Agility Classes

NYS 4-H Dog Show Agility Rules

  • 4-H rules are located on the NYS 4-H Policy page.
  • All dogs MUST be working at the Beginner C Level to be training/working/showing in Agility. Beginner A & B obedience dogs are not eligible. Dogs not entered in an obedience class may be asked to perform an off lead recall to show that they belong in Agility.
  • Dogs must be at least 15 months old.
  • Either no collar or flat buckle collars but no hanging tags or attachments.
  • Handlers shall be allowed to bring their dog to the start line on leash. Handlers shall comply with the judges’ instructions for being ready to start their run, having their dog off leash and under control in a timely manner.
  • Food and toys are not permitted in course area or in the ring and handlers are not permitted to use whistles or other instruments or devices.
  • Handlers will be excused by the judge/superintendent for inappropriate actions including training devices.
  • Handlers in all classes will be allowed one ten minute walk through the course, without a dog, prior to the start of the class.
  • A handler may be asked to leave the ring at any time at the judges/superintendents discretion. All dogs must be measured prior to judging. A measuring steward will be available throughout registration and opportunities will be provided throughout the 4-H year to obtain a 4-H height card for your agility dog. The dog’s height to be measured at the withers. If you have a permanent height card from another agility organization, that may be used in place of a 4-H card. If you have a height card, please attach a copy to the entry you are sending to the Superintendent.
  • No jump height to exceed 24”. Dogs entered in the Agility Classes shall jump AKC Preferred jump heights (4” lower).
  • If a dog defecates or eliminates in the ring during Agility, they will lose 15 points per occurrence.
  • If a dog is trained by someone before the 4-H handler takes over, that dog must be shown at the next highest level of competition.

Scoring

  • Course Time Deductions will be made as follows:
    Pre-Novice & Novice: One point deduction for every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers. Open: Two point deduction for every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers. A handler will be asked to leave the course if their time exceeds two times the
    standard course time. A whistle will not be used.
  • Wrong Course: will result in a 5-point deduction for each occurrence.
  • Pause Table Faults: will result in a 5-point deduction for each occurrence.
  • Outside Assistance: will result in a 2-point deduction to elimination at the judges’ discretion.
  • Handler is not allowed to touch dog or equipment while competing.
  • Contacts: at judge’s discretion.

Dress Code

Sneakers, blue jeans and shorts are acceptable for Agility because events are typically held outside, rain or shine. Turf shoes are allowed for agility; shoes with cleats are not.

Sleeveless shirts, including tank tops and halter tops, are not appropriate. Shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. with slogans, logos, club names, etc. are not appropriate.

Sandals, clogs, high-heeled shoes, open toed shoes and bare feet are not allowed for safety reasons.

Agility (Pre-Novice)

A ten obstacle course that is straight forward using non-winged jumps, pipe tunnel, A-frame, tire jump, table and dog walk. Any dog that received a Blue placing must move to the next level.

Agility (Novice)

Any dog that received a Blue placing must move to the next level. Dogs must not have completed their AKC Novice Standard Agility title (or the equivalent – NADAC, USDAA, etc.) unless the title was earned within 60 days of the show.

At least 12 – 13 obstacles must be used in the Novice classes: (There will be no weaves in Novice.)

Agility (Open)

For dogs that have received a blue award in the Novice Level. Dogs must not have completed their AKC Open standard title (or the equivalent – NADAC, USDAA, etc.) unless the title was earned within 60 days of the show. Additional obstacles will be added.

Agility (Excellent)

For dogs that have received a blue award in the Open Level. Dogs must not have completed their AKC Excellent Title (or the equivalent – NADAC, USDAA, etc.) unless the title was earned within 60 days of the show. Dogs that have titled or received a blue ribbon in this class may compete For Exhibition Only (FEO).

Agility (Masters)

For dogs titled in Agility Excellent or received a blue in the Excellent Class.

For more information

Contact your local County CCE Association or Brian Aukema at bja14 [at] cornell.edu (bja14[at]cornell[dot]edu).