More hours available for more lessons lately, so Back Yard Agility blogspot is active once again.  Read the panel at the bottom of this site for info on the Rules of the Game Contest.  We'll start this game again in the near future. For now, if you are a current student, please keep an eye on the Specific Schedule (panel on the right side), and inform me of any conflicts.  If you are not a current student, please e-mail tripton@verizon.net with any questions or requests.  We'd love to hear from you.  : )

Ready for a Run Thru?

If you’re looking for a new location and/or new equipment to test your agility skills, come by for a run thru at
1101 Warwick Park Road, Richmond, VA 23231
Thursday, July 23
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Novice and Master level courses available.
$5 per run, $10 for 3 runs (per handler)
Treats, toys, targets, touching your dog, leashes, collars are all allowed in the ring. Someone will be available to time your run and note faults if you would like. Please do bring a chair and a crate or x-pen. Not permitted are: harsh behavior toward your dog or others, a dangerously aggressive dog, dogs who do not have experience on agility equipment. Each person will be asked to fill out a registration form and sign a waiver upon your arrival.

We’re just off of Route 5 about 5 miles east of the Richmond city limits. Almost 3 acres of flat grass far away from busy traffic. The back ½ acre is completely fenced. Shade trees border the property for your vehicles. Kitchen, refrigerator and indoor restrooms available. Please, contact Marie Tripton at (804) 226-4742 or tripton@verizon.net with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Rules of the Game: Q9 2009

In AKC, a 2Q or Double Q (Double Qualify) is earned by qualifying in an Excellent B Standard Agility run and an Excellent B Jumpers with Weaves run on the same day. How many 2Qs are required to achieve a MACH (Master Agility Champion) Title?

a. 3
b. 20
c. 5
d. 10

Table Countdown

The judge's count for table performance typically goes, "Five... and... four... and... three... and... two... and... one... and... Go." If your dog leaves the table before the judge finishes the word "Go." you have not completed the obstacle properly. The faults you earn will not be worth the split second you think you're saving. It's in your best interest to wait until the countdown is complete.

Rules of the Game: Q8 2009

What does the NADAC term NATCH stand for?

a. North American Trial Champion
b. NADAC Agility Trial Course Handler
c. NADAC Agility Trial Champion
d. Novice Agility Trial Champion

Rules of the Game: Q7 2009

Only one of the following organizations requires your dog touch the contact zone on the UP ramp of the A-frame and Dogwalk. Which one is it?

a. CPE
b. NADAC
c. USDAA
d. AKC
e. DOCNA

Watch those Wings

It's easy to forget to practice jumps with wings, because they are bit more complicated to construct. Yet, 50% of jumps in an AKC course must be wing jumps. Wings are only 18 - 24" wide, but they do alter the way you handle jumps. If your dog has never been exposed to wings, he may be completely confused on initial introduction -- wondering if he should jump over the wing parts or run around them. Wings also force the handler to approach a jump at a different angle or distance, further confusing your dog about how to actually complete the obstacle. Make sure to introduce your dog to wing jumps before you encounter them in a competition ring. You'll be glad you did!