“A leash may not have excess material dangling from it, nor may it have any attachments including a fleece or leather wrap.”
I propose changing this rule to read: “A leash may not have excess material dangling from it other than bags for collecting dog waste.”
This is two significant changes. First, it allows a dog waste bag to be attached to leashes going into the ring. Second, it allows for a leather or fleece sleeve on a leash.
There are always a few malefactors in any group, but many people find their dogs have a sudden, unexpected urge to potty on the way to the ring. It would be a great convenience to allow a spare poop bag tied to the leash handle.
People at trials often keep bags in their pockets, so it could be argued that allowing them on leashes is unnecessary. That is true, but the risk of having a small baggies tied to a leash is negligible. Since it can be a major convenience, why not allow it? Occasionally athletic clothing worn to compete lacks pockets. Having a baggie tied to a leash can make it easier for handlers to be responsible for their dogs.
The line between toy and leash is so gray it’s difficult to know where “permitted” and “forbidden” runs. Thick braided fleece leashes expressly designed for tugging and playing are permitted even though they’re designed and used as toys. Further, the current AKC rules do state that dogs may not be faulted for tugging on their leash.
I fail to see significant practical difference between fleece braided into a leash versus fleece wrapped around a leash. Consequently why not allow them both?
Thursday, May 2, 2013
AKC Agility Rule Proposal: Food in the Ring
“Food and toys are not permitted in the course area and handlers are not permitted to use or have in their possession while running the course.”
I propose changing this rule to the following: “Toys other than tugging leashes are not permitted in the course area and handlers are not permitted to use or have them in their possession while running the course. Food is permitted on course if fully contained in a sealed plastic bag no larger than 7” x 7”. The food may not create an obvious visual cue to the dog nor may the handler draw attention to the food while on course”
Many competitors use food with their dogs outside the ring as part of their warm up. They end up guessing how much they need, and sometimes they estimate wrong. So unused food is left with the gate steward at the ring entrance; or the handler is racing back to his or her set up to grab an extra few bites if there is an unexpected need for significant ring repair.
There is also a little bit of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” arrangement with food. I’ve on occasion accidentally run with a few bites of food in my pocket. I’m sure that other handers have done the same. Why not allow this practice and define acceptable guidelines?
I hesitate to compare AKC with other venues. There is an agility venue that permits food in the ring and at first I was strongly opposed to the rule. But when I went to a trial where this was allowed I changed my opinion. One person did get excused for cueing the dog to a treat bag. But for everyone else it was seamless to the point that no one noticed anything other than the absence of unused treats scattered around the ring entrance.
Next, tugging leashes are so prevalent and the current AKC rules aren’t entirely consistent. Handlers ar e forbidden to bring toys into the ring. Yet braided fleece leashes are permitted and dogs aren’t faulted for tugging on leash. I think this merely clarifies current practices.
I propose changing this rule to the following: “Toys other than tugging leashes are not permitted in the course area and handlers are not permitted to use or have them in their possession while running the course. Food is permitted on course if fully contained in a sealed plastic bag no larger than 7” x 7”. The food may not create an obvious visual cue to the dog nor may the handler draw attention to the food while on course”
Many competitors use food with their dogs outside the ring as part of their warm up. They end up guessing how much they need, and sometimes they estimate wrong. So unused food is left with the gate steward at the ring entrance; or the handler is racing back to his or her set up to grab an extra few bites if there is an unexpected need for significant ring repair.
There is also a little bit of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” arrangement with food. I’ve on occasion accidentally run with a few bites of food in my pocket. I’m sure that other handers have done the same. Why not allow this practice and define acceptable guidelines?
I hesitate to compare AKC with other venues. There is an agility venue that permits food in the ring and at first I was strongly opposed to the rule. But when I went to a trial where this was allowed I changed my opinion. One person did get excused for cueing the dog to a treat bag. But for everyone else it was seamless to the point that no one noticed anything other than the absence of unused treats scattered around the ring entrance.
Next, tugging leashes are so prevalent and the current AKC rules aren’t entirely consistent. Handlers ar e forbidden to bring toys into the ring. Yet braided fleece leashes are permitted and dogs aren’t faulted for tugging on leash. I think this merely clarifies current practices.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)