Navigating Dog Sports with Jinnie and the Solstice gang

02/01/2024

A question that came up in AKC Scentwork- how many classes can you enter. Page 7 of the rule book.

Dogs are able to enter up to two (2) difficulty levels in each element,
in each trial. If a dog is entered in more than two difficulty levels for
a single element in a single trial, the score for the lowest level entered
will be disallowed, regardless of whether the dog ran or qualified in
all levels. Dogs may only enter classes for which they are eligible,
according to the above guidelines. Dogs may only enter a class once
in each event. A class is defined as a particular difficulty level within
a particular element. For example, a dog may run in both Novice and
Advanced Interior in the same trial, but may not run in Novice Interior
twice in the same trial.

11/30/2023

"Like humans, go through many different life stages, and these stages are accompanied by changes in care."

Check out our on Preventive Care for Senior Dogs: dogagingproject.org/preventive-care-senior-dogs

11/18/2023

Today's rule is inspired by some friends who are competing in Obedience using a walking boot after breaking their foot. I myself use a scooter to show in the breed ring. Here is information about ADA accommodations.

Competing in dog sports allows you to bond with your four-legged friend and gives you the opportunity to create friendships with other dog owners. Your can

11/15/2023

It's ! Check out our Care Series.

These focus on common challenges that older dogs face & provide helpful tools/suggestions to help your senior dog maintain an optimal quality of life for as long as possible. 🐾 https://dogagingproject.org/blog/category/senior-dogs

11/08/2023

Courtesy of Show Dog Prep School a helpful graphic for counting AKC Championship points.

11/01/2023

So we did Barnhunt and Scentwork this past weekend. I am finding JeffJeff is a bit pouty about no cheese reward in Barnhunt vs lots of cheese in Scentwork. Another venue that may not be as familiar to you is NASDA ala North American Sport Dog Association. This is another venue that allows rewarding at the source. Here is their rule: Rewards
Dogs may be rewarded at all levels in the quarry area AFTER the judge verifies their success
(“yes” or “finished”) except where noted in the rules for each class. Rewards may include touch,
praise, food and/or toys. These rewards must be presented without unduly disturbing or
contaminating the search area.
Any dropped food or treat rewards anywhere on course shall be judged as a significant
deduction of -5 points. This deduction (-5) also applies If the play or toy reward significantly
disturbs the hide area.
Handlers are allowed to give verbal encouragement during the course without deduction
providing it does not interfere with the search pattern of the dog.

To learn more about NASDA visit them at

Welcome to the North American Sport Dog Association! Every dog owner knows that dogs are able to pick up scents that don’t catch the attention of their handlers. One study estimated that dogs can pick up odours up to 100 000 times better than humans can. Historically these abilities were embraced ...

10/25/2023

Since we are Barnhunting this weekend here is the official rule about leashes and collars

Section 13. Collars and Leashes
1. Disallowed collars/attachments on all Barn Hunt grounds. The following are not allowed to be used on Barn
Hunt grounds. Electronic collars, bark collars (including citronella), head halters, uncovered prongs, and muzzles.
GPS collars such as Fi, etc. which do not have any kind of shock component may be used.
2. Disallowed collars/attachments in the blind/ring. Leashes with attached dangling items; toys/tugs, p**p
bag holders.
3. Allowed collars and attachments. All other collar, lead, and harness types and combinations are allowed to be
used on Trial grounds, including Covered pinch/prong collars with a quick release snap, braided fleece leads, and a
single p**p bag attached to a leash. All allowed collars/restraints must be well fitted.
4. Tying out/leash or line dragging. At no time can dogs be tied out or otherwise left attached to anything other than a
human when outside a crate, car, or other secure enclosed confinement. Leashes cannot be left dangling or dragging.
Standing or stepping on a leash is not allowed as a form of restraint (but may be used in an emergency to help secure a
loose dog.) Accommodations to this rule may be made for differently-abled handlers as determined by the Club.
5. In the blind and going to the ring. Dogs cannot be brought to the blind or the ring on retractable leads. Dogs
should be brought into the ring with collars/harnesses/slip-leads which can be easily and quickly removed and
replaced. Handlers may choose to use one collar/restraint in the blind and a different one to enter the ring. If that
is the case, the dog must enter and wear both collars/leashes in the blind, with one being removed prior to arriving
at the ring. In no circumstance can a dog ever be without a secure collar/leash in the blind. See “Line Drive Class”
on page 23 for Collars/harnesses allowed in that class.

10/23/2023

Thanks Vicki Aquino Ronchette and Show Dog Prep School for my new laptop stickers. My kennel moto is "Where thr dog comes before the show" and these fit my brand so well.

10/18/2023

A question came up on another page about wearing identifying pins and badges in the conformation. Here is the policy from the AKC policy page:
Badges and Pins in the Ring (August 1968 Board meeting)
—
The rule prohibiting badges and pins in the ring is designed to prevent an exhibitor from wearing badges or other symbols which identify that person as a particular individual and the rule should not be construed to include the wearing of a lapel button by an exhibitor identifying him as a member of a particular club, AKC RHP, PHA, the Guild or any group.

Even though it is from 1968 and there are newer pins, badges and organizations the policy still stands, you can not have anything in the conformation ring that identifies you or your dog individually. So your Breeder of Merit or NOHS level pin is fine, you kennel logo not fine.

10/10/2023

Something new coming for those fetching fanatics

https://www.akc.org/fetch/?fbclid=IwAR2lQOTCYAq60gB5mIXeEHVffvF8ckpHxS6YUWsU0-Lth4AfOydvoLxKWLg

Welcome to AKC Fetch! When dog owners are asked about activities they like to do with their dogs, the most common responses are to take their dog for a walk, and to play ball (fetch) with the dog.

10/10/2023

Monday's rule

Just an FYI - also remember a handler can only handle one dog per class. Novice A&B are the same hide setup so a handler cannot enter a dog in Novice A and Novice B in the same element.

Section 2 (pg 7)

Dogs are able to enter up to two (2) difficulty levels in each element,
in each trial. If a dog is entered in more than two difficulty levels for
a single element in a single trial, the score for the lowest level entered
will be disallowed, regardless of whether the dog ran or qualified in
all levels. Dogs may only enter classes for which they are eligible,
according to the above guidelines. Dogs may only enter a class once
in each event. A class is defined as a particular difficulty level within
a particular element. For example, a dog may run in both Novice and
Advanced Interior in the same trial, but may not run in Novice Interior
twice in the same trial.

10/04/2023

FYI There is a short 4 part course at the AKC canine college about Conformation for beginners. Might be helpful for some just starting out. https://www.caninecollege.akc.org/user_catalog_class/show/870258

Feel free to ask questions and we will do our best to answer.