The Agility Association of Canada (or AAC) is basically like the "head honcha" of Agility in Canada. All Canadian Agility Trials must be approved of by the AAC and held by a member of the AAC. If you are interested in either competing with your dog in agility, becoming a member, and/or hosting an Agility Trial in your area I suggest clicking on the banner above to view their website. It is a very informative, pleasing on the eye site filled with all the information and propper forms you need about the AAC.
If you're not sure what Dog Agility is, let me explain...
Dog Agility is a dog sport recognized all around the world. The goal is to complete a set course with the least amount of faults in a fast time. There are different games to play in Agility such as Snooker, Gamblers, Team Relay, Jumpers and Standard. There are also different classes and jump heights your dog can be entered in or qualify under. The jump heights determine the hieght of all obstacles on a course for your dog. A dogs jump hieght is determined by the hieght measured from the floor to their withers (shoulders). To enter an agility trial in Canada you must first have your dogs AAC ID Card. On the back of this card there are several spaces for a judge's signature and what hieght your dog will be jumping at. You must have at least two of these spaces filled on your card. Measurements always take place at the begining of a trial so pay attention to announcements to find out when you can have your dog measured and his/her card filled.
The Obstacles: Agility Association of Canada Rules and Regulations V 1.0.1
Appendix C
Obstacle Construction Standards
General: All obstacles shall be of solid construction and must meet the following specifications to be approved for use at an AAC sanctioned agility trial. Furthermore, all obstacles must be constructed with the safety of the dog foremost in mind. All surfaces shall be free of sharp or hazardous edges and all parts of an obstacle that may contact a dog's pads through normal performance shall be constructed, painted etc. so that they shall not damage the dogs pads.
Obstacles may be an colour with the exception of the contact obstacles, which must have yellow contact zones with the rest of the obstacle being painted a contrasting colour and the table top, which must be a light/reflective colour so that the surface does not get excessively hot. These obstacles shall be painted with an exterior paint and treated with an anti-slip additive.
The allowed variance for all specified dimensions shall be plus or minus five percent (5%)
Table II - Obstacle Heights:
Jump:
Broad Jump:
Double Bar:
Table:
A-Frame:
Dog Height: (at withers)
Height:
Width:
Height:
# of Boards:
Width:
Height:
Height:
Height:
Over 21":
26"
52"
8"
5
15"
26"
26"
6'3"
21" or less but over 16":
22"
44"
8"
5
15"
22"
22"
6'3"
16" or less but over 12":
16"
32"
6"
3
12"
16"
16"
5'6"
12" or less:
10"
20"
4"
2
8"
10"
10"
5'6"
Tabel II Continued - Obstacle Heights Ascending Spread Jump
Dog Height at withers:
Width:
Poles at:
Over 21":
26"
26", 22", 16", 10", 6"
21" or less but over 16":
22"
22", 16", 10", 6"
16" or less but over 12":
16"
16", 10", 6"
12" or less:
10"
10", 6"
NOTES:
Jump height is measured from the ground to the top of the pole;
All widths are measured from teh outside of pole to outside of pole (not centre to centre);
Jumps must have a six (6) inch cup to accommodate the Veterans/Special classes;
A ten (10) inch table may be used for 16" dogs jumping six inches (6 in);
A ten (10) inch table may be used for 16" dogs and twenty-two (22) inch table for 26" dogs, at the Judge's discretion. This applies to all classes.
More Obstacle Heights and Regulations from the AAC Rules and Regulations...
