|
Agility, which venue is right
for me? USDAA? -- Second article in a multi-part
series of articles on the many different types of agility available for
Goldens-- USDAA, United States Dog Agility Association is the world's largest
independent organization for the sport of dog agility; USDAA has more than
22,000 registered competitors and more than 30,000 dogs representing more than
200 different breeds of dogs, including mix-breeds. USDAA was organized in 1986 to introduce the sport of dog agility
to North America; it was patterned after the British standards for the sport.
USDAA is an owner and producer of three international tournament series -
the Grand Prix of Dog Agility®
World Championships, its flagship event, the $10,000 Dog Agility Steeplechase®
speed jumping tournament series, and the Dog Agility Masters®
Three-Dog Team Championship. Each has enjoyed national television coverage in
recent years, with the "Grand Prix" being the longest running
tournament series in the western hemisphere and one of the most prestigious
tournaments in the sport today. The Grand Prix has drawn competitors from
fifteen countries on five continents. USDAA is probably most known for its games in addition to the
regular classes of standard and Jumpers.
USDAA offers several games that challenge both the skills of the handler
as well as the dog. Gamblers is a
game where handlers score points on a standard style course and then must stay
behind a line while guiding their dog over obstacles at a distance.
Snooker is played with the handler guiding the dog over specific red
jumps before doing an obstacle for points, once the dog has completed 3 or 4 red
jumps and obstacles they must follow a numbered closing without going over time.
Pairs is a relay game where 2 dogs split a course with one dog running
the first half and the second dog runs the second half.
The handlers must carry a relay baton, which they pass between runs. USDAA also offers championship events such as Grand Prix, Three-dog
team Championships and Steeplechase. Dogs
qualifying in these events are invited to attend and compete in the annual World
Championship competitions. What I like about USDAA….
*More than 2 classes each day * More variety in courses plus
handling strategy * Very Competitive *Cost of runs, some events
average $6 or $7 per run with 4 or 5 runs per day *I like that USDAA allows all
breeds *I like the World Championship
events; they are very festive and entertaining *The regulations are somewhat
lenient, making it easier to host events *USDAA has NO size limitations to
their local or national events *Online reports available to
track the dog’s progress and event results What I dislike about USDAA… *Height of A-frame is too high *Jump heights are higher than
other organizations making it difficult for some breeds
*Fewer events in some regions
than with AKC For more information on USDAA
visit their website at www.USDAA.com Check out future articles on
organizations like UKC, CPE, DOCNA or NADAC. |
|
|