About the various Agility Organizations

 The following dog agility organizations allow any dog to join, regardless of pedigree and have multiple trials in the New England area throughout the year. 

Here are some of the main differences:

  1. Course design: Each organization has its own rules and guidelines for course design, which can affect the types of obstacles used and the difficulty level of the courses. For example, CPE and AKC allow certain types of obstacles that are not allowed in UKI or USDAA, such as a panel jump.
  2. Scoring system: Each organization has its own scoring system for agility competitions.
  3. Class types offered: Each organization has its own set of classes, which can vary in terms of the levels of competition and the types of classes offered. For example, UKI offers classes such as Gamblers and Speedstakes, while USDAA offers classes such as Grand Prix and Pairs.  See below for more information on classes.
  4. Eligibility requirements: Each organization has its own eligibility requirements for dogs and handlers to compete in agility competitions. See their website for more information.

Overall, each organization has its own unique rules and guidelines for dog agility competitions. Handlers and dogs may find that they prefer one organization’s rules over another, depending on their goals and preferences.

CPE Specific Classes and Terms

  1. Standard: A CPE agility class that includes a variety of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, contact obstacles, and weave poles.
  2. Colors: A CPE agility class that involves completing a sequence of obstacles in a specific order, based on the colors of the obstacles. Here is a video explaining: How to Play CPE Colors and Wildcard
  3. Wildcard: A CPE agility class that allows the handler to design their own course using a set number of obstacles. Here is a video explaining: How to Play CPE Colors and Wildcard
  4. Jackpot: A CPE agility class that involves completing a specific sequence of obstacles in the fastest time possible, with a bonus point system for successfully completing certain obstacles. Here is a video explaining: How to Play the CPE Game of Jackpot
  5. Full House: A CPE agility class that requires the dog to complete a set number of obstacles in a specific time frame. Here is a video explaining: How to Play CPE Full House
  6. Snooker: A CPE agility class that involves completing a specific sequence of obstacles in a specific order, with bonus points for successfully completing certain obstacles. Here is a video explaining: CPE Snooker, How to Play the Game
  7. Jumpers: A CPE agility class that involves only jumps and tunnels, with no contact obstacles or weave poles. This is a great class to start competing with your dog!
  8. CPE levels: The different levels of CPE agility competition are labeled Level 1 through Level 5 and Championship.  You achieve different levels by getting one or more Qualifying runs (Q). 

USDAA Specific Classes and Terms

  1. Standard: A USDAA agility class that includes a variety of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, contact obstacles, and weave poles.
  2. Jumpers: A USDAA agility class that involves only jumps and tunnels, with no contact obstacles or weave poles.
  3. Gamblers: A USDAA agility class that involves completing a design your own opening followed by a specific closing usually involving handling from a distance of 10-15 feet, with the dog being given a set amount of time to earn as many points as possible.
  4. Snooker: A USDAA agility class that involves designing your own opening that meets specific rules, followed by a numbered closing sequence.
  5. Pairs: A USDAA relay class that involves two dogs and two handlers completing different parts of a course.
  6. Grand Prix: A USDAA agility class that involves contact equipment, jumps, tunnels and weaves and completing a sequence of obstacles in the fastest time possible. Open to all levels.  Course must be completed with no faults.
  7. Steeplechase: A USDAA fast and flowing agility class, open to all levels, that involves a series of jumps, tunnels, A-Frame and weave poles. Faults are allowed.
  8. Team: A USDAA agility class that involves a team of 2 or 3 dogs and their handlers completing 5 courses and combining scores.
  9. Performance: A USDAA height class that allows for modifications to the jump height.  For example, if your dog measures to 12″ jump height but you want to jump them at 8″.
  10. Starters/Advanced/Masters: The different levels of USDAA agility competition.

UKI Specific Classes and Terms

  1. Agility: A UKI agility class that includes a variety of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, contact obstacles, and weave poles.
  2. Jumping: A UKI agility class that involves only jumps, tunnels and weaves with no contact obstacles.
  3. Speedstakes: A fast and flowing UKI jumping class that involves completing a set number of obstacles in a specific time frame.
  4. Snooker: A UKI class that involves designing your own opening that meets specific rules, followed by a numbered closing sequence.
  5. Gamblers: A UKI agility class that involves completing a design your own opening followed by a specific closing usually involving handling from a distance of 10-15 feet, with the dog being given a set amount of time to earn as many points as possible.
  6. Power and Speed: a 2 part class. The first part “Power” is comprised of A frame, Dog Walk, 1 jump and weaves.  The second part is jumps and tunnels.
  7. Master Series: A Biathlon consisting of Agility and Jumping classes with scores combined.
  8. Select: agility height class that allows for modifications to the obstacles for dogs that require accommodation.
  9. UKI Levels:  UKI offers 4 levels of course design and rules, depending on dog’s titles: Beginner, Novice, Senior and Championship