UK Agility Classes
An overview of all the classes you may find at a UKA show. For an in-depth description and full rules, please click here..
Standard Classes
Please note that the following standard classes may not be run at a lower jump height than qualified for, even for ‘not for competition’ (NFC).
Agility
The object of this class is to negotiate a full course of agility equipment with a minimum of 17 obstacles to a maximum of 20 obstacles.
All obstacles must be performed in the order and direction defined by the numbers. The numbers should be placed on the side of the obstacle to designate the direction the obstacle should be taken. If a number is placed in the middle of an obstacle such as a curved tunnel, the obstacle may be taken in either direction.
The class must include the dog walk, A-frame, seesaw, and a set of weave poles unless unsatisfactory conditions cause the use of any obstacle to be unsafe.
Jumping
The object of this class is to negotiate a course, without contact equipment, with a minimum of 17 obstacles and a maximum of 20 obstacles.
All obstacles must be performed in the order and direction defined by the numbers. The numbers should be placed on the side of the obstacle to designate the direction the obstacle should be taken. If a number is placed in the middle of an obstacle such as a curved tunnel, the obstacle may be taken in either direction.
The class can include all equipment with the exception of the 3 contacts. A set of weave poles must be included and whilst all Levels can have 12 weave poles, that number at Champion level is compulsory, unless unsatisfactory conditions cause the use of the obstacle to be unsafe.
Steeplechase
Dogs must be at least 16 calendar months of age to compete in this class.
The object of this class is to negotiate a course made up with only jumps (excluding the tyre, spreads, walls and long jump) and tunnels, with a minimum of 17 obstacles and a maximum of 20. The course should be fast and straightforward.
All obstacles must be performed in the order and direction defined by the numbers. The numbers should be placed on the side of the obstacle to designate the direction the obstacle should be taken. If a number is placed in the middle of an obstacle such as a curved tunnel, the obstacle may be taken in either direction.
Games Classes
Games are designed to test the handler and dog in dealing with the different elements of course strategy, distance control, and versatility. UKA competitions may contain one or more of the following:
Gamblers
The goal of the game is to accumulate as many points as possible within the time allotted and then to make a decision and perform one of the two short closing sequences.
The Gamblers course is set up with the obstacles placed randomly throughout the ring, without specific flow. Each obstacle is worth points which are awarded to the dog if successfully completed. Points can only be awarded twice for each obstacle.
The game consists of two parts. The first is the opening period that has a designated time of 25, 30, 35 or 40 seconds. This is the time to gather as many points as possible by successfully completing obstacles before the period ends.
This is followed by the selected 10 or 15 point Gamble which is only awarded if the dog crosses the finish within the total course time without fault.
Snooker
The object of the game snooker is to score as many points within the maximum course time set by the judge. The scoring is similar to the game of snooker. However, the judge may place the obstacles in the ring in any way.
The judge will design a course consisting of 3 or 4 red jumps and one of each of the other snooker colours: yellow (2 points), green (3 points), brown (4 points), blue (5 points), pink (6 points) and black (7 points).
Power & Speed
The goal of this game is to test the dog’s versatility on a course designed in two parts. The Power section is followed by the Speed section. The combined sections must have a minimum of 17 obstacles and a maximum of 20 obstacles.
The Power section is made up of only the three pieces of contact equipment, one maximum long jump, one maximum spread jump and one set of 12 weave poles. The Speed section may be made up with jumps (excluding the tyre, spread, and long jump) and tunnels.
Time Fault & Out
The object of this game is to test a dog and handler’s agility skills against the clock where the goal is to complete the greatest number of obstacles without accumulating any faults in the allocated time.
To gain a clear round, the dog and handler must make it through the course set by the judge within the course time. This is determined by using the agility class travel rate for each level.
Snakes & Ladders
The goal of this game is to complete all the Snakes (three contacts and twelve weaves) and Ladders (four pipe tunnels) and as many jumps as possible in the allocated time. The game test handlers strategy and course planning as well as the handlers ability to negotiate the course they have planned.
To gain a clear round, all the Snakes and Ladders, plus six jumps must be negotiated successfully within the allotted time.
Qualifying rounds from these classes meet the necessary requirements to achieve Level points in the Games Performance Program.
Nursery
Dogs must be at least 16 months of age to enter this class.
Dogs entered in Nursery classes may only enter the Steeplechase class and not any other class on that day. Designed for the beginner handler and/or beginner dog that may need some ring experience by being offered a smooth flowing course without the seesaw, tyre, spread jump, wall jump or weave poles. It allows all dogs to jump any height except 600mm. The 250mm jump height can jump 200mm. The A-frame will be set at 1.60m. Clear round rosettes are awarded, but no placements awards.
Casual
This class is open to all dogs that are only entered in Casual classes on that day. Designed for the new dog, dog recovering from injury, or older dog where the handler would like to run the dog in the competition environment. Dogs can run at 200mm or 300mm, regardless of their height. Clear Round rosettes will be awarded but no placement awards.
Additional Classes
UKA shows can obtain permission from UK Agility to hold special classes. These may include, but are not limited to, Pairs, Teams, Knock Outs, Tunnelers and new games. The classes will not count towards UKA progression and the rules of each event must be stated in the schedule.