Dog Sport Glossary

A, B and C classesChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, BHA, UKC, WCRL

Agility: Splits of a class by experience. AKC Novice A is for an untitled dog shown by its owner or a household member who's never titled a dog. UKC's A sections exclude trainers, instructors and judges, and runs in A or B both count toward the title.

Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt, every dog starts each level in the A class until it earns that level's title. After that it can run B at that level or any lower one, working toward X titles.

Obedience and rally: In AKC obedience and rally, A is for new owner handlers whose dog lacks that title; B is open to anyone. ASCA and UKC add a C class where titled dogs keep showing. WCRL's A is for dogs without that level's title.

Source: AKC Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; UKC Ch 5 ukcdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §1 and §2 barnhunt.com; AKC-OB Ch 3 §1-2; AKC-RA Ch 3 §2-3; ASCA-OB 3.1-3.3; UKC-OB Ch 5 §3; UKC-RA Ch 5 §1; WCRL §2.1 "A and B Classes". More on this More on this

ACE (Agility Competitor Enthusiast)

Agility · ASCA

ASCA's second titling program, run beside the Championship program. ACE dogs jump 4 inches lower and get 10% more course time, earn their own titles, and work toward the ACE title, which needs the same Elite point totals as the ATCH.

Source: ASCA Agility Program Rules, Ch 4 and §10.7 asca.org. More on this

ACT (Agility Course Test)

Agility · AKC

AKC's entry-level test for new dogs and handlers, run with or apart from a trial. There are two levels, ACT1 and ACT2, each with a Standard version and a Jumpers version (ACT1J, ACT2J), and no Regular or Preferred split.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 15 §1, §2, §7 images.akc.org.

ADCH (Agility Dog Champion)

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's top combined title: the Masters class titles in all five core classes plus the Tournament Dog title. A scheduled change raises the Standard part to the Standard Agility Champion title (10 Masters Qs), and Bronze to Diamond tiers follow.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1.4 usdaa.com. More on this

Adjusted course time (ACT)

Agility · UKC

A UKC standard course time with 5 seconds added for certain dogs: Division 1 and Toy dogs, giant breeds in Division 3, and dogs jumping the Minimum Jump Height. A judge can also set extra time for a disabled handler.

Source: UKC Ch 13 §2 to §5 ukcdogs.com.

Advanced

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's middle titling level, between Starters and Masters. Courses get longer and faster, and a dog earns each Advanced class title with 3 Qs (Pairs Relay needs 3 different partners).

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.2; Ch 2 §2.1.1 usdaa.com; usdaa.com. More on this

Advanced Novice and Advanced Open (ACD, ACDX)

Obedience · UKC

UKC "additional titling" obedience classes with no prerequisite title and no A or B divisions. Three qualifying scores at 3 different trials earn the Advanced Companion Dog (ACD) or Advanced Open Companion Dog (ACDX) title.

Source: UKC-OB Ch 5 §4 and §6, Ch 14 §4, Ch 16 §4. More on this

Advanced title (A)Changes by organization

Dock diving · NADD

The NADD title after a division title, with an A on the end (DNA, AJA, HDSA). Distance needs 25 more qualifying jumps in that division (30 in all); Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash need 10 more (15 in all). Elsewhere, Advanced is a rally class.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII K, §XV B, §XVII northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

A-frame

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

A contact obstacle of two ramps meeting at a peak. The dog climbs one side, comes down the other and must put a paw in the contact zone at the bottom. AKC lowers it to 5 feet for 4 and 8 inch jumpers.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 images.akc.org; UKI §2.3, §4.10; USDAA §3.1.1; NADAC §4.2.2.

AGCH (Agility Grand Champion)

Agility · AKC

An AKC title for top-level Qs in every class: 100 each in Standard and JWW, 75 each in FAST and Time 2 Beat, and 50 each in Premier Standard and Premier JWW. Regular and Preferred Qs can be mixed, and repeats add a number.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §3 images.akc.org. More on this

Agility Dog (AD)

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's Starters versatility title: the Starters Standard title plus one title in each of Gamblers, Jumpers, Relay and Snooker. The Advanced and Masters versions are Advanced Agility Dog (AAD) and Master Agility Dog (MAD).

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1.2 usdaa.com. More on this

Air Retrieve (AR)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD discipline where the dog leaps off the dock to pull down a bumper hanging 2 feet above dock level. After each grab the bumper moves 1 foot farther out, from 6 feet (Open) or 4 feet (Lap). The farthest grab is the score.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIV A, G, R northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

All Rally Champion (ARCH)

Rally · WCRL

The first WCRL combined-level championship. After the Level 1 and Level 2 titles, a team needs 100 points from scores of 191+ in the Level 1 B and Level 2 B classes (at least 30 from each) plus 5 double Qs of 190 or better.

Source: WCRL §8.3 "All Rally Champion (ARCH) Title".

