?

How about just to the other side of the world? When we heard that Mexican agility handler Celia Rodriguez was travelling more than 5,000 miles to attend the Instructor’s Seminar, we just had to pop along and find out more about Mexican agility and what brought her to a rather cold Burchett’s Green…

Hola, Celia and welcome. Please tell us a little about yourself and your dog.

CR: Paba is an English Springer Spaniel, she is 7-years-old now. She has been with me since she was two months old; it was love at first sight! Since the first time I held her, I knew that I would never let her go again. She was the smallest of her litter, she was actually half the size of her brothers, so it was clear that she was not going to grow up as a full-size Springer, which I didn’t mind at all, I just loved her from the beginning. The breeder offering a reduced price because of her size, so I got the puppy with discount.

How long have you been training Paba in agility?

CR: We started doing agility in an “Agility for fun” class when Paba was 1 year old and we remained there for a while, we just started training more seriously two years ago.

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What is agility like in Mexico? How big are the shows?

CR: It is highly centralized, in Mexico City there is at least one official competition per month plus several unofficial matches. In my area, Guadalajara, there is just one official competition per year plus maybe two or three unofficial matches. This year’s official competition in my area was actually last week, there were 74 dogs running, with a total of 459 entries (it lasted three days). In Mexico City competitions are usually bigger.

Why did you choose to do the Instructors’ Course?

CR: I am an agility fan but most of all I am Paba’s number one fan. I love to see her happy while doing agility, she loves it! Well, I realized that she is no longer a puppy, she probably won’t do agility for much longer, and since anything I learn I want us to apply it together, now seemed as the perfect time. I decided to take this

Mexico Feature

particular seminar because it seemed to cover all the basics, and it actually did, and more.

What did you think of the course? What did you learn?

CR: I loved it! I really liked the way everybody cares about their dogs: designing safe courses, not insisting if the dog doesn’t want to run the course, etc. I learned how to design a safe course, how to teach weaves (we still struggle with those, hopefully not for long), how to reinforce contacts, among other things.

What differences in agility in the UK were you aware of while you were on the Instructors’ Course?

CR: We have more height categories, and we have a “performance” category, in which dogs jump less height. For example, a 16” dog jumps 16” height on Championship category, but if you move that dog to Performance category, it will jump 12”. It is totally up to you to decide in which category you want your dog to run. We also still use the table a lot.

How was the exam day? Were you confident?

CR: I was pretty nervous! The tutors were great, but I still was pretty nervous.

What were your tutors like on the course?

CR: Our tutors were great! They were helpful, kind and always willing to answer all our questions, they really cared about whether we understood something or not.

Now you are back in Mexico, how have you used what you learned?

CR: We did great in our competition last week: we ran two courses and in both we got 1st place and Q (qualifying round). The first place is not such a big deal, since there are not many dogs in Paba’s category (12”), most dogs jump 20” or 22”, but the Q’s were a nice surprise. I also noted that we improved on our time; the sequencing part of the seminar helped me to realize how to better plan my course. Also, I’m more attentive to security during our practice courses.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of doing the Agility Club Instructors’ Seminar?

CR: Go for it! For me it was a little difficult, I am quite shy so to be talking in front of other people was a challenge, but I would definitely do it again. I am sure Paba and I will be applying what I learned there for as long as we remain doing agility.

Notice of AGM The Agility Club Annual General Meeting Will be held on Sunday 24th Feburary 2018 at 1pm at Roade Village Hall, Bailey Brook Lane, Roade, Northampton, NN7 2LS (There is plenty of parking and areas to walk dogs)

Directions to Venue From the M1: leave at Junction 15 onto A508, signposted Roade, Stoke, Bruerne, Old Stratford.

In about 2 miles, on entering Roade take the first right, Bailey Brooks Lane. The Village Hall is about 100 yards on the right. For sat-nav users the postcode is NN7 2LS.

* Nominations for Committee will be received by the club secretary - Club Members may be nominated and all nominations will close 42 days prior to the AGM. Should the number of nominees exceed the number of vacancies for the Committee the election shall be decided by ballot by those members present at the AGM. No individual may be elected on to the Committee unless they have been a paid up member for the 12 months preceding the AGM. * Items for the Agenda should be forwarded to the club secretary up to 42 days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.

Club Secretary, Jan Smith: by email jansmith.agc@aol.com or by post to 29 Rylstone Close, Cox Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3HT

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The Agility voice

Results

Animal Health Company Classic Final 2018 The Animal Health Company Classic is a unique event in the dog Agility world with all three Kennel Club heights of dog competing against each other.

Regional heats were held around the country from early spring and our finalists were invited to celebrate their achievement at the autumn Animal Health Company Celebrations. With morning classes open to all finalists and their connections: the arrival bacon rolls ensured all were well set up for the day.

The morning classes allowed our finalists to acclimatise their dogs to the surroundings as for many, this would be the first indoor show of the winter season.

With the course for the final built, it was time for lunch courtesy of Animal Health which allowed the finalists a good time to plan their strategy for their final run with dogs running in small, medium and then large dog order.

Judge, Jackie Gardner’s Report Thank you to Animal Health Company for inviting me to judge the Animal Health Classic Final. This is an event I have previously enjoyed competing in, so I was really honoured to be asked to judge this final.

We got everyone warmed up with a KC Agility Class, followed by a Special Jumping Class. I set some big, fast and flowing courses and I hope you all enjoyed them.

The Animal Health Company Celebrations provided free drinks and food all day for everyone attending.

This hospitality is unique to them and I am sure was truly appreciated by all finalists.

My finals course was another big, fast flowing course, and it was fantastic seeing everyone really go for it.

Congratulations to Julie Dunlop with Hillsidejemz Firecracker (small dog) for taking the 2018 Animal Health Company Classic title a second quicker than second Sara Bacon with Tynevermore Torque (large dog) and Amy Bennett with Heaven Sent to Mirramay (small dog) who took the final spot on the podium.

