How many venues do you run?

[3Stars]

Just curious why you don't run Performance?

I have the same issue with Koji, he would need to jump 22", not going to happen. Obviously, when I do USDAA, I run him in Performance 16".

This is just my opinion - I know others feel differently:

I know they have a performance division, but I guess it's a moral objection. It bothers me immensely that they have the expectation that 16.25" dogs should jump 22" - while Starr can definitely jump 22" I don't think it's in the long term best interest of most dogs to constantly jump 6 inches above their withers, and so I don't want to support an organization that would allow it. Their website says:

"The Performance Program was developed for recreational competition purposes, placing less emphasis on demonstrating the agility of the dog. This program offers lower jumping heights for dogs, more generous time constraints on course, and a lower A-frame for all height classes that requires less strength and muscular control to perform."

My dog is beautifully conditioned. He doesn't need more generous time constraints or a lower A-frame height, and I wouldn't consider him any more a "recreational" competitor than I would a dog a 1/4 of an inch shorter who is allowed to jump at 16". There should not be such huge differences between the jump heights - 18" is reasonable, 22" is not. To put this into perspective, many people in my agility class do USDAA - the dogs that jump at 22 inches include a large border collie, 2 Tervs, and a German Shepherd. My dog is tiny next to any of these dogs, but according to USDAA they should be able to safely jump the same height. "Money talks", and I figure if enough people aren't participating, at some point they will hopefully make their jump heights more reasonable.

 

[Toffee's Mom]

wow, what a good point!
The size difference is too much for some dogs for doing safely for long term.

 

[danisgoat]

We only do AKC. Once, we competed in a venue called DOCNA.

 

[DPSheltie]

I think Riley would like USDAA. Do the Performance (unless you want to WIN, then stay away, cuz we compete against BC's too in Perf). The one thing I like about USDAA, they have challenges in them which require me and Koji to slow down (I get to catch my breath here or catch up).

Can't wait to see where you and Riley go.

BCs.....Riley would smoke 'em!!!! Seriously! It's the control that is lacking sometimes, not speed

And places to catch my breath?? Thats normally after we're done running.

 

[ortegah]

AKC and USDAA only. I agree that they are the 2 most competitive venues. I've been finding that Trax runs better in USDAA because they are more technical and it makes us think a little more on the course. I do more AKC though because that's the biggest venue around. Next year when USDAA Nationals come to Tennessee I'll be doing more USDAA to make sure I qualify and have plenty of tournament points.

 

[k9kreationz]

This is just my opinion - I know others feel differently:

I know they have a performance division, but I guess it's a moral objection. It bothers me immensely that they have the expectation that 16.25" dogs should jump 22" - while Starr can definitely jump 22" I don't think it's in the long term best interest of most dogs to constantly jump 6 inches above their withers, and so I don't want to support an organization that would allow it. Their website says:

"The Performance Program was developed for recreational competition purposes, placing less emphasis on demonstrating the agility of the dog. This program offers lower jumping heights for dogs, more generous time constraints on course, and a lower A-frame for all height classes that requires less strength and muscular control to perform."

My dog is beautifully conditioned. He doesn't need more generous time constraints or a lower A-frame height, and I wouldn't consider him any more a "recreational" competitor than I would a dog a 1/4 of an inch shorter who is allowed to jump at 16". There should not be such huge differences between the jump heights - 18" is reasonable, 22" is not. To put this into perspective, many people in my agility class do USDAA - the dogs that jump at 22 inches include a large border collie, 2 Tervs, and a German Shepherd. My dog is tiny next to any of these dogs, but according to USDAA they should be able to safely jump the same height. "Money talks", and I figure if enough people aren't participating, at some point they will hopefully make their jump heights more reasonable.

That's interesting about what USDAA says about their Performance program. Makes me feel a bit insulted. Koji isn't weak, he could jump 22", but really, how long would his career be and he's almost 18" tall! Hopefully, they'll change that height bit, because I'd really love to run against dogs "my own height". The one thing I don't get is that it's a 4" spread between all other jump heights except this one.

I understand your objection. I was just curious. Thanks.

 

[Calliesmom]

That's interesting about what USDAA says about their Performance program. Makes me feel a bit insulted. Koji isn't weak, he could jump 22", but really, how long would his career be and he's almost 18" tall! Hopefully, they'll change that height bit, because I'd really love to run against dogs "my own height". The one thing I don't get is that it's a 4" spread between all other jump heights except this one.

I understand your objection. I was just curious. Thanks.

that is what I have never understood either

 

[Sealtainn]

that is what I have never understood either

usdaa do not hide the fact that they are geared towards *LARGE* dogs: meaning dogs jumping 22" and up.
some in usdaa arent quite as open to admit a bias toward championship & against performance but it *is* there as I've witnessed it time and again even in usdaa events at the highest level.

Talk of how unfair usdaa is to dogs that measure-up from 16" to 22" has been ongoing for years. Earlier this year usdaa invited participants to a study on jump heights.
One of the reasons for usdaa's position is the height categories in international competition where agility *is* more of a competitive sport than a recreational activity which it is for most of the usa even in "competitive" classes.
Should usdaa consider changing jump heights to address the complaints of "small" dogs (not just 16" & a bit dogs, but also really small dogs in which there is no "fair" jump height at all for some), then I would not be surprised if all these dogs currently measuring 14"-16" and jumping 16" in championship at the top end of their current height class find themselves being reclassified in a new 18" jump class that accepts dogs up to 18" in height.
This will be welcomed by those who avoid usdaa for the current unfair jump height as they will then feel more welcome & those dogs that had been dominating the 16" championship height class will be facing tougher competition including lots more border collies. This I feel in my opinion is due to some beliefs that the current 16" jump height class is not very competitive more than anything else.

I don't have any inside info, just making my own conclusions to what would be the most likely scenario should usdaa make a change.

Personally, my biggest gripe with usdaa is not jump heights but that their events are so far apart unlike AKC which seems everywhere.
If you are lucky to live near to where usdaa tests take place then its fine but driving 4 or 5 hours is enough to discourage me from participating as much as I would like when there is usually a choice of locations for AKC trials each within an hour or so of driving.

 

[nellie123]

Right now we are getting our footing in CPE and NADAC, which we LOVE. Nellie loves stretching out and running in NADAC, and CPE is a easy venue to get used to. We could do AKC/USDAA's difficulty but right now we still need to get used to working well in a trial environment.