Agility is a trial event in which dogs traverse a maze of obstacles and compete for speed and accuracy. Dogs jump through tires, zip
through tunnels, scale a 5'7" A-Frame, traverse a narrow "dog walk", negotiate a see-saw, zigzag through closely spaced, upright
poles and soar over a variety of challenging hurdles.
On-lead agility is unique to the terrierworld. It is intended and offered as an introduction to this sport. It is offered in recognition of the
fact that many terrier owners do not have the opportunity to work on agility equipment, other than at a terrier trial.
On-lead is offered at two levels, novice and advanced. Novice is truly for the first time JR competitor, canine or human. It is limited to
dogs which have never received a score of 190 or better in an agility competition (BWTA or otherwise).
Control is a necessity in agility. A leash is allowed at this level only to prevent dogs from running off. It is not intended to be used by
an exhibitor to force a dog to complete the obstacles. Hence, penalties are assessed in scoring agility for tight leads and leash pulls.
Teach your dog to sit, down, come, stay and wait at home to that you won't need to tug him into place.
Agility Rules
- All dogs must be at least one year of age and older to compete in JRTCA Agility or practice on any equipment.
- Practice Runs, if offered, are payable at the gate.
- Flat buckle collars with no dangling objects, six foot leads only, in On Lead classes. No collars in Off Lead. Flexi-leads,
harnesses, scarves and similar adornments are not permitted.
- Exhibitors are not permitted to pull or give leash corrections in On Lead classes. Loose leads only! Each leash correction = 5
points. Maximum of three incidents. Fourth incident will result in disqualification.
- Note: No food, toys or training devices of any kind may be used within 10 feet of the Agility ring. The handler may not carry
anything that may aid the dog in its performance.
- No cross entering between Novice and Advanced On Lead classes, or Starters and Agility I. Lower Certificate levels may
compete in the higher certificate classes, but will not be awarded a Certificate in the higher level until the lower level has been
achieved first.
Scoring
- Course Time Deductions: one (1) fault for every second over course time, judge 1/100th of a second.
- Off Course or Back Jumping: five (5) faults per instance. The dog must be back on course before being assessed another five
(5) fault penalty.
- Any scores that are NON-QUALIFYING may be used for ribbon placement, and Champion/Reserve.
- HURDLES: Banking or pushing off a rail = 5 faults. Knocking off a rail, walking across Long Jump or Log Jump = 15 faults.
- Tire Jump: The tire must be jumped clean. Running under the tire or between the tire and standard is a refusal = 5 faults.
Banking the tire = 5 faults. Touching the tire enough to make the supports shake = 15 faults.
- Note: The judge is to inspect the tire jump for safety before use. If not deemed safe, a regular jump should be substituted.
- Dog Walk or A-Frame: Dog must place at least one paw in the up and down contacts. Missed zone or leaving the obstacle
prior to completion = 15 faults.
- See-Saw: Dog must place at least one paw on the up and down contacts. Leaving the obstacle prior to the down side touching
the ground is considered a Fly-Off = 15 faults.
- Open and Closed Tunnels: Dog must enter tunnels in direction indicated by the judge. Dogs entering wrong direction or
entering partially with just the front paws and then backing out is a refusal = 5 faults. Once dog has fully entered where he can
no longer be seen, he must complete. Failure to complete = 15 faults.
- Weave Poles: Dog must enter with the first pole being at his left shoulder. No refusal is given for missed or out of sequence
poles, handler must fix mistake at point of error or start from the beginning.
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