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Results

Animal Health Company Classic Final 2018 1. Julie Dunlop with Hillsidejemz Firecracker C 25.119 secs 2. Sara Bacon with Tynevermore Torque C 26.405 secs 3. Amy Bennett with Heaven Sent To Mirramay C 26.410 secs 4. Ellie Horsburgh with Loop De Loop Louie C 26.637 secs 5. Jess Ottaway with Hannans Little Feet of Flames C 26.849 secs 6. Dawn Hughes with Eye Spy Rosealifies Firefly C 26.907 secs 7. Sam Towe with Licosateria Shades Of Blue C 27.015 secs 8. Stuart Milton with Jupavia Blue Motion C 27.051 secs

Animal Health Company’s Sales Manager Jennie Westcott said, “We are delighted to congratulate all our 2018 winners of this Agility competition and hope everyone enjoyed themselves taking part around the country. With our finalists arriving from the south and east coasts, Wales and Manchester we hope you enjoyed your day, win or lose at the Animal Health Company Celebrations 2018.”

The Animal Health Company looks forward to meeting you at an Agility show near you in 2019. They Animal Health Company offer a range of products for the Agility dog including their new food, Westcotts. See their website www.animal-health.co.uk for more.

9. Debbie Figg with Rooquis Truly Magical C 27.178 secs 10. Jackie Travers Spencer with Its all about Mimi C 27.196 secs

5

10

15

8 15

15

9 12

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10 13

10

11 6

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0

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3 16 4

-5

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18 -5

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-10

1 -15

AHC Final 24th Nov 2018 Judge: Jackie Gardner 5

10

-15

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The Agility voice

Results

Bretford DTS Championship Agility Show Moreton Morrell, Saturday 27th October 2018 Judges Hilary Bowden & Dave Jolly With the Arboretum leaves falling on the last day of British Summer, the stage was set for the last opportunity for dogs to qualify for championship agility at Crufts 2019. We welcomed some 240 partnerships at the top of their game to the first ever ‘championship classes’ only Agility show in the UK. With Welsh & Scottish entry, our venue at the heart of the English motorway system seemed to draw partnerships of all sizes from across England with an open invitation to everyone else to come and watch some of the best Agility dogs in the country strut their stuff.

With a covered arena for Jumping and Grandstand Arena for Agility we moved judges, stewards and dogs as we ran the classes through the day, all meeting together for Tea before the final crucial rounds. I heard one handler say they had never seen so much cake at an Agility show and I am certain some champ handlers had more than one piece!

Large Dogs Judge, Hilary Bowden writes: I don’t normally do writing or reports as I let actions speak louder than words, but as it’s raining and can’t do anything outside here goes.

Firstly, well done to Graham Taylor and team for being the first to put on a Champ-only show, I think it went down well.

Then massive congratulations to Jo Gleed and Scooter for taking the Large Champ Ticket.

What can I say about Sian Illingworth and Agent, who took the Reserve Ticket. Absolutely brilliant, running first and putting in an amazing time, which meant everyone behind had to go for it, resulting in a very exciting final.

Thank you for asking me to judge and special thanks to Lesley Wilks – my scrimer.

Bretford DTS Championship Agility 2018 Winners Small CC: Ashleigh Butler with Ag Ch The Closet Monster Of Ashpen RCC: Sarah Roots with Stowledge Angelica Medium CC: Sarah Woodley with Basileas General Lucius RCC: Shannon Springford with Ag Ch Shansdrean A Gift Of Love Large CC: Jo Gleed with Ag Ch Lookylooky Ready Or Not RCC: Sian Illingworth with Zhanisgo’s Secret Agent

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Results

As a unique occasion, we were fortunate that Sean Cameron was able to join us to record the event for posterity and attached are some photos (lots more on his site) although unfortunately he didn’t get a chance to get a group shot as everyone kept disappearing.

Sean wanted to add “Considering what was at stake for the competitors, I’ve rarely enjoyed such a great atmosphere. You wouldn’t have known that it was their last chance to qualify for Crufts. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Ashley, Jo and Sarah. Well done to everyone for making it a great day.”

We must give special thanks to Judges Hilary and Dave for all the co-operation in the build up to the day. With no tried and tested formula to fall back on, we started arrangements from scratch and as better ideas came forward much give and take and adaptation all round was required, We must also record our thanks to all our stewards both inside and outside the club and of course all the partnerships who joined us to make the event.

Medium & Small Judge, Dave Jolly writes: Thank you to Bretford for asking me to judge at this first Championship classes only show.

I was initially sceptical it would work but largely due to Bretford members’ efforts I heard only praise for the running of the show and how much handlers enjoyed their day.

My ring party were excellent in their duties and made my day much easier, for which I must thank them.

The attitude of the Championship handlers was exemplary and congratulations to all and especially those taking home the tickets!

I am sure the whole team would wish to add their congratulations to our 2018 winners.

Bretford Show Team

The Courses

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 27

The Agility voice

Ladder Your Way in to 2019 This month’s article as promised is about ladders, why we should have a go at them and what they can do for us.

By Stacy Weeks

Firstly, don’t go crazy and buy a fancy agility ladder, you can make one with tape or spray paint. You can tape lines in regular intervals on a carpet, great choice if it is raining, or you can use a (nontoxic) paint spray can to do the same on grass outside.

medical professional first to ensure it is suitable for you if you are currently injured or have any mobility issues.

Here is a basic drill to help you get started.

The idea of the ladder is to improve proprioception, foot placement, increase footwork speed and then if you add a cone, a distance from the end, you can learn to compress, extend and accelerate. So where have we heard this before… oh yes, dog training. I spend my workshops reminding the participants to THINK DOG, would you expect your dog to hurtle through a ladder with no guidance? No, we wouldn’t, we’d coach them through it, slowly, so why do you want to run through a ladder at breakneck speed without understanding your foot placement? Ladders are not really a warm up toy in my opinion, there are far better drills for that, they are to help you work out how to use your body and a great visual tool for me to assess how a body moves.

1. First of all set up an agility ladder (please do not use a regular DIY metal ladder)

If any of you have had an injury, you will most probably have received physiotherapy. When you injure yourself, you damage the proprioceptive system in your body which affects how your body moves confidently through space. I remember years ago when I flipped off my pointe shoes onto my ankle, I had a serious amount of proprioceptive work to do, then when it was better, my prehab (prehabilitation helps to deter injuries) was to balance on a wobble cushion on my pointe shoes.

Ladders can be a great way of adding this proprioceptive element into your programme, but please speak to your

28 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

Single Foot Ladder Drill 2. Stand at one end and literally step one foot in each gap on the ladder until you get to the end. Film the front and the side views and alternate the leading leg, you will see and feel a difference between each side.

