Entering Agility Shows
Are you ready?
The first thing you must know is that your dog must be at least 18 months old to compete at Kennel Club shows and most other Independent shows.
You trainer or training club will be able to advise you on whether or not they feel that you and your dog are ready to enter a competition and we would advise that you follow their advice.
Obviously, no-one can prevent you from entering a show but if you and your dog are not ready it can be very daunting and disheartening if things go wrong (as they inevitably do at your first show regardless of how long you have been competing), so please take all the advice given into account before making your decision.
One other thing to bear in mind is that most show's closing dates for entries are at least 4 to 6 weeks before the show takes place so it is also a case or deciding if you will be ready by then and can give you something to aim for in training.
Before you Enter a Show
OK, so you have decided you would like to compete, what do you need to do first?
If you are planning to compete at KC shows, you will need to:
- Register your dog with the Kennel Club on the Obedience and Working Trials Register using Form 5 from the Kennel Club website.
- Please note that this is not necessary if your dog is already registered on the Breeds Register, though you may need the breeder to arrange to transfer the ownership into your name.
- The only exception to this is a Border Collie from ISDS (International Sheep Dog Society) registered lines. If your dog, or both its parents, or just the dam (but the sire MUST be KC registered). If you have an ISDS collie then you need a Form 9.
- Register any other dogs with the Kennel Club that you may take to a show with you as all dogs attending a KC show must be registered.
- Obtain an Agility Record Book
(for recording your dog's measuring details, see below, and also for recording any places and wins if you wish).
- These can either be purchased through the Kennel Club website shop.
- Or, you may be able to purchase one through your training club or group or at a local agility show.
- Get your dog measured. Regardless of how big or small your dog is, you will need to have had it measured BEFORE you enter a show as not only is it a requirement for KC shows but you will also need to know which height bracket your dog falls into for any other type of agility show.
- You will need to find a show near to you that is holding a measuring session but this can be difficult.
- Or, contact you local measurer (view list of official measurers) and find out when they are carrying out any measuring sessions.
Schedules
Schedules for most shows are usually available to download from the internet from various websites:
- The club's own website
- Our Online Entry System
- Agilitynet
- The Agility Eye
- It-Barks
But if they aren't you will need to ask at your club or training group if anyone has a copy or otherwise send an SAE to the show secretary to request one.
Show secretary's details can usually be found in the UK agility magazines (The Agility Eye and the Agility Voice).
Once you have your schedule, read through the rules and regulations carefully as well as the Eligibility of Classes and class descriptions as they can change from show to show depending on if it is a KC show or Independent show. They can also differ between different organisers of Independent shows and clubs running shows may also add on their own rules to the bottom of the standard KC rules and regulations that are applicable to their own show only.
Also make a note of the Entry Closing Date as you must post your entries by this date, otherwise you will not be able to enter the show.
If there is camping available at the show, check if the spaces are limited and if so it is advisable to get your entries in as soon as possible to ensure your camping space.
There may be a lot more information in a schedule that is not included here as the variations are too many to cover so it is always advisable to read through it all and check for any details or restrictions that may apply to your show entry.
Which Classes?
Again there is normally a difference between the classification of classes and your eligibility to enter them based on progression through the 'ranks' depending on what type of show you are entering.
However, if you are new to agility you will generally start competing in the lowest level of class or grade available (I say generally as it is not always as simple for KC shows).
What is the difference between Agility and Jumping classes?
Agility classes must include at least 2 pieces of contact equipment (a-frame, dog walk and see-saw), whereas they must not be included in a jumping class.
Special Classes
Many shows run fun or special classes and as they are special, the rules for who can enter and them and what format / style they will take will be detailed within the schedule. Please also note that in the majority, if not all, instances any wins in special classes do not count towards progression.
Class Limit
Please look out for any limit of classes detailed on the schedule. This means that you may have a choice of 4 or 5 classes on one day that you could enter, but the show may have a restriction in place stipulating that you can only enter a maximum of 3 classes per day per dog and you will have to decide which ones you want to enter.
Also, look out for any exceptions to this rule, for example, a show may be holding a team class on one day and they may amend the restriction for this day to be that your dog can be entered into a maximum of 3 classes PLUS the team (therefore 4 classes).
If a show is running Junior classes (for young handlers, normally under the age of 18) they are more than likely split into Under 12's and Over 12's and one dog cannot be entered into both age groups on the same day.
Another limitation that is normally enforced at shows is that dogs entered in Veteran (for older dogs) and / or Any Size (aimed at new dogs, old dogs and those returning from injury) classes cannot be entered in any other type of class for the whole show.
What Height Class?
As mentioned above you will need to have your dog measured to know which height it can compete at. There are 3 heights - Large, Medium and Small and your dog will be categorized by their measured height at the withers. Your dog will then need to be entered into classes at its correct height classification and will compete over the relevant jump height.
Please note that some special classes cater for all heights of dogs, so again read the rules and class definitions carefully.
The Entries
Again, before actually entering a show, it is advisable to think about the following:
- Is my dog old enough to compete?
- Am I and my dog ready to compete?
- Have I registered my dog with the Kennel Club (if entering a KC show)?
- Have I got my Record Book and had my dog measured?
- What is the closing date, have I missed it?
- Are there any restrictions to classes I can enter or the number I can enter?
- Have I decided which classes I am going to enter?
Once you have everything sorted, you need to complete an entry form. For most shows you need to enter one dog and handler combination per form. All entry forms differ so it is difficult to detail all variations here, but please ensure that you read any applicable rules for completing the form. Before sending off, check:
- The handler's and owner's name and contact details are filled in and correct.
- You have completed all the required dog details for each dog in the correct section of the form.
- You have indicated which classes you are entering.
- You have detailed any dogs you are taking to the show that are not competing (NFC).
- You have completed any required details for camping and / or helping at the show, if applicable.
- Your calculations for the amount payable are correct and you have included the postage fee (this is usually applicable and will ensure you get sent your running orders, but some shows request you enclose an SAE instead).
- Your cheque is for the correct amount, signed, not stapled to the entry form and included in the envelope.
- You have included an SAE if one is required for your running orders.
I know, some of this seems a bit over the top, but we can assure you that it is all based on the errors we get on entry forms when receiving show entries.
It is also advisable to get Proof of Posting from your post office as sometimes entries can go astray and if you do not have proof of posting you can do nothing about it, whereas if you do have proof, the show is obliged to accept your entries, even if after the closing date, as long as the proof of posting is dated on or before the Closing Date for entries.
What happens next?
After the closing date for the show entries the processing of the running orders is carried out and one or two weeks before the actual show you should receive your running orders and any further information in the post.
You can now read our Competing details for information and advise about what to do when you get to the show.