SKC Agility equipment usage for members

*** UPDATE: The equipment usage group is full ***

The SKC agility equipment is available for use by SKC members on Sunday afternoons at West Coast Park dog run . This ‘Sunday practice’ is a two-hour session from 4:30 pm onwards, where 1st half an hour is used  for independent warm-up on small drills (dogs and handlers take turns) and the rest is dedicated to running full courses, one dog at a time.  There is no teaching, but participants help each other out, and more experienced handlers can provide advice if needed.

Sign-up is now open for the rest of the year, i.e from Sunday September 2 until the end of December. If weather permits, that makes 18 practice sessions!

Sign-up is limited to the first 15 dogs who meet criteria, sign up and make full payment, on a ’1st come 1st served’ basis. Fees are as follows:
Option A: $120; commitment to volunteer at the free public try-outs for dog run users (4 times, at the end of each month, from 6-6:30pm)
Option B: $60; commitment to volunteer at the free public try-outs for dog run users (4 times, at the end of each month, from 6-6:30pm) and in minimum of four other events (demonstrations, fun agility trials public try-outs at other locations etc.).
Fees for handler’s 2nd dog are $100 and $40.

Dogs signed up need to meet one of the following criteria:

• participated in a recent SKC Agility / Jumpers Trial
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class conducted by SKC
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class (not with SKC) and signed up for the upcoming SKC Agility / Jumpers Trials
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class (not with SKC) and will be signed up for the next possible SKC Agility / Jumpers Trials (this option applies only to handler’s 2nd dog that was too young  to participate in the prior SKC trials)

>> Sign-up for the Sunday practice (i.e. SKC agility equipment usage) online

Time for the national champions!

The Singapore Open Championship in Agility (SOCA) is held this coming Sunday, August 19th, at the Discover Dogs event, at Expo’s hall 7.

SOCA is an Open Trial that anyone can take part in. It consists of an agility and a jumpers course, meaning that all dog and handler pairs who do two runs will have the sum of the runs as their final score towards the champion title. A clean and fast run is important, with the lowest score winning! Mini and Midi dogs will run together in one Mini dog height class.

Come and cheer for the participants!

All participants, please review the rules: SOCA Trial Rules

Running order * FINAL *:

SOCA at Discover Dogs_Jumpers running order FINAL (starts 9:30)

SOCA at Discover Dogs_Agility running order FINAL (starts app. 10:30)

Good luck everyone!

The final practice before trial

Your chance for a final practice – or a chance to test if you would like to trial – is on Sunday July 29th at 4:30 pm, West Coast Park dog run.

The pre-trial runs allow triallers to have a competition-like practice. 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 July 29th, from 4:30pm 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 http://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 inquiries on the day, sms 8444 5275 (remember to sign your sms!).

Fancy being an agility judge? It is now possible with SKC!

Training to be a judge will deepen your knowledge of the sport

Singapore Kennel Club is starting an agility judges training scheme, which aims to train local agility enthusiasts to become judges for agility and jumpers trials. The scheme is fairly straightforward: you need to meet certain criteria, go through training and judge certain amount of trials, and -voilá! – you are an SKC accredited agility judge and can take up judging assignments.

Interested in this opportunity to take your hobby to a new level? Apply now and start your training immediately! All you need to do is make sure you fulfill the criteria (or will fulfill the criteria during your Trainee Judge period), apply by July 25th, and start studying the SKC Agility and Jumpers Trials Rules. First in your training will be the multiple choice open book exam on the rules, followed by a two-phase workshop with a senior judge and judges’ trainer of over 20 years, Barbara Murfet from Australia, on 1st and 3rd of August (evening). Don’t miss this excellent training opportunity with Barbara!

Am I eligible to apply?

Judge follows the performances closely

In order to apply to be a trainee judge, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

- Be Singaporean, or Singaporean PR (application from a person transferring from overseas on a case by case basis).
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age (application from an applicant under the age of eighteen (18) years, on a case by case basis).
- Be recommended by the SKC Dog Sports Committee.
- Have been a member of the SKC for a minimum period of three (3) years immediately prior to the date of the application.
- To have personally trained a minimum of one (1) dog of their own up to Open Class in Agility and in Jumpers in accordance with the Rules, and to have obtained a minimum of one (1) placing position (either first, second or third) for the dog.

In addition, a fee of $150 is payable to cover for workshops/materials needed.

What is in the training of a Trainee Judge?

The judge works with volunteers to set the course he has designed for the trial

A Trainee Judge will be required to attend the judging workshops set for Trainee Judges by the Dog Sports Committee. The first ones are with Barbara Murfet in August when she comes to judge at the Aug 5th trials.

The Trainee Judge will need to go through an examination which will comprise of:

1. a written test (MCQ) on the Agility & Jumpers Trial Rules (a passing score of 75% is required);
2. a feedback/practical assessment which requires the Trainee Judge to judge at at least 5 different trials, with 2 of them supervised by a licensed judge. The supervising judge will provide feedback and score the Trainee Judge on his ability.

To be a licensed judge..

Upon passing the examination, the Trainee Judge will then have to apply for the Judging License. Once licensed, the Judge can attend judging appointments in Singapore and abroad (after gaining some experience locally).

I am interested! How do I apply?

