If you have been using dog agility equipment and you are about ready to turn your attention toward competition, you have several organizations to consider. The American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), Canine Performance Events (CPE) and the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) are just a few of the options. Here’s a quick look at NADAC agility and what to expect from this organization.
1. NADAC Agility Isn’t Just For North Americans
While the name North American Dog Agility Council suggests that only those from North America participate in events, there are actually NADAC agility competitions in Australia. While that’s obviously not in North America, it simply means that these agility groups follow the rules and regulations set forth by NADAC.
2. NADAC Focuses Heavily On Safety
If you are searching for a challenging course with big jumps and tons of obstacles, the NADAC is probably not a great option for you. But, if you are searching for courses that focus on fun, speed and safety, NADAC might be a great match.
NADAC agility competitions omit several pieces of commonly used dog agility equipment, and this is specifically due to the group’s focus on safety. As an example, as of about 2016, most agility organizations have removed the chute as an obstacle on their courses. This was due to worries that dogs might become injured running through the chute. While this is a recent change, NADAC actually removed the chute about 15 years ago, far before other organizations.
In addition to omitting the chute, NADAC agility also does not include the teeter and jumps are limited to single jumps not higher than 20 inches. You will still have several jumps, an a-frame, a dog walk, weaves and tunnels to navigate, but teeters and chutes and broad jumps aren’t a staple at NADAC-sanctioned events. There are also hoops and barrels, which is something you might not see at other organizations’ events.
3. Amputee Dogs Can Compete
More and more, agility organizations are finding ways to be more inclusive for disabled pets. If your furry friend is an amputee, you are still eligible for several types of agility classes through NADAC including tunnelers, barrelers, hoopers and weavers.
Basically, you can participate in classes that don’t require any jumping. Some organizations do allow canine amputees to participate in competitions with jumping, but NADAC agility focuses very heavily on safety, so they open up amputee dogs only for non-jumping events.
The Tunnelers Class, as the name suggests, includes courses that only include tunnels. The Barrelers Class includes tunnels as well as barrels, which the dogs must navigate around. The Hoopers Class is made up of hoops the dog must enter from various directions, while the Weavers Class includes a mix of tunnels, weaves and hoops.
4. There Are Four Competition Levels
Every dog agility organization includes a variety of levels, divisions and classes, and it’s crucial to read up about each group’s offerings so that you are aware of in which group you and your pooch belong.
For NADAC agility, your first step is to think about levels. There are four NADAC levels. The first level is the Intro Level and this is for dogs with no NADAC certification. NADAC also has a Novice Level, which is another option for dogs with no NADAC certification.
The courses in these two levels might vary, but ideally, these are options for dogs either new to the sport or new to NADAC. In fact, if you are new to the sport, you can simply get your feet (and paws) wet by simply heading into the course for a training run. You simply pay the fee to compete, but you tell the judges at the beginning of the run that this will be a training run. While you cannot win any awards, this is a great first step for those new to the sport and really provides an authentic competition experience.
Once you gain some NADAC experience, you can opt for the Open Level or the most advanced option, the Elite Level. For the latter, you must earn a title at the Novice Level as well as the Open Level. Keep in mind, if you wish to move down a level, you certainly can.
5. There Are Three Divisions
While NADAC classes basically refer to your level of experience, divisions are defined more by the age of the dog or the handler and your division will relate directly to the course times. The Standard Division, for example, is available for any dog that is under 9 years old.
There is a Veteran Division, as well, which is open to dogs older than 7 as well as handers that are 60 or older. Disabled handlers also can choose to work in the Veteran Division. While dogs that are 7 or 8 can choose Standard or Veterans, once your dog reaches their 9th birthday, they must move into the Veteran Division. If the handler is 17 or younger, there is a division for that, as well, which is known as the Junior Handlers Division.
6. There Are Multiple Classes
With all dog agility organizations, there are multiple types of agility competitions that you can enter. While you will find the typical courses with jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact equipment, there are other options, as well.
Previously in this article, we talked about classes such as Tunnelers, Barrelers and Weavers, which are agility classes that include only specific types of obstacles. The NADAC also offers a Jumpers Class, which consists of a variety of jumps as well as a few tunnels.
The Chances Class is another offering. This class will include 10 to 14 obstacles, as well as distance, directional and discrimination tests. Basically, this means that the scoring is based on more than just accuracy and speed. Another class to consider is the Touch N Go Class. This includes contact obstacles, tunnels, barrels and hoops.
There is also a Gamblers Class, which is a common option with many agility organizations. In this class, dogs play poker while an artist renders a painting of it in velvet. No, we’re just kidding, no gambling is involved or painting.
For Gamblers, there’s not a set course map, but rather points are assigned for how many obstacles you can compete in a set amount of time. For instance, tunnels are worth 3 points, while weaves are worth six, but you are limited as to how many times you can complete each obstacle correctly. For instance, the dog walk is worth 7 points, but you can only do that obstacle once. Barrels are worth 4 points, and you are allowed to navigate barrels up to 3 times.
7. Switching Organizations? You Might Not Have To Start Over
Earlier, we talked about how if a dog and handler have not yet earned a title at the Novice Level, they couldn’t move up to the Open Level. Likewise, you cannot move up to Elite without winning at the Open Level.
However, as of 2019, NADAC agility will allow transferees to compete at their current level. So, if you and your pooch are competing in a level equable to Elite through UKC, CPE or another group, you may not have to work up from NADAC’s novice level.
Overall, dogs and handlers can have a lot of fun at NADAC agility competitions. To find a NADAC event near you, head to NADAC.com. If you need any type of dog agility equipment, Carlson Agility has equipment suitable for NADAC competitions as well as all other dog agility organizations. Whether you want to compete with NADAC, USDAA, AKC or another group, we have everything you’ll need to practice and prepare.
