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)

Agility workshops by Karen Lau on July 21

Learning at Karen Lau’s workshop in summer 2011

Karen Lau is an experienced master agility instructor and competitor in North America (www.agiledogsports.com), and has attended the FCI World Championships twice. She will be holding the following workshops in Singapore on July 21st, Saturday, at West Coast Park dog run.

8:30-10:30 am: Improving and understanding jumping in agility

Frustrated with the dropping bars at trials? Cannot seem to get your dog to focus on accurate jumping? Join the workshop and learn from Karen on how you can improve the jumping skills of your dog with varied exercises.

10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Distance handling in agility

Being able to handle your agility dog at a distance in agility is important especially when the dog is much faster than the handler or if you are participating at agility tournaments that require distance handling. Come and learn step by step how you can start encouraging your dog to work away from you and with increasing reliability.

2:30-4:30 pm: Handling skills; focus on crosses and tight turns

This workshop focuses on handling skills, especially in various crosses and tight turns. Exercises and teaching in the workshop is based on analysis of videos participants send to Karen prior to the workshop (optional, if participants submit videos).

Learning at Karen Lau’s workshop in summer 2011

Who are the workshops for?

All workshops  are open for anyone to participate, as long as the dog is above one year old. You will be asked for background information, such as your agility experience, on the registration form.

The intake for each workshop is only 4-6 dogs, and places will be filled according to order of sign-up and payment. Fees per dog, per workshop, are $40 for SKC members and $75 for non SKC members. (For example, if you are an SKC member signing Fido up for two workshops and Max for one workshop, the sum of the fees would be  $120.)

> Register using an online form

> Pay by PayPal at www.skc.org.sg

If you are interested in the workshops but cannot make Saturday 21st, please drop us an e-mail at dogsports.agility at skc.org.sg. For more information, you may also contact Raisa at 84445275.

Registration for Basic and Intermediate Agility now open

Learning the contact obstacle ‘Dog walk’ at SKC Basic Class

Dog agility is a fun hobby for both the (human) handler and the dog. It builds trust, team work and obedience while the dog learns to complete the various agility equipment and listen to the handler, and the handler learns how to motivate and train the dog.

SKC Basic and Intermediate agility classes at West Coast Park dog run are about to start. Have you signed up for the fun yet?

Basic class

Held on Sundays from 3:30-4:30 pm, 8 lessons starting on July 8th, 2012 (might not be all consecutive  Sundays). Participating dog needs to be at least one year old. No prior obedience or agility training needed!

> SKC_Basic_Agility_Class_Syllabus_summary

Intermediate class

Held on Sundays from 4-5 pm, 8 lessons starting on July 1st, 2012 (might not be all consecutive  Sundays). Participating dog needs to be at least one year old, and have basic agility skills, either from SKC basic agility class or from another basic agility class / equivalent to the skills acquired in SKC basic agility class.

Learning the weave poles at SKC Basic Class

> SKC Intermediate Agility Class Syllabus summary  

Register to participate

> Sign up by filling out this form online. Alternatively you can drop us an e-mail at dogsports.agility at skc.org.sg to let us know you are joining and bring the filled form along to the first class. For registrations on the day, sms 8444 5275.

More information

If you are thinking of starting agility but are not quite sure about signing up for class, come try agility for free on Sunday June 24th, it’ll help you decide your mind!

> More about SKC training classes and fees

If you have any questions, just comment this post and we’ll reply 🙂

Tricks & Training in the dog run on June 24th

Come to the dog run to learn how to train your dog!

The ‘Tricks & Training in the dog run’ is an event that is free of charge, organised by SKC in cooperation with NParks. No sign-up needed prior to the event – just see you at the dog run on the day! (NB: event will not be held in thunder/heavy rain)

Programme:
3pm – Trick training: This session will teach you how to train your dog some easy – and some more tricky – tricks that come in handy in the everyday life with your dog, and make very good entertainment when visitors are around! Bring along your dog’s favourite treats. All dogs and puppies are welcome, no prior obedience training required. Dogs will be leashed during the trick training session.
4:15pm – Agility equipment try-out: In this session, you can try the agility equipment with your dog. SKC volunteers will help you along the way, showing you how to teach your dog and experience the various obstacles. Agility is a fun, bond-building dog sport suitable to any dog over 1 years old. No prior training is required, all dogs will be kept on leash. Bring treats or a toy with you.
5pm – Ask the trainer: In this session, you can ask SKC’s volunteer trainers questions about day-to-day training of your dog (e.g. how to stop your dog from jumping on people).  Remember to bring treats so you get some hands-on practice.