We have a Dutch shepherd that we are just starting in agility training. Although we're far from being ready for a trial, which venue would you recommend since Dutchies are not AKC recognized? Possibly NADAC? any otheres. We're located in PA if that makes a difference.
You could try USDAA, their was a beautiful Dutchie at the Mpls fall trial this year in starters. She was awesome to watch, great focus on the handler. They have 3 trials posted in PA for next year so far if you check out their event calender.
Thanks, I'll look into USDAA as well. I'm not sure we'll be ready as this is the first time for agility for the dog as well as the handler. I think the dog is learning faster than we are.
You can always volunteer to help at the trials, you learn a lot, and become more comfortable as you learn. Bring your dog and get him/her used to the trial surroundings. All of the trials I've been to they can always use help from setting bars to helping set courses.
I do CPE agility trials. It is a very friendly venue which stresses fun and having a good working relationship with your dog. The Level I courses are easy to start with. Mixed breeds and registered dogs may compete. I like CPE because I am not really that competitive but like doing agility to build the confidence level of my fearful hound/rottie mix.
You might ask around and see what venue your trainers/friends think you and your dog would be best at. The different groups emphasize different things. For example: NADAC emphasizes speed and distance and UKC emphasizes precision. I have a friend whose veteran dog consistently misses Qs by tenths of a second despite having a clean run on NADAC courses, but the dog does beautifully on UKC courses.
My friends who travel more have told me that several NADAC clubs are changing to CPE or other formats. NADAC has been doing some strange things lately and I’ve found it difficult to keep abreast of all the changes. Personally, I’ve noticed a substantial cut in number and type of dogs after NADAC cut course times a year or two ago.
ASCA trials also accept all dogs and, until recently, trials could be dual sanctioned as NADAC/ASCA. If you have been training NADAC, you might find ASCA familiar.
1. Which venue is most like AKC? Our instuctor competes in AKC trials so I'm sure she steering the class in that direction. Most of the dogs are GSD, we just happen to have a Dutchie.
2. Is there a chart or spreadsheet which compares the requirements/rules for the different venues. Especially NADAC,USDAA, and CPE as these seem to be the most popular in my area.
(I haven't competed in agility for about a year, so forgive me if the info is outdated)
All the venues are pretty different. AKC has only two class types, standard and jumpers. Nadac and usdaa have those, plus "game" classes like gamblers or snooker.
But I guess the standard and jumpers courses of AKC and Usdaa are the most similar IMO. Similar equipment, similar tight courses, similar competitiveness. I think the rules are closer as well.
Good luck with your pup. Agility is a ton of fun...I miss it.
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