3. Watch your video back, are you stepping in the same spot and does it look even? If so, increase the speed a little, remember to keep the upper body as still as possible to conserve your energy expenditure, after all, Barbie® arms are not going to direct your dog in the ring, neither is resembling that scene from Friends with Phoebe and Rachel running through Central Park (it’s a must watch if you haven’t seen it before).

4. Don’t over complicate matters trying fancy footwork initially, get your basics right.

5. You know you are getting better when your speed increases and you stop looking at where your feet go!

6. Then of course you want to use the compression and extension/acceleration element. Add a cone 20m from the end of the ladder, once you get to the end of the ladder, you push off the back leg and sprint to the cone (add your Barbie® arms here if you want to).

Control Precision Flow Feature

Single foot in each rung

Once the basics are in place, there are lots of different drills you can try; two feet in each gap, lateral two step, high legs, rotations, acceleration, jumps, hops, props etc. Great proprioception is having control over your body in motion, having that control improves your communication to your team mate. Short focussed sessions are all you need, review your film back and see what you are doing. If things go to pot when you speed the ladder drill up, go back a step and slow it down.

Above all, THINK DOG, always approach what you do for yourself the way you would your dog. I don’t know anyone who would turn up to an agility show, without training and foundations in place and expect to compete.

There are so many options with ladders, I have some dog agility-specific ones that test proprioception and handling in my programme, but this single foot drill is the building block for everything else ladder-related.

Final Thought for 2018 2018 really has been a year of change hasn’t it. We’ve seen lots of equipment changes, grade changes and even a new height coming in to Kennel Club classes from January 2020. Our sport is changing, and whether you think it’s a positive move or not we cannot deny that competing and courses are getting more demanding.

Lots of you are beginning to start thinking about your part in the partnership, which is great, and some of you are possibly wondering where you should start. January is always a time where we make resolutions, and sadly some of these don’t last very long. My advice is really this: do not make huge changes, choose one simple thing.

It could be something as small as balancing on the balls of your feet whilst you clean your teeth. The hardest part is establishing a routine. When it comes to working out my personal preference is always in-person training, you cannot beat someone with an experienced eye helping you to understand how you use your body in movement.

This certainly doesn’t have to be expensive either, basic personal training can start from as little as £20 an hour, so if you shared that with a friend that’s £10 each, and actually, a really focussed 30 minutes with a professional can be all you need to keep you motivated.

My advice for 2019: take 5% out of your dog’s training budget and put it into yourself, you’ll see a massive difference next season.

About the Author Stacy Weeks is a movement specialist in Pilates, SAQ, Nutrition & Dance. Movement and Intrinsic biomechanics are her passions. Control Precision Flow is a handler specific training programme established in 2013. She is also an Agility Club Instructor (1st class), has been competing for 10 years and has 4 amazing dogs. Stacy works with EO 2018 team member and IMCA 2018 large champion, Lucie Hinchley, & Team GB 2018 squad member Naarah Cuddy, and many others.

Her award winning company Red Yew has been featured in national publications anenterings Control Precision Flow™ workshops UK wide.

Have a topic you want Stacy to answer?

Email editor@agilityclub.org and we’ll see if she can answer it for you.

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 29

The Agility voice

Ty & Ice Feature

Ty’s Diary Merry Christmas Everyone!

By Ty Knight

T

here goes November and the fireworks, and it’s now getting darker even earlier so my training with Ice must be in the back garden with the floodlights on, or indoors.

This will be on the nights we don’t train at the indoor school, and there is plenty to do without getting loads of equipment out at home or at our field.

30 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

One set of jump wings with a pole and you can train your start line waits, go rounds and check- checks plus many more. Also, with a flat board you can train your contact points, but I must say I love training with everyone else on Monday and Friday evenings.

I love the challenge of harder things to do, at the moment we are doing many different things like sending the dogs to a dead toy, front crosses, blinds, go rounds and running through the middle of channel weaves.

Before I start training Ice, I make sure I warm him up. Mum and Dad help me with this. They make sure he stretches, and they massage his muscles. Doing this will help him stop pulling anything, he also wears his coat to and from training to keep him warm.

We are putting together little sequences, which could be 3 jumps then into a tunnel then back over 2 of the jumps and into another tunnel. We do this in different ways, so we are learning many skill sets and it also gets the dogs used to you being indifferent places. So, you could be in front of the dog, so we can put in a blind and then maybe a go round or we will let the dog drive ahead and use a rear cross.

Some of the things we look at I think: ‘Oh my, I’m not sure we will get that’, but the trainers are great because if the dog or handler or both are not quite sure, then they break it down into smaller sections.

It took Ice 3 attempts to go down the centre of the channel weaves,

as he thought running round the outside was the better option, but we used his tug toy to guide him through the middle and bingo, he just got it and we both felt great!

The weaves will stay open for quite some time because you don’t want them to be twisting their bodies too much due to their young age. After a few months the weaves will be moved in a little each week until the dogs are weaving. I know this will be the hardest part to train but as we are taught, don’t rush and it will all come together in time.

Soon it will be Christmas and a very busy time of the year, and it will be a year since I got Ice! When I look back on how far we have both come, from that little ball of fluff to the young dog he is today, it is just amazing. He is my best friend.

I’m hoping that in the New Year I will be doing a little training with Thunder, which is my mum’s dog. Hopefully, if all goes well, I will compete at some YKC events in the Under 12 group, which I’m really looking forward to.

I would like to thank a few people for the first year of my journey with Ice and look forward to many more: Alan Bray, Louise Challis, Samantha Springford, Shannon Springford, Debbie Figg, Emmy Figg and everyone else that has helped and encouraged me on the way so far… Oh and Mum and Dad! If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have my Ice.

