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Dog Agility

Dog Sports and Titles

Education

Ever thought about higher education…..
for your dog?

Ever seen a dog with all kinds of letters before and/or after his name?

Wonder what they mean?

There are many activities that can gain your dog awards and recognition in the form of titles.  They can be a lot of fun for both dog and owner.

Looking for one of these events in your area? Click HERE for DogShow.ca.

Check out the CKC’s Top Dogs in a variety of sports HERE.

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Agility

Agility: Dog and master work together to run through an obstacle course in the fastest possible time. Check HERE for a more in depth explanation of the sport. 

Gamblers: Dog and master work together to run through an obstacle course within a set time in an opening sequence. The obstacles such as jumps, tire, tunnels, contact, and weave each receive a different point value. The opening sequence expires with blow of a whistle, at which point the handler has a shorter set time to complete a closing sequence. This final sequence or “gamble” must be done with the handler remaining outside a prescribed area usually outlined with rope or tape and within the time allowed.

Jumpers: This course is composed of jumps, tires, tunnels, and chutes. It involves excellent handling skills and real team-work. The pace is fast and furious with twisted flows and potential chances for off course penalties at every turn.

Snooker: There are two separate sequences. The opening sequence requires the handler to perform one of 3 or 4 designated (red) jumps followed by an obstacle of choice, and repeat this pattern at least twice more, a third time is an option left to the judges discretion and outlined in the briefing. The closing sequence requires the dog to follow the obstacles numbered 2 to 7. The game is based on points accumulated.

Team Relay(2 dogs): The course layout is similar to standard agility. It is divided in sections and each dog on the team is selected by the team members to run a specified section. All team members must run clean and under the time allowed. Upon completing their respective section, the handler passes a baton in a specified area to allow the next handler to continue on the next section.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
AAC Titles
ADC
Agility Dog of Canada
SGDC
Starter Games Dog of Canada
AADC
Advanced Agility Dog of Canada
AGDC
Advanced Games Dog of Canada
MADC
Master Agility Dog of Canada
MGDC
Masters Gamblers Dog of Canada
MJDC
Masters Jumpers Dog of Canada
MSDC
Master Snooker Dog of Canada
MTRDC
Masters Team Relay Dog of Canada
MSCDC
Masters Steeplechase Dog of Canada
ATChC
Agility Trial Champion of Canada
S
Special PrefixAttached to any of the above titles
V
Veterans PrefixAttached to any of the above titles
Bronze Award of Merit
Silver Award of Merit
Gold Award of Merit
Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence
CKC Titles
AgN
Agility NoviceBeginners Agility
AgI
Agility IntermediateIntermediate Agility - more obstacles, less time to complete the course
AgX
Agility ExcellentAdvanced Agility
AgMX
Agility MasterHighest level of Agility
NADAC Titles
NAC
Novice Agility Certificate
OAC
Open Agility Certificate
EAC
Elite Agility Certificate
NGC
Novice Gamblers Certificate
OGC
Open Gamblers Certificate
EGC
Elite Gamblers Certificate
NJC
Novice Jumpers Certificate
OJC
Open Jumpers Certificate
EJC
Elite Jumpers Certificate
-V
Veterans suffixAttached to any of the above titles
-JH
Junior Handler suffixAttached to any of the above titles
O
Outstanding PerformancePrefix to any of the above titles
S
Superior PerformancePrefix to any of the above titles
NATCH
NADAC Agility Trial Champion
V-
VeteransPrefix to NATCH
JH-
Junior HandlerPrefix to NATCH
TN-N
Novice Tunnelers Certificate
TN-O
Open Tunnelers Certificate
TN-E
Elite Tunnelers Certificate
WV-N
Novice Weavers Certificate
WV-O
Open Weavers Certificate
WV-E
Elite Weavers Certificate
TG-N
Novice Touch N Go Certificate
TG-O
Open Touch N Go Certificate
TG-E
Elite Touch N Go Certificate

