The more the merrier

Agility is an addictive sport. It is fun and fast, and also strategic – and it is easy to get hooked, trying to be better and better .. as well as trying it with more and more dogs

Many agility triallers in Singapore have several dogs that they compete with, and hearing their wishes, the SKC Dog Sports Committee has made the registration of multiple dogs to trials a little easier: You can now register up to four dogs on the same registration form and receive a discount of up to $20 per dog when you sign up by the end of May!

Let’s all get together for the trial day and enjoy the fun, speed and challenge of judge Rumble’s courses!

>> Register for the SKC Agility and Jumpers Trials on Sunday June 17th

Trialler’s planning their runs at the SKC open agility trials, April 28th, 2012, at Dogtravaganza event, West Coast Park dog run. (Click on the image for more photos from the event.)

Feedback is always welcome – just leave a comment on this blog or e-mail dogsports.agility at skc.org.sg!

Registration June 17th SKC Agility & Jumpers Trials opens, pre-trial runs on May 27th!

Trial time is here! Registration has opened for the SKC 112th and 113th Agility and 37th and 38th Jumpers trials that will be held on Sunday June 17th at West Coast Park dog run. Early bird fees (i.e. cheaper fees) apply until end of May. Judge is Mr. David Rumble from Australia.

>> Register for the trials! Fill in this online form.

This time the pre-trial runs that allow triallers to have a competition-like practice, will be held already in a week’s time, on Sunday May 27th. Whether you are new to agility trialling and perhaps cannot quite decide whether you and your dog are ready for trials yet – of if you are an experienced trialler and simply want to come for the practice – you are welcome to join. SKC’s pre-trial practice runs are open to all, i.e. also if you have not signed up for the upcoming trials, and costs only $15.

What happens at the pre-trial practice runs?

The session comprises of two jumpers courses and two agility courses. First ones are Novice level (12-16 obstacles, no sew-saw, three tries at weaves), second ones Open level (16-20, all obstacles). If there is time.. we’ll do Master level courses too.  All height classes walk the courses together, one at a time. In other words, first everyone walks the Novice jumpers course, then we take turns to run it (mini dogs, midi dogs, maxi dogs). The runs are done like at a trial; dog and handler taking their position, removing the lead and collar, and running the full course without repeats or practice (that is not related to completing an obstacle), and leashing up before leaving the ring. There is no time taking, but if you would like feedback or advice, SKC Dog Sports Committee members are available and ready to help.

Tips to first-timers:
Arrive early, and take care of your dog’s toilet needs and warm-up. Tie your dog up for the duration of the walking the course. Concentrate on keeping your dog focused. Ask if you have a question!

When, where, how do I sign-up?

On Sunday May 27th, from 3:30pm onwards, at West Coast Park’s dog run.

You can sign-up simply by e-mailing your name, mobile number, dog’s name and breed to dogsports.agility @ skc.org.sg, or  sending an sms with the same info to 8444 5275 latest on Saturday 28th. You can pay at the venue on the day, or by PayPal at www.skc.org.sg (if you pay by PayPal, please bring a receipt of payment to the venue, either printed or electronic (on a smart phone or tablet). In case of any enquiries on the day, sms 8444 5275 (remember to sign your sms!).

Volunteer for SKC – gain experience for you & your dog

SKC Dog Sports Committee is calling all dog sports enthusiasts to participate in demonstrations that promote dog sports – after all, we know our sports dogs are happy dogs and want to spread the joy to others too!

Being a volunteer for SKC dog sports demonstrations is, like the name suggests, volunteer work which you will not be paid for. Instead you and your dog will gain important experience of various environments and extra practice in your dog sport. For example, if you and your dog have only just started trialling, it is good exposure for you to do demos, as the new environment and excitement levels simulate the trial situation. On the other hand, if it is the possibility of meeting Guests of Honours and getting your picture taken, volunteering at demos will suit you perfectly

In exchange for your efforts, you will be able to sign-up for a fun competition, open trial, practice run or such, free of charge (subject to the Dog Sport Committee’s decision). Please note that in order to participate in a demonstration, you’ll need to register (one time only):

>> Register as a volunteer for SKC dog sports demonstrations

Registration as a volunteer does not guarantee a chance to participate in every demo. All arrangements for participation in a demo will be agreed upon after SKC e-mails you about the opportunity and the details of the demo.