Starters Challenge

Starters Challenge 2019 Qualifiers LARGE NAME

DOG’S NAME

BREED

SHOW

KATHY WILLIAMS JULIA EDWARDS CATHERINE STONE BONNIE HEATH RINA LEUNG VERITY BODYCOMBE MURPHY WALTON SUSAN LLOYD ALISON TROTMAN VINCE NORRIS KEN WHEATE GORDON WHITEMAN SHARON BURT

AME MAGNANIME DIDIER DE TITAN STARLIGHT JADE FINN FLINTSTONE BIRCHENHEAD HECTOR SOOKIE WOOKIE DODDAH SHARPHOUSE'S HARMONY ANIONWAIT FOR APPLAUSE LA BELLE JEUNE FILLE MALMELSA ROMANCING MARCELLO BAILEY BOP DARLEYFALLS DOUBLE O' SEVEN MIMI MOUSE EVERY BODY STAN UP

BEAUCERON LABRADOR CROSS LABRADOR

GOLDEN VALLEY GOLDEN VALLEY BILLINGSHURST BILLINGSHURST RVA AGILITY CLUB AGILITY CLUB SKS SKS DOGS IN NEED DOGS IN NEED SOUTHDOWNS SOUTHDOWNS

SPRINGER BORDER COLLIE

MEDIUM NAME

DOG’S NAME

BREED

SHOW

JACQUELINE PINKERTON TRISH HELME LAUREN ASHBY TRACEY BREWER MICHELLE OADES SALLY HUBBARD SHARON YOUNGMAN STEVE MILLINGTON PAULINE WILTON CHARLOTTE COX

BELLIS PERENNIS OF BIRDLIP TURFIES GREASED LIGHTNIN THE LIGHTNING THIEF RIO'S MY LOVE ON THE RUN LA ROCHE AW (S) SALLY'S ENTERTAINER RUBBLE DOUBLE TROUBLE JERI BEAR ANVALOSHTI SPRING SHOWER VILROS TRIATHLON TREV

WORKING COCKER MIN SCHNAUZER CROSS CROSS

GOLDEN VALLEY GOLDEN VALLEY BILLINGSHURST BILLINGSHURST AGILITY CLUB AGILITY CLUB DOGS IN NEED DOGS IN NEED SOUTHDOWNS SOUTHDOWNS

NAME

DOG’S NAME

BREED

SHOW

TRISH HELME JESS RADNOR JODY BRIGDEN REBECCA CHUTER SMITH MICHELLE FRANKLAND JOANNA LOOMES SHIRLEY TURNER DEE OLIVER

MAGIC MOOCH APRIL RAINBOW SHOWER MY SKILLYWIG BRAMLEY COTT MIS MONYPENNY BUD TASTIC JOANNA'S BELLA BOO KENTIXON MISDEMEANOR AGATHA POPPET SNOUT

JACK RUSSELL JACK RUSSELL CROSS SHELTIE

GOLDEN VALLEY GOLDEN VALLEY BILLINGSHURST BILLINGSHURST RVA AGILITY CLUB SKS AGILITY SKS AGILITY

MELANIE HOBBS

OLLIE THE POCKET ROCKET

JACK RUSSELL

DOGS IN NEED

PATRICIA MARSHALL

RAYMOND'S A GEM

PAPILLON

DOGS IN NEED

EMMA STOCK

ATHENA THE MINIBEAST

SOUTHDOWNS

CHARLOTTE COX

HELMICTICIANS TINKERBELL

SOUTHDOWNS

CROSS CROSS

SMALL

Heats There are still lots of chances to qualify for our fantastic Starters Challenge Final, held at our Championship Show in July.

AGILITY CLUB STARTERS CHALLENGE HEATS SHOW

DATE

ENTIRES CLOSE

FINAL

WYRE WALLINGFORD NORFOLK DARTMOOR HATTON WORCESTER BATS PACKINGTON

01/12/2018 27/04/2019 May 2019 May 2019 May 2019 May 2019 May 2019 May 2019

29/10/2018 TBC

2019 2019

TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC

2019 2019 2019 2019 2019

16/02/2019

TBC

2019

NEW HEATS KELLUKI

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 31

The Agility voice

The Dog You Love

By Jodie Forbes

S

ometimes when things go wrong in agility, it’s because of a physical issue.

Lameness, perhaps. Or maybe something less curable, such as old age-related diseases. That’s worse. Final. You don’t want to admit that the dog you picked out as a puppy all those years ago may have to retire from the sport they love. It’s hard. I’ve experienced that.

Sometimes it’s a mental issue.

It’s in your head. You reach the lofty heights of Grade 7 and suddenly you can’t cope with the pressure of championships and qualifiers. You know that your dog has the potential to be breathtaking, but you don’t believe

32 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

in yourself. It feels like you are letting your dog down. It’s hard.

I’ve experienced that.

And sometimes it’s in your dog’s head. Your dog is nervous and shuts down easily. New environments, new equipment, new sequences are just too much to cope with. Agility, an activity that is renowned for being innately reinforcing for all dogs, becomes something that incites anxiety in them. It’s hard. I hadn’t experienced that. Until now.

I started formal agility training classes when I was eleven years old, but I had developed a keen interest in the sport far before that. As a young child I traipsed my stuffed toy dogs on strings over crude makeshift obstacle courses I had set up in my house. My grandparents’ Border Collie was a reluctant pawn in my early fascination in agility.

But I really got the bug when I got my first dog, Hazel.

Hazel was a Border Terrier and I trained her constantly, using (I’ll admit) some questionable methods at times. I was a kid and she was my muse, through her I learnt the foundations of what I know about dog training today. We competed irregularly, both of us still complete newbies, but she made the KC Starters Cup Final, the International Junior Handler Final at KCI and the UKA Grand Finals in her agility career. In her final year of competing, aged 11, she won up to Grade 5 and achieved

her silver agility warrant. Mentally, she was as sharp as ever and she lived for agility, but physically her eyes had started to cloud, she began developing arthritis in her joints and the luxating patella in her knees was causing her visible issues while she was running. She didn’t want to retire, I didn’t want her to retire, but deep down I knew it was time.

Next, there was Bramble.

Bramble is my active dog at the moment, she is an eight-year-old Border Terrier and is Hazel’s daughter. Just like with Hazel, I didn’t compete regularly with Bramble until later in her life, but within two seasons she was Grade 7, qualifying for many finals along the way, and most notably being part of the Crufts Teams Small winners in 2018. Bramble is what some people may call a pain in the butt. Agility is immensely reinforcing to her and for the first seven years of her life, I was unable to put any degree of trust in her when competing, having to babysit her every move in order to avoid immediate elimination.

This was fine on easier courses, and over-handling her was never a big issue in the lower grades, because her speed was fast enough that even wide turns and messy threadles didn’t affect her placings.