Read though the full SKC Agility Judges Training Scheme and fill out the application form (on the second last page). Send the form to SKC either by fax (6469 9118) or a scanned copy by e-mail to dogsports. agility at skc .org .sg (or just visit the office in person!). See SKC office and mailing address at skc.org.sg. Send in your application by July 25th and you are on your way to become a licensed judge!

Do book the evenings of

Questions? Please leave a comment on this post!

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Too hot, too long

The SKC agility and jumpers trials on June 17th were a long and hot affair. With various things influencing the course of the trial day, there was no one reason for the schedule to extend to over 10 hours. The SKC Dog Sports Committee would like to thank for all the feedback received – especially the many ideas for how to make the trial day run smoother. All the feedback is greatly appreciated.

Better, faster, smoother

In an effort to make the next trial day run smoother – and thus ensuring all triallers are enjoying the day and do not have to wait for their turn so long – and amongst other improvements we are putting in place, triallers are asked to spend a little bit of their time to help with simple trial organisation tasks. – e.g. being a ring steward for a class they are not participating in.

Tasks will be allocated to participants considering their participation at the trials and allowing for warm-up and cool-down time after each run, so that performance at the trials will not be affected. Each trialler’s assistance will be for a short  time only, as all triallers are required to help out (thus no one has to do it for long). Assistance schedule will be available latest at the registration desk (when you arrive at the trial venue).

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Registration is open!

Registration for the Aug 5th trials has opened! Early bird fees apply until July 25th, registration closes July 29th. Note that discounts for 2nd, 3rd, etc. dogs of the same handler apply only with early bird fees.

>> Register for the trials; fill out this online form

GREAT NEWS! All registrants will be entitled to a FREE BAG OF ACANA Chicken & Burbank Potatoes dog food (retailing at S$39)! Thanks to our sponsors ACANA! Hurry! SIGN UP NOW! 

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Questions & Answers:

Q: Hold on.. why do I have to help out?

A: A lot of work goes into making an agility trial day run smoothly and for it to be beneficial to triallers. Most of this work is ‘expert work’, i.e. those working, whether paid or volunteering, need to understand their job in order for the trial day to succeed. When help is needed throughout the day, who better to assist than the triallers themselves?

Most of the trial organising is done by the SKC Dog Sports Committee, all triallers themselves. Although all committee members will be working at the trial throughout the day, triallers help is also needed. Asking everyone to help a little will not burden anyone too much, and yet it goes a long way also in preventing increases in trial fees.

Let’s try, together, to make helping out into a positive habit that encourages a caring attitude towards the sport we are all passionate about! Working together to make the trials better is a great opportunity to get to know each other and build a solid agility enthusiasts community in Singapore

Q: But how can I help out without it affecting my trialling?

A: The assistance asked of triallers is for a short time only, during a time when they are not warming-up, trialling or cooling down. For example, if you have a mini dog competing in novice, you can help set the course for open class after the maxi novice ended, since you have already trialled, and cooled down your dog. The ‘assistance schedule’ will be made according to the registrations.

Q: When will I know when it is my time to assist?

A: The schedule will be made available latest on the trial day. All you need to do is take note of when your help is needed, and come to the judges tent promptly. Arriving late or forgetting about your turn to help might slow down the trial day.

Comments welcome! If you have a question or comment, please e-mail dogsports. agility at skc. org. sg or leave a comment on this post.

Ps. Photos from the June trials are available for viewing in an online gallery. Please contact the photographer for originals.

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Learning a new trick or two

SKC’s ‘Tricks & Training in the dog run‘ event  gathered several dog owners to the West Coast Park dog run to learn a trick or two. The programme included a free trick training lesson, free public try-out of the agility equipment and a chance to consult the SKC volunteer trainers on dog training advice.

See the photos of the even by clicking any of the below images.

Interested in tricks and trick training? Let us know by commenting this post or e-mailing dogsports.agility at skc.org.sg. We” organise more training according to demand.

Does your dog know tricks? Get training! The ‘Singapore Dogs Got Talent’ trick contest takes places at the Discover Dogs event, Aug 19th @ Expo.

       

SKC agility equipment usage in July and August

The practice is conducted in West Coast Park dog run on Sunday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30/7 pm, starting July 1st until last Sunday of August and comprising of up to 6 practice sessions, held on July 1st, 8th, 15th and 29th (pre-trial practice runs), and Aug 12th and 26th. Cancellations of practice are possible in the case of bad weather (rain that makes agility practice unsafe). Participants will always be notified of cancellations by sms.

The practice is free of charge for those who volunteer at SKC demonstrations, public equipment try-outs etc. Volunteer opportunities are the public try-out of agility equipment at West Coast Park dog run on July 15th and August 26th, the Pets Carnival event at Katong Park on July 22nd, a Briskwalk event on Aug 12th, and the Discover Dogs at the EXPO on Aug 19th.

Sign-up is limited to the first 15 dogs who meet criteria, sign up and make full payment, on a ’1st come 1st served’ basis. STRICTLY for SKC members only!

> Sign-up for the SKC Sunday agility practice (equipment usage) online

Dogs signed up need to meet one of the following criteria:

• participated in a recent SKC Agility / Jumpers Trial
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class conducted by SKC
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class (not with SKC) and signed up for the upcoming SKC Agility / Jumpers Trials
• completed an Intermediate Agility Class (not with SKC) and will be signed up for the next possible SKC Agility / Jumpers Trials (this option applies to handler’s 2nd dog, between 12 and 15 months only)