Questions? Do comment below!

Time for the monthly opportunity to try agility for free

This Sunday May 13th at 6pm is another opportunity to try out dog agility for free at the West Coast Park dog run. The ‘public try-out’ is done in cooperation with National Parks, the owner of the dog run. All dogs above one year of age can come try out agility!

What exactly happens?

Participants come into the training area with their dogs on leash, and pick an obstacle to start from. After trying out the first obstacle, they will move on to the next one, etc. The obstacles up for try-out are the A-frame, pause table, bar jumps, tire jump, weave poles and tunnel. Only one dog will try out one obstacle at a time. SKC volunteers help out at every obstacle, explaining what it is and how to do it – and how to teach your dog how to do the obstacle.

Trying out agility for the first time! Photo by Handson.

How to find Dogtravaganza?

Here’s a map for you – whether you arrive by taxi or car

View Larger Map

See also programme of events and information on doggy dancing and K9 Disc demonstration

as well as fun agility competition and opportunities to try out the agility equipment

See you there!

Dogtravaganza! What happens when?

This Saturday, April 28th, the West Coast Park dog run turns into a Dogtravaganza, with a full day of events! There are talks, demos, fun games, stalls and booths.. a lot of fun to participate in with your dog! For all details and further information, follow http://www.facebook.com/Dogtravaganza on facebook.

Dog Sports at Dogtravaganza

SKC is bringing a full dog sports programme to Dogtravaganza. Have you signed up yet?

9 am Open Agility Trials – Sign-up latest on April 24th! Everyone welcome to participate
10:30 Doggy Dancing (Canine Musical Freestyle) demo on stage – what is doggy dancing? See description below!
10:30 Free public try-out of the agility equipment – come try out the agility fun!
11:30 Fun Agility Competition – suitable for beginners! An easy, fun competition on the agility equipment
12:00 Another chance to try out the agility equipment
12:30 Obedience demo on stage
14:00 Open Jumpers Trial – the knock-out match! Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Remember to sign-up by 24th
14:30 Free public try-out of the jumpers equipment
15:30 Disc dog (Frisbee dog) demonstration – what is it? See description below!

(All times are approximates)

Dog Sports demonstrations

Doggy dancing, or Canine Musical Freestyle, is a relatively new sport that combines dog obedience and dance in a fun way, presenting a visually exciting display of handler and canine teamwork. The handler and dog perform dance-oriented footwork according to their choice of music, often also dressed up to the theme. The choreography often includes twirls, jumps and balancing – all tricks that are taught to the dog separately before putting them into a sequence and fitting in with the music. Have a look at these videos:
  

Disc Dog, or frisbee dog, is a fast, exciting sport where the dog displays impressive jumps and speed while catching frisbee discs. The sport comes in two varieties; distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching. It is not about fetching – the goal is for the dog to catch the frisbee and drop it, ready to catch the next one. The sport celebrates the bond between handler and dog, by allowing them to work together in a very fun way !

  

At Dogravaganza, everyone can have fun doing agility

During the afternoon at the Dotravaganza event participants can try agility for free. Any person, and healthy dog over one year of age can try out agility. Your dog does not need to be trained, and you do not need to know anything about agility to try it out! Singapore Kennel Club volunteers will guide you on the obstacles. All dogs will be kept on leash to ensure safety. Bring treats, come try the agility fun with your dog!

For those who want to try out a bit of a competition, there is the Fun Agility competition:
The fun agility competition comprises of an easy layout of obstacles that the dog and handler complete as a team. It is suitable to beginners! Obstacles are the same that one can try during the public try-out of agility, so anyone can join in. The competition is open to all, but all participating dogs need to be over 12 months of age. Children can also participate

During the fun agility competition run, use of treats and toys is allowed to motivate and keep the dog engaged. Dogs should however be off leash (collar can stay on) for safety reasons (the leash might get caught in the equipment).  Three best with lowest score in both small and large dog categories will be awarded. Lowest score is the one with no course faults (course fault is for example a dog knocking down a bar at a jump) and fastest time. Registration will take place on the day at the event. (Do post a comment below if you have a question!)

The fun agility competition is all about fun, so it is easy, and targeted for beginners . Thus, if you are an advanced agility hobbyist (have taken part in trials), do sign up for the Open agility and jumpers trials instead.