But in championship classes, we were completely out of our depth; I didn’t trust her enough to leave her, yet with milliseconds between

The Dog You Love Feature

placings, utilising every second was vital. There was no room for mistakes, and that’s when things began to go downhill. My confidence well and truly shaken, Bramble and I didn’t run clear for months and I began to fall out of love with the sport that had taken over my life. Worse still, Bramble picked up on this and our runs went from being a thrilling train-wreck to something discordant and dull.

Because of this, mid-summer this year I took a hiatus from competing and took this time to work on rebuilding and strengthening my bond with Bramble. I had become too obsessed with winning that I had forgotten why I did agility in the first place: for fun. Right at the end of the 2018 season, Bramble and I returned just in time to catch the last few shows, and for the first time ever, we had clear rounds in most of our runs.

It’s all about mindset, and mine was wrong. Now when I step on the start-line, I feel like we belong there, Bramble and I are connected, and I finally know that I can trust this dog. Rosettes are irrelevant, joy is paramount. I only wish I had realised this sooner, but it is something I won’t ever forget again.

Then there was Tulip. Tulip is a crossbreed pup, nearly 18 months old, with a natural aptitude for agility. She learnt how to do tunnels in five minutes, she ran through a curved tunnel the first time she saw one, she was highly driven for both toys and food, she was fearless on the odd occasion she slipped her lead to scale the contact equipment.

She was rapid and athletic and powerful. The ideal agility dog.

But unlike the terriers, Tulip is very sensitive. If a sequence goes wrong, if I ask something of her that she isn’t entirely comfortable with, if she so much as gets a leaf stuck to her tail then she will shut

down and the training session may as well come to an end. Most peculiarly, when she is enjoying agility, she truly is enjoying it, she cannot get enough and can learn complex behaviours almost instantly. Perhaps this was the problem; I recognised that promise and then pushed her too hard too fast. I wanted to start competing with her as soon as possible, and in doing so I failed to see that her confidence was crumbling, just as mine did when agility became too difficult for me.

So now Tulip and I are stepping back to the start and ensuring that each training session is simple and intrinsically rewarding for her in every aspect. She is still a baby.

There is absolutely no rush. If Tulip starts competing next year, if she starts competing in five years, if she never competes, she is an incredible dog and I will forever be proud of her.

Because no matter what challenges face us, they are still the dogs I love. Regardless of age, health, behavioural issues or anything else, Hazel, Bramble and Tulip are entirely perfect.

So Hazel isn’t physically able to compete in agility anymore?

She has an active mind and she

is still the same dog I fell in love with twelve years ago. She spends her days doing trick training and freestyle to music, we are starting low-impact sports such as obedience and tracking. Ultimately, she leads a thoroughly enriching life. Retirement from agility has begun a new chapter for her.

Bramble hopefully has a few years left competing, but now the only thing I am aiming for when I step into the ring is for us to have the time of our lives. Anything else will be a nice but unnecessary bonus.

And with Tulip, I am going to give her the best life ever. Her happiness is all I am concerned with, and if that means we only dabble in agility then so be it.

I see a bright future for her, perhaps we will follow a different path, but whatever she ends up doing, I know she will shine.

All I know is that these three dogs have taught me immeasurably valuable lessons about life, perhaps the most important one being that you have to work with each individual dog, the dog that is in front of you, the dog you love.

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 33

The Agility voice

Olympia 2018 Running Orders Kennel Club Olympia ABC Dog Jumping Grand Prix Wednesday 19th December 2018 R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

Amy Creaser Sue Mosedale Denise Catt Jo Nash Sophie Hudson Adam Stretton Amanda Yates Isaac Hartley Julie Rumsey

Choxxstart Red Satori Skinny When Wet Bachero Redwood C’Mikki AW(D) This Is What Lu Came For Don’t Coop Around Tottakai Voin Olla Valopillku Devonairs Kanga Kamikaze Kiera Hairy Havoc

Working Bearded Collie Working Bearded Collie Australian Shepherd Dog Labrador Australian Kelpie Pyrenean Sheepdog Australian Kelpie Cross Lurcher

Kennel Club Olympia ABC Dog Agility Final R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Isaac Hartley Philippa Bradley Jo Nash Julie Rumsey Denise Catt Amanda Yates Sophie Hudson Amy Creaser Adam Stretton Sue Mosedale

Kamikaze Kiera Missy Millie Mischief This Is What Lu Came For Hairy Havoc Bachero Redwood C’Mikki AW(D) Devonairs Kanga Don’t Coop Around Choxxstart Red Satori Tottakai Voin Olla Valopillku Skinny When Wet

Cross Cross Labrador Lurcher Australian Shepherd Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Kelpie Working Bearded Collie Pyrenean Sheepdog Working Bearded Collie

Kennel Club Olympia Medium Dog Jumping Grand Prix Thursday 20th December 2018 R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Toni Dawkins Hayley Telling Harriet Harding Dalton Meredith Emma Gamble Mike Wyatt Sian Illingworth Chloe Brown Natasha Chambers Dawn Weaver

Bachero Cross My Heart Ag Ch New Illusions Bi Enchantment Of The Five Colors Little Miss Izz Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive Dynamite Dinky Diva Lilly In The Mist Ag Ch Arnpriors Made Of Honour Live Wire Light Up And Fire Northfen Indie Go Go Galaxy's Ace of Spades

Min American Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog WSD BC Cross WSD BC Working Cocker Spaniel Cross Cross

Kennel Club Olympia Medium Dog Agility Final R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Harriet Harding Emma Gamble Dawn Weaver Natasha Chambers Toni Dawkins Dalton Meredith Sian Illingworth Chloe Brown Mike Wyatt Hayley Telling

Little Miss Izz Dynamite Dinky Diva Galaxy’s Ace of Spades Northfen Indie Go Go Bachero Cross My Heart Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive Ag Ch Arnpriors Made Of Honour Live Wire Light Up And Fire Lilly In The Mist Ag Ch New Illusions Bi Enchantment Of The Five Colors

WSD Cross Cross Cross Min American Shepherd BC BC Working Cocker Spaniel WSD Shetland Sheepdog