ARCHX, ARCHEX and ARCHMX

Rally · WCRL

The WCRL championships after ARCH, in order. ARCHX takes 5 more double Qs of 195+ in Levels 1 and 2; ARCHEX takes 10 double Qs of 195+ in Levels 2 and 3; ARCHMX takes 10 triple Qs of 195+ in Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Source: WCRL §8.3, title table and title descriptions.

Armband

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKC

The number a handler wears to match the run to the entry. AKC clubs may hand out an armband or sticker with the catalog number, and you must wear it. CPE adds a letter for the height category: V (Veterans), T (Enthusiast) or S (Specialist).

Source: AKC Ch 1 §19 images.akc.org; CPE Table A3 cpe.dog; ASCA §2.5; UKC Ch 8 §1.

ATCH (ASCA Agility Trial Champion)

Agility · ASCA

ASCA's championship in the Championship program: after each Elite title, a dog needs 200 more Regular points and 100 each in Gamblers and Jumpers. Each further set adds a Roman numeral, such as ATCH-II.

Source: ASCA Agility Program Rules, §10.3 asca.org. More on this

Award of Excellence

Rally · WCRL

A WCRL honor added to a level title when the team's first 3 runs at that level all score 190 or higher. NQs and eliminations count among those first 3 runs.

Source: WCRL §8.1 "Class Titles".

Backside (back side jump)

Handling · all (training term)

Sending the dog to jump a bar from the side it can't see on its approach, so it has to go around the wing first. A backside slice takes that bar on an angle; a backside wrap turns tight around the wing.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Back Side/Back Side Jump" agilitynerd.com; Agility U, "Verbals On The Run" worksheet agility-u.com; OneMind Dogs, verbals article oneminddogs.com.

Back-weavingChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

Weaving through the poles in the wrong direction. AKC calls it a wrong course once the dog crosses the line of poles 3 times backward, and USDAA also scores a wrong course. NADAC charges 10 faults, and UKI eliminates the run.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(b) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10 (Weave Poles); USDAA §3.1.3; NADAC §10.1.2.

Bar jump (hurdle)Changes by organization

Agility, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Agility: The basic agility jump: a bar resting in cups between two uprights, set at the dog's jump height, that falls if hit. Only the top bar counts, and USDAA and ASCA don't fault a knocked lower bar. USDAA and UKC call jumps hurdles.

Obedience and rally: A single black and white striped bar resting on 2 uprights, set so it falls if the dog hits it. It's one of the 2 jumps in Utility's directed jumping exercise and appears on some rally courses.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (7) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.4; ASCA §9.2.1; UKC Ch 10 §3; AKC-OB Ch 1 §34 (equipment), Ch 5 §14; UKC-OB Ch 2 §4. More on this

Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt · BHA

Dogs search a ring of straw or hay bales for rats kept safe in tubes, plus climb a bale and go through a bale tunnel. You call "Rat!" when your dog shows a find. Any dog that fits an 18-inch-wide tunnel can play.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 2 §2 and Part 7 §1 barnhunt.com. More on this

BarrelChanges by organization

Agility · NADAC, UKC

An upright barrel the dog runs around. NADAC uses it in Grounders and Gamblers, never Regular Agility, and in Gamblers it counts once the dog gets at least 90 degrees around. UKC uses it in its standard classes in place of the old closed tunnel.

Source: NADAC §4.2.7, §6.1.1 nadac.com; UKC Ch 12 (Barrel), Ch 22 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Barrelers

Agility · NADAC

A former NADAC class run around barrels. NADAC merged it with Hoopers into the Grounders class, and it isn't among the 8 titling classes in the current handbook.

Source: NADAC "Grounders info" nadac.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, Ch 5 nadac.com. More on this

Base of tail

Dock diving · NADD

The spot where a dog's tail joins its body. A NADD Distance jump is measured from the dock's edge to where that spot first hits the water, not to where the nose lands.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VIII D and §XIII E northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, Common Terms northamericadivingdogs.com.

BCAT

Fast CAT · AKC

The first Fast CAT title, earned at 150 points. Titles come in order, so BCAT always comes before DCAT and FCAT.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §7 images.akc.org. More on this

BeginnerChanges by organization

Agility · UKC, UKI

In UKI, Beginners is the first level of the International and Speedstakes programs, left after 12 points (8 from agility in International). In UKC, Beginner Agility is the first Standard class, split into A and B sections, with 3 Qs earning the BA title.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1a, §2.2a ukagilityinternational.com; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 5 §1, Ch 11 §2 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Beginner Novice (BN)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

An entry-level obedience class. In AKC and ASCA, heeling follows rally-style signs, and the dog also does a figure eight, sit for exam, sit stay and recall; 3 Qs earn the BN. UKC's Beginner Novice also earns a BN but has its own exercises.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 16 §1-6; ASCA-OB 8.1-8.5; UKC-OB Ch 5 §2, Ch 12 §5. More on this

BiathlonChanges by organization

Agility · UKI, USDAA

A two-round event scored together. UKI's Agility Biathlon pairs a Jumping round and an Agility round, least faults winning. USDAA's Masters Challenge Biathlon pairs Masters Challenge Standard and Jumpers, and each round also counts for titles.