Associations

Canadian Kennel Club

paw_red[1] All breeds welcome

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Conformation

Conformation Shows: All breeds recognized by the CKC are eligible to compete. Each dog is judged against a “Breed Standard” that outlines the appearance and temperament of the ideal specimen of each breed.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
Ch
Conformation ChampionGranted after earning a specific number of points
Ch (Alt)
Conformation ChamptionFor spayed/neutered dogs - Granted after earning a specific number of points
BIS
Best in ShowBest overall dog in the dog show
BISS
Best in Specialty ShowBest overall dog competing against other Champions
BPIS
Best Puppy in ShowBest overall puppy in the dog show
GCh
Grand ChampionEarned after completion of conformation championship

20 points which must include one Best of Breed and a minimum of two wins of at least two points each
GChEx
Grand Champion ExcellentEarned after completion of conformation championship

100 points which must include one Best in Show or a Best of Breed at a Breed National Specialty (where a minimum of ten dogs have competed) or a Best in Multiple Breed Specialty with at least five breeds represented; plus three group firsts or three Breed Specialty wins must be earned at Conformation shows

Associations

American Working Terrier Association

paw_red[1] Terriers and Dachshunds

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Den Trials

Den Trials: The dog tracks the game by scent to a constructed den (lair, burrow, tunnel), enters the animal’s tunnel and then works (barking, engaging etc) the animal until the vermin either bolts (flees) from the earth or until the owner digs down to the den in a real hunting situation. The trench or path is scented with i.e. rat scent. A caged rat serves as the simulated quarry at the end of the trench where the dog can see and smell but not physically touch or harm the rat.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
CG
Certificate of GamenessDog travels a 30' trench to quarry within 30 seconds, works quarry for 60 seconds
EWC(Alt)
Earth Working CertificateDog works in a natural earth (not in a drain or other man-made earth) to woodchuck, fox, raccoon, or badger
JE
Junior Earthdog
ME
Master Earthdog
SE
Senior Earthdog

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Draft/Sledding

Sledding: Sled dog sports, often referred to as “mushing,” have great versatility in the number and range of events. The particular formats practiced in a given area are largely dependent upon tradition and climate. The Nome style of the sport is performed with a dog sled, in which the driver (known as the musher) pushes the sled, runs along side of the sled, or rides on the sled’s runners. Nome style is the most traditional form of dog powered sports, especially in North America, where it takes its name from the city in the state of Alaska by the same name.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
DD
Draft DogCart work by a single dog - obedience, maneuvering, freight hauling
DDX
Draft Dog ExcellentAdvanced Cart work - carting by voice control only, freight hauling, backpacking
SD
Sled DogSledding at least 50 miles in three successful races
SDX
Sled Dog ExcellentSledding an additional 100 miles in three successful races
SDU
Sled Dog UnlimitedSledding an additional 300 miles in three successful races

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Field/Hunt

Field/Hunting Tests: Pointing, retrieving, and flushing tests are all part of the hunting and field tests available to a number of dog breeds. Lure coursing titles, in which a sighthound is tested on its ability to follow a lure, are also available. The titles in this category are available to members of the Sporting and Hound groups of dogs as noted below.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
AFTCh
Amateur field Trial Champion prefixOpen to all Sporting dogs (Group 1) - novice handler
CFC
Canadian Field Champion prefix
FCh
Field Champion (lure coursing)Tests sighthounds' ability and style in following a lure - Open to all sighthounds
FChX
Field Champion Excellent (lure coursing)Tests sighthounds' ability and style in following a lure - Open to all sighthounds
FD
Field Dog (pointing)Tests ability and style in finding and retrieving game - Open to all pointing breeds
FDJ
Field Dog Junior (pointing)Tests ability and style in finding and retrieving game - Open to all pointing breeds
FDX
Field Dog Excellent (pointing)Tests ability and style in finding and retrieving game - Open to all pointing breeds
FTCh
Field Trial Champion (retrieving) prefixOpen to all Sporting dogs (Group 1)
FTCh
Field Trial Champion (scenting) prefixOpen to Beagles, Basset Hounds, Petit Bassets Griffon Vendeen
NAFTCh
National Amateur Field Trial ChampionOpen to all retrieving breeds
NFTCh
National Field Trial ChampeionOpen to all retrieving breeds
JH
Junior Hunter (Field Test)Field test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
SH
Senior Hunter (Field Test)Field test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
MH
Master Hunter (Field Test)Field test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
GMH
Grand Master HunterField test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
WC
Working CertificateField test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
WCI
Working Certificate IntermediateField test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
WCX
Working Certificate ExcellentField test open to all retrieving breeds, Irish Water Spaniels, and Standard Poodles
WS
Working SpanielFlushing and Retrieving test open to all sporting spaniels except Brittany and Irish Water Spaniels