34 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

Olympia 2018 Running Orders

Kennel Club Olympia Novice Dog Agility Semi-Final Friday 21st December 2018 R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Tina Twyman Teresa Faretra Tracy Moerel Lucy O’Neill Naarah Cuddy Fiona Keast Jenny Kimber Charlotte Harding Nicole Turner Natasha Chambers Nic Jones Lara Staplehurst Joanna Woolford Leigh Wilkinson Jackie Fellows Nicola Wildman Jane Powell Haldene Hartley Claire Bacon Tunde Bell

Dreamorox Repeat The Dream Kilgetty Kip Deutschlander Schnapps The Epic Pig Lilhaze Dark Pleasure Mum’s Bright Star Fandabidozi Dare To Rumba Cherryhog Pixie Without Rhyme or Reason Northfen Quintimental Omega Finch At Flickflack Zhanisgo Definitely Maybe Devils Fantazy Along Came Professor Xavier Flikaways My Kynda Guy Devongem Freekin Awesome Kooga Hotpants Puella Pied Piper Tynevermoor Secret Mission Nedlo Black Betti Bambalam

BC BC GSP Cross BC WSD BC BC WSD Cross BC BC Cross WSD BC BC WSD WSD BC BC

Dogs placed 1st to 10th in Semi Final go through to Friday evening Agility finals.

Dogs placed 11th to 20th in Semi Final go through to Friday afternoon jumping competition.

Kennel Club Olympia Large 6/7 Dog Agility Semi-Final Saturday 22nd December 2018 R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Dan Shaw Lee Windeatt Greg Derrett Jo Gleed Lauren Langman Natasha Wise Angela Williams Dave Munnings Martin Reid Lee Gibson Sian Illingworth Lucie Hinchley Lee Windeatt Nick Cirket Dalton Meredith Steven Richardson Laura Chudleigh Dan Shaw Shannon Springford Kelly Menear

Devongem Did It Again Soldaze Madame Bikini Nedlo Addicting Sproglett Ag Ch Lookylooky Ready Or Not Devongem Bright Spark Ag Ch Nedlo Flipping Shiny Pebble Sanduck Tick Topp Ag Ch Comebyanaway Reddy for Fame Ag Ch Borderpaws Secret Surprise Never Neverland F’Hawk Ferdi’s Mirror Image Ag Ch Borderspirit Bright Star Mendipstar Coy Oaty Snuggly Kaylies Adrenalin Rush Neon Oxide Morgansr Digital Demon Ag Ch Borderpaws Dark Prince Ag Ch Combyanaway Redefined Castomya First Love Devongem Freekin Wild

BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC WSD Cross BC BC BC BC

Dogs placed 1st to 10th in Semi Final go through to Saturday evening Agility finals.

Dogs placed 11th to 20th in Semi Final go through to Saturday afternoon jumping competition.

Kennel Club Olympia Small Dog Jumping Grand Prix Sunday 23rd December 2018 R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stacey Irwin-Burns Dawn Weaver Sarah Roots Bonny Quick Alan Bray Dave Munnings Kathryn Stickney Toni Dawkins Lauren Langman Selena Bray

Lucas’s Little Soppy Sam Ag Ch Galaxy’s Dream Summer Stowledge Angelica Ag Ch Goldheart Trail Of Flames Devongem Fire Starter at Upanova Tiger Boost Bite Injasuti Coco Mademoiselle Ag Ch Basileas Hear Me Roar Ag Ch Samsir Blinkin Brilliant At Devongem Devongem Absolute Steel

Cross Cross Working Cocker Cross Working Cocker Cross Working Cocker Min American Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Working Cocker

Kennel Club Olympia Small Dog Agility Final R/O

HANDLER

DOG

BREED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kathryn Stickney Toni Dawkins Dave Munnings Alan Bray Selena Bray Sarah Roots Dawn Weaver Lauren Langman Bonny Quick Stacey Irwin-Burns

Injasuti Coco Mademoiselle Ag Ch Basileas Hear Me Roar Boost Bite Devongem Fire Starter at Upanova Tiger Devongem Absolute Steel Stowledge Angelica Ag Ch Galaxy’s Dream Summer Ag Ch Samsir Blinkin Brilliant At Devongem Ag Ch Goldheart Trail Of Flames Lucas's Little Soppy Sam

Working Cocker Min American Shepherd Cross Working Cocker Working Cocker Working Cocker Cross Cocker Spaniel Cross Cross

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 35

The Agility voice

Constant Contacts

By Nicola Wildman Photography by Sean Cameron

I

f there is one set of obstacles everyone would like to improve, it is always the contacts. From top level handlers to beginners, everyone wants more consistency and better hits, be that 2on2off or running.

Most people’s issues are not from training in the first place but transitioning effectively to the ring. This causes great angst and also much complaining… What is it about those damn coloured bits at the end of the contacts that causes us humans to be driven round the bend!

36 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

Firstly, let’s talk about the initial training of the contacts and where you could potentially go wrong before you have even stepped into the ring. I see a lot of people on a weekly basis with a variety of issues with contacts be it running or stopped. One of the biggest issues I see is people using props that they have no idea how to fade out. So when I am talking about props I mean stride regulators, contact mats, nose targets, plastic hoops etc. etc.

Whenever you add something into the picture that won’t be there in

competition, you need a great plan to fade it out. For example, with my running contact mat I start with quite a thick mat that is a contrasting colour to the contact, I then transition to a thinner mat which is a contrasting colour before finally going to a thin mat which is matching in colour before removing the mat entirely. I like to add minimal things in because I know the more props I add, the longer it will take me to fade them.

The biggest mistake I see in this case is the nose target. Time and time again I get people coming to see me saying ‘my contacts are perfect in training but non-existent in competition’. They are often using a version of the nose target method but instead of putting in all the foundation work to teach an amazing and obsessive nose target, they just stick a treat on the target which the dog comes down the contact and eats whilst in roughly the 2on2off position.

The target with treat is placed in such a location that lures the correct position. There are two issues with this. Firstly, the dog is doing the 2on2off behaviour by happy coincidence because the treat is there, and secondly how do you fade that, since once you take the treat away the behaviour ceases to exist?

Nicola Wildman Feature

To use this method effectively, the dog should learn to nose target a disk on the ground. This disk can then be faded to a clear disk and then finally the dog nose touches the ground instead as a trained behaviour which can be rewarded.