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Flyball

Flyball: A relay race in which two teams of four dogs each race side-by-side over a 51 foot long course. Each dog must run down their lane, clear 4 jumps, trigger the release of a tennis ball by pushing a pedal, retrieve the ball, and run back down the lane. The next dog is released to run the course when the previous dog has crossed the start/finish line. The first team to have all 4 dogs finish the course without error wins the heat. Points are awarded based on the speed of the team.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
FbD
Flyball Dog20 points
FbX
Flyball Dog Excellent100 points
FbDCh
Flyball Dog Champion500 points
FM
Flyball Master5,000 points
FMX
Flyball Master Excellent10,000 points
FMCh
Flyball Master Champion15,000 points
ONYX
ONYX Award20,000 points
FbGCh
Flyball Grand Champion30,000 points
HOBBES
HOBBES Award100,000 points

Associations

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Herding

Herding: Herding titles are given to dogs after they pass various tests of their ability to perform this function. These trials are open to various breeds as noted below.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
HC
Herding CertificateOpen to all Herding Group breeds and some Working Group breeds
HIC
Herding Instinct CertificateOpen to all Herding Group breeds and some Working Group breeds
HT
Herding TestedOpen to all breeds
HS
Herding StartedOpen to all breeds
HI
Herding IntermediateOpen to all breeds
HA
Herding AdvancedOpen to all breeds
SSC
Started Stockdog Certificate, HerdingOpen to all Herding Group breeds and some Working Group breeds
OSC
Open Stockdog Certificate, HerdingOpen to all Herding Group breeds and some Working Group breeds

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Obedience

Obedience: All breeds are welcome to earn obedience titles, and in fact all dogs should participate in at least the basics of obedience to learn the standard commands needed for everyday life and polish their manners!

AbbreviationTitleDescription
CD
Companion DogNovice Obedience - basic dog obedience (heel, come, stay commands)
CDX
Companion Dog ExcellentIntermediate Obedience - jumps, retrieve, (stay when master is out of sight)
UD
Utility DogAdvanced Obedience - scent discrimination, directed jumping, signals
OTCh
Obedience Trial ChampionRequires CD, CDX, and UD
OTChX
Obedience Trial Champion Excellent
MOTCh
Master Obedience Trial Champion
GMOTCh
Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion
HIT
High in TrialAwarded to the dog with the highest score in the trial

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Rally O

Rally Obedience: Rally Obedience is a fun dog obedience sport, open to ALL dogs, purebred or mixed breed as well as physically challenged dogs and/or handlers.

Rally Obedience goes beyond basic heeling by including over forty obedience movements with the sits, turns and paces of traditional heeling. It also requires a brisk pace, positive attitude and happy demeanor.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
RN
Rally Novice
RA
Rally Advanced
RX
Rally Excellent
RV
Rally Versatility
CL
Cum LaudeMay be added to any of the above titles - dependent on high score
MCL
Magna Cum LaudeMay be added to any of the above titles - dependent on high score

Associations

Canadian Kennel Club

paw_red[1] Newfoundland Dogs

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Rescue

Rescue: Rescue titles are available to Newfoundland Dogs only and involve tests of the Newf’s breed purpose, water rescue. Rescue titles are available to other breeds through the tracking titles in Obedience.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
WRD
Water Rescue DogBasic water rescue work (fetching, towing a boat, delivering a line, swimming)
WRDX
Water Rescue Dog ExcellentAdvanced water rescue work (rescue, jumping from boats, directed retrieving)