The target with a treat on it is simply a lure which is then difficult to transition because the dog does not understand the behaviour it should be doing to gain the reward when the lure isn’t in place.

A lure encourages the behaviour you want. For example, to train a spin for heelwork to music, most dogs won’t offer this naturally, so I teach this behaviour with a lure in my hand, which I can gradually use less and less until it turns into a reward. Lures have their place, I often use lures for conditioning work to ensure correct form, but I don’t ever really need these behaviours to become independent.

On the other hand, a reward is not used to encourage the dog into a behaviour but only appears after the dog has completed it. Rewardbased training encourages more independent and quicker learning than luring in most cases. I have seen people succeed in training 2on2off contacts with a treat on a target but it took a really long time to transition to the ring as they were essentially training it again without the treat.

I have seen lots of sound methods “altered” so people don’t need to put in the foundation training. I only have a few words of warning: shortcuts never pay!

Put in the foundation work even if it feels frustrating and pointless.

I personally adore teaching foundations in my house in my PJ’s - isn’t that the best sort of dog training in winter? But lots of people will avoid it at all costs because they only want to be doing “real” agility. If you want amazing “real” agility, this starts with putting the work in on your

foundations, so you don’t have to take shortcuts to teach more complex behaviours like contacts later on.

Another brilliant thing to think about is: if you could you write down your contact criteria in just a couple of lines, would it be crystal clear so that someone without any prior knowledge of agility would be able to understand how your dog should be completing the contact? If not, then consider if your canine agility partner can

also understand what you want.

Is it black and white for your dog or are there several shades of grey areas for confusion?

So you have the contact behaviour in place, you have managed to fade any training aids on or around the equipment - are you ready to go out competing now then? Nope! You need to make sure you are not providing any additional assistance, for example are you body-braking your contacts? By this I mean in order

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 37

The Agility voice

to get the behaviour you want, do you have to do something specific to get it? For 2on2off’s it could be that you stop alongside the contact and the dog hits position but if you run past the dog doesn’t stop, or it could be for your running contacts that the dog only provides a great hit if you run past at the speed of light! Both of these could fall apart in the ring quite easily if judges set certain scenarios which require you to do something different.

I have seen this happen with some excellent dog trainers and it isn’t always body-braking, it could be moving their arm or head or shifting their body weight in a certain way. As humans we seem to be pretty damn good at patterning things, especially body movements which makes us predictable to our dogs. This is a great thing if we are talking about teaching a go-round on a body cue but not so handy if we want our dog to do their contact behaviour no matter where we are or what we are doing.

This is called proofing, where you take the initial behaviour and you make sure the dog understands it in a variety of environments and

38 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

scenarios, performing it correctly in all situations. It is best to do this before there is a problem.

In preparation for competition I will take my contact behaviour to many venues and put it under arousal. This is particularly important if you train running contacts as equipment by different manufacturers behaves very differently which can affect your dog. But whatever your method of contacts, consider taking it to different places and rewarding the dog for this. Training in the ring shows are brilliant; I always try to bring young dogs out there, where they can be rewarded in the ring for the correct behaviour. Try to blur the lines between training and competing as much as possible and going to other places under competition-style pressure can be ideal.

I go way over and above what the dog will encounter in the show environment, like running past with a tuggy toy right in front or having another dog race past the one on the contact. Unlikely to ever be something they will see in competition… but then again, I did

once have to set my dog up on a start line at a national final with a flock of ducks only a few meters away!

If you train hard then whatever you get in competition should be easy for both you and the dog. Better to get it wrong in the training environment where you have all the tools and time to fix the issues immediately, than having to try and fix what happened in competition, a week later at training.

Now you’re probably thinking: ‘hold on a second there Nicola, I know you’re saying all of this but at North Derbyshire I saw your dog get off her dog walk when you called for a stop…’ She has what we call a dual dog walk where I can ask for a stop or a running. Yep guess what: dogs can still be dogs, like humans make mistakes so do they!

Maybe they get a little bit giddy and don’t stop in position, now this is really where your decision makes all the difference. Do you put your dog back on the contact for not hitting criteria, or do you let them get away with it and carry on/ This decision will shape how you do agility and if you have a lifelong struggle with contacts or have brilliantly consistent contacts. Or as consistent as they can be without switching your dog for a robot - and let’s face it that would be no fun at all!

If you choose to kindly ask the judge if you can pop your dog back over the contact to ensure your dog hits criteria, the message you are giving is “Whatever situation, training or competition, whatever time, even if you’re excited, you need to hit my criteria or you will have to repeat the piece of equipment again.“ However, if you choose to let the dog carry on even when you know in training you would take them back, then the message you are giving is “Competition is different to training, in competition

Nicola Wildman Feature

you can do whatever you fancy and I might looked stressed about it but there won’t be any reason for you to do your contact properly because I won’t give you a consistent message.” The dog then views the situation in competition as an entirely different exercise to training. You created two different behaviours in that split-second decision. The more you fail to be consistent, the more you confuse your dog, to the point they could decide that the contact point is more stress than it is worth.

I find the biggest sticking point when I speak to my less experienced students who have great contacts prior to going out in competition, is they are worried about what the judge will think.

Now in my experience 95% of

judges are happy to let you pop your dog back over a contact if you ask and are polite. I am also perfectly happy to leave the ring after repeating an element and if they let me carry on even better.

If they say no, I will just leave the ring then ask my dog for some other behaviours and reward for those instead, but I won’t carry on. I think this is more a reflection on the judge than your ability as a dog trainer. Every great dog agility trainer I respect has encouraged this in the ring and been happy to see this happen when they judge.

I know when I judge, I would rather someone popped their dog back over the contact than let the dog start to become confused.

Every time I listen to an interview or speak to a brilliant handler

about dog training and agility specifically, they talk about clarity and consistency. If we are not allowed to help our dogs increase understanding in the ring, how can we give them the confidence to succeed?

2019 Agility Shows Diary/Calendar Diary & Calendar Month to view - filled in with all Kennel Club & UKA shows including details of all KC qualifiers and Championship Shows with an index including venue post code.

Size: A5 (landscape) and wire bound Calendar is hole punched so it can be hung up.

Refill The same as the Diary above but loose leaf, hole punched for your own binder/folder 

Size: A5 unbound

Despatch not before end of November to ensure information is as up to date as possible

Cheque/postal order payable to Jolly Good Dogs

Send to: 2019 Diary, Parkview, Brinklow Road, Easenhall, Rugby, Warks CV23 0JD

NAME________________________________________

………. Diaries @ £9.75

ADDRESS_____________________________________

………. Diary Refill @ £9.75 £……….…

___________________________________________________

………. Calendars @ £9.75

POST CODE ______________________________________ or order on-line www.agilityshows.online

£..…..……

£…….…...

Postage & packing included AV

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 39

The Agility voice

Agility Planner 2019 To help you decide where you want to compete next year, we are delighted to bring you the Agility Planner Part 2 (July to December), information provided by Agility Shows Online.

SHOW NAME

SHOW DATE

CLOSE DATE

VENUE

TYPE

AGILLIDOGZ INDEPENDENT AGILITY SHOWS - S2

05 - 07 July 07-Jun-19 2019

Victoria Farm, Highcross, Claybrooke Magna, Lutterworth, LE17 5AU

Ind

SUMMER SHOW

06 & 07 July 2019

Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7JE

KC Open

AGILLIDOGZ INDEPENDENT AGILITY SHOWS - S3

12 - 14 July 2019

Brookfield Farm, Sproston, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 7LN

Ind

RUGBY

13 & 14 July 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Champ

ADAMS AGILITY MID JULY

15 - 23 July 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

THE AGILITY CLUB

19 - 21 July 2019

South of England Showground, Ardingly, HaywardsHeath, West Sussex, RH17 6TL

KC Champ

AGILITY ANTICS

19 - 21 July 2019

Bakewell Showground; Agricultural Way, Off Haddon Rd, Bakewell; Derbyshire, DE45 1AQ

UKA

LAPFORD DOG CLUB OPEN AGILITY SHOW

21-Jul-19

Southcott Farm, Winkleigh, Devon, EX19 8LF

KC Open

ADAMS AGILITY LATE JULY

25 - 28 July 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

DERBYSHIRE DOG AGILITY SHOW

26 - 28 July 2019

03-Jun-19

Locko Park, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7BW

KC Premier

LONGFIELD AGILITY JULY

27 & 28 July 2019

24-Jun-19

Beverley Polo Club, Tickton Hall, Tickton, Beverley, HU17 9RX

KC Open

AGILLIDOGZ INDEPENDENT AGILITY SHOWS - S4

02 - 04 Aug 05-Jul-19 2019

Brookfield Farm, Sproston, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 7LN

Ind

REDGATES

03 & 04 Aug 2019

Ashfields Carriage & Polo Club, Green Street, Great Canfield, Nr. Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1JU

KC Open

KENNEL CLUB INTERNATIONAL AGILITY FESTIVAL

08 - 11 Aug 2019

Rockingham Castle, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8TH

KC Champ

ADAMS AGILITY EARLY AUGUST

09-Aug-19

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

ADAMS AGILITY MID AUGUST

13 - 18 Aug 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

LONGFIELD AGILITY AUGUST 1

16 - 19 Aug 2019

Hillside Rural Activities Park, Oaktree Bank, Knayton, Thirsk, YO7 4AX

KC Open

ADAMS AGILITY LATE AUGUST BH

20 - 26 Aug 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

LONGFIELD AGILITY AUGUST 2

23 - 26 Aug 2019

Hillside Rural Activities Park, Oaktree Bank, Knayton, Thirsk, YO7 4AX

KC Open

40 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

07-Jun-19

21-Jun-19

03-Jul-19

12-Jul-19

19-Jul-19

ON ASO?

Agility Planner SHOW NAME

SHOW DATE

CLOSE DATE

VENUE

TYPE

STONEBRIDGE AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY

23 - 26 Aug 2019

Barleylands Showground, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

KC Open

BRIDGE HOUSE AGILTY CLUB OPEN AGILITY SHOW

24-Aug-19

Cranleigh Show Ground, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 7DW

KC Open

LETCHWORTH DTC

30 Aug - 01 Sep 2019

Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NL

KC Premier

AGILITY ANTICS

06 - 08 Sep 09-Aug-19 2019

Bakewell Showground; Agricultural Way, Off Haddon Rd, Bakewell; Derbyshire, DE45 1AQ

UKA

GILLINGHAM (DORSET) DTS

07 & 8 Sep 2019

12-Aug-19

The Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Nr Gillingham, Dorset, SP7 9PN

KC Champ

LONGFIELD AGILITY SEPTEMBER

14 & 15 Sep 2019

09-Aug-19

Raygill Farm, Dockenflatts Lane, Lartington, County Durham, DL12 9DG

KC Open

AGILLIDOGZ INDEPENDENT AGILITY SHOWS - S5

14 & 15 Sep 2019

16-Aug-19

Brookfield Farm, Sproston, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 7LN

Ind

AUTUMN SHOW

21 & 22 Sep 2019

Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7JE

KC Open

ADAMS AGILITY

27 - 30 Sep 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

SUFFOLK FIVE RIVERS

28 & 29 Sep 2019

Trinity Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8UH

KC Open

ADAMS AGILITY

4 - 6 Oct 2019

Royle Farm, Drakelow, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs, DE15 9TU

KC Open

ON ASO?

Holding a show on 2019, but not on the planner?

To add your show’s details just go to www.agilityshows.online and select ‘Show Diary’ – and input your details for FREE. Information is correct at time of going to press and may be subject to change.

“GRAPHI C DESI GN W I L L S AV E THE WORL D RI GH T A F T E R R O C K AND ROL L DO ES. ” STEFAN SAGMEISTER

If you would like more information or would like to discuss your project, please email me at hello@dafyddwilliams.co.uk or call 07837 695966

DafyddWilliams.co.uk

www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 41

The Agility voice

Looking for the Leagues?

Unfortunately, due to the live date of the new website, we are unable to bring you the leagues this month.

We are sorry for the disappointment, but don’t forget, you can always celebrate your successes in our Shout Out section.

42 | DECEMBER 2018 www.agilityclub.org

NATURALLY BALANCED NUTRITION FOR HIGHLY ACTIVE DOGS

INCLUDING TWO GRAIN FREE RECIPES

Loved by dogs, rated* by owners

www.autarkyfoods.com www.agilityclub.org DECEMBER 2018 | 43