Associations

paw_red[1] All breeds welcome

Calgary Longshots

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Scent Hurdling

Scent Hurdling: Scent Hurdling is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box. The first hurdle is 4 feet from the start line and the box is 12 feet from the last hurdle. The first team dog jumps the hurdles and attempts to find their own scented dumbell from among the four that have been placed on the box. When the dog finds the right dumbbell he runs back over the 4 hurdles and crosses the finish line so that the next team dog can be released.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
SHD
Scent Hurdle Dog50 points
SHDX
Scent Hurdle Dog Excellent100 points
SHCh
Scent Hurdle Dog Champion250 points

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Schutzhund

Schutzhund: The dogs and handlers work as a team in the three categories of the Schutzhund (protection) program: Tracking, Obedience, and Protection. The exercises consist of the following:

  • Tracking: The dog must retrace the path of a person (400-1500+ yards with 2-4 turns) after 20-60 minutes have elapsed and be able to find 2-3 lost articles, regardless of weather conditions.
  • Obedience: The dog must follow the handler’s orders to heel, jump, retrieve, retrieve over a 6 foot wall and send away, both on and off the leash. The dog must not be intimidated by any distractions, including the sound of a gun or a group of strangers milling about.
  • Protection: The dog must, without handler assistance, respond properly in critical situations, like finding and warning his handler of a hidden person, preventing an assault on his handler, and stopping the villain from escaping. The dog must distinguish between a harmless bystander and a potentially dangerous person. He must display courage but restraint on his own when the agitator gives up.
AbbreviationTitleDescription
AD
AusdauerprufungEndurance Certificate - 12 miles in two hours
B or BH
BegleithundePreliminary Temperament test - prerequisite for any Schtzhund titles
BST
Breed Suitability Test
ABST
Advanced Breed Suitability Test
FH
FahrtenhundBasic Tracking degree
FH1
FH2
FahrtenhundAdvanced Tracking degree
IPO1
IPO2
IPO3
International Schutzhund Trial
SchH
SchutzhundBasic degree
SchH1
SchH2
SchH3
SchutzhundProgressively more advanced Tracking, Obedience, Protection degrees
SchHA
Limited SchutzhundSimilar to SchH1 but without the Tracking portion
WH
Schutzhund watch dog

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Tracking

Tracking: Tracking, as you might expect, involves following the scent trail left by a human being (or other animal) that has passed along a certain route. Following a track is one of the many useful things dogs can do to help humans. Hounds track game, rescue dogs track lost children, police dogs track suspects, well trained pets can find lost items. Many dog owners are involved in tracking with their dogs as a hobby (for fun) or as a sport (to earn titles), or both. All breeds are eligible.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
TD
Tracking DogSport form of search and rescue: Tracking test - dog follows human scent
TDX
Tracking Dog ExcellentAdvanced sport form of search and rescue: dog follows and aged track over a longer distance
UTD
Urban Tracking Dog Tracking in urban areas such as office parks, industrial parks, campuses, schools
UTDX
Urban Tracking Dog ExcellentAdvanced urban tracking
TCh
Tracking ChampionObtained after completion of all 4 tracking degrees

Associations

Canadian Kennel Club

paw_red[1] All breeds welcome

Red_Maple_Leaf_logo__3D_with_white_shades_V2 Other Titles

Canadian Canine Good Citizen Certification: A certification program that tests and identifies dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. The program tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere and is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.

Therapy Program: The Therapy Dog Program takes a volunteer and their dog into hospitals and other organizations on a weekly basis. Through regular visiting, a bond is created between the client, dog and volunteer. The medical profession has for many years widely acknowledged that petting and stroking pets can have a calming effect, lower blood pressure and relieve tension.

AbbreviationTitleDescription
CGC
Canine Good CitizenSeries of tests determine if a dog is obedient in public and well behaved
CGN
Canine Good NeighbourSeries of tests determine if a dog is obedient in public and well behaved (CKC program)
TT
Temperament Test Series of tests that indicate a stable temperament
D
Therapy Dog
TDI
Therapy Dog International