Source: UKI Cups, Classics and Festivals page ukagilityinternational.com; USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.3, Ch 12 usdaa.com.

Blind

Barn Hunt · BHA

The screened waiting area beside a Barn Hunt ring where the next 4 to 6 teams (4 or 5 in Master) wait their turn. It keeps them from seeing the ring and the rats being moved. Hides change between blinds.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 3 (Blinds) and Part 9 §1 barnhunt.com.

Blind cross

Handling · all (training term)

A side change made in front of the dog where the handler turns their back to the dog for a moment, instead of turning to face it as in a front cross.

Source: AKC, "Agility Terms & Lingo" akc.org; Bud Houston, "A Glossary of Dog Agility Terms" budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "Front cross vs blind cross" oneminddogs.com.

Blocking

Dock diving · NADD

Placing your dog at the very edge of the dock, in front of your feet, so it has no choice but to go in. Every NADD jump must be the dog's own choice: you get one warning, then the whole splash is an NQ.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VI B northamericadivingdogs.com.

Bonus and Super Bonus

Barn Hunt · BHA

Extra Crazy 8s points for a fast clean run. Finishing everything in 1:45 or less adds 5 points (the judge calls "Bonus"), and 1:30 or less adds another 5 ("Super Bonus"), for a top score of 110.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §1 (Crazy 8s Scoring) barnhunt.com. More on this

Bonus exercise

Rally · WCRL

An optional, marked station on every WCRL regular course that's worth up to 10 extra points, so a score can reach 210. Teams can skip it without penalty or retry it once for at most 7 points.

Source: WCRL §3.4 "Bonus Exercise", §4.1.

Bowling

Barn Hunt · BHA

Pushing, shoving or tugging your dog forward to launch it out of the Barn Hunt start box or out of a restraint. It isn't allowed and earns an NQ, though the team finishes the run first.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §3 and §5, Part 10 §2 barnhunt.com.

Box (jump box)

Handling · all (training term)

4 jumps set out in a square, used in training and in course design so the dog can be sent around, through or across it in many orders. Also called a jump box or Hobday box.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Box/Hobday Box/Jump Box/Jump Square" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com.

Brace classChanges by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A non-titling obedience class where one handler works 2 dogs together through the Novice exercises, in step. AKC wants dogs of similar height, ASCA wants the same breed, and UKC couples the pair and judges the 2 dogs as one.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 20 §5; ASCA-OB 12.3; UKC-OB Ch 23 §1-2.

Bridge

Barn Hunt · BHA

An optional flat board a Barn Hunt judge may lay between two bales so a dog can cross a gap. Dogs never have to use one, and standing on a bridge doesn't count as a climb.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 8 §5 and Part 9 §5 barnhunt.com.

Broad jump (long jump)Changes by organization

Agility, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Agility: Low boards set on the ground in rising order, with a pole at each corner, cleared in one leap. AKC and CPE call it a broad jump; UKI and USDAA say long jump. It's twice the jump height long, and stepping on a board is faulted.

Obedience and rally: A row of low, white, slanted boards the dog leaps across lengthwise. In obedience, the length is twice the dog's high jump height, and fewer boards are used for smaller dogs. The Open class has a broad jump exercise of its own.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (12) images.akc.org; UKI §2.3, §4.10; USDAA §3.1.4; CPE §A8.1.7; AKC-OB Ch 1 §34, Ch 4 §15; UKC-OB Ch 2 §4; ASCA-OB reference sheet jump tables. More on this

Bumper

Dock diving · NADD

A floating, pill-shaped throw toy. In Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash the dog must pull NADD's own approved bumper off its clips, and competitors can't swap in their own.

Source: NADD FAQ, Common Terms (Bumper) northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIV B-C, §XVI A-B northamericadivingdogs.com.

ByeChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt · AKC, BHA, UKI, USDAA

Agility: An earned pass past a qualifying round of a big event. A USDAA bye moves the dog to a later tournament round and can't be transferred. UKI byes are for its US Open and West Coast Open, and AKC World Team Bye Events can earn tryout entries.

Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt, a guaranteed entry to the next National, earned by National gold medalists and top Regional finishers. It covers that dog and that type of class only, and you still pay the entry fee.

Source: USDAA Ch 10 (eligibility) usdaa.com; UKI §3.3; UKI US Open page ukagilityinternational.com; AKC Ch 14 §4; Barn Hunt Regionals Competition Rules, Part 1 barnhunt.com; Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 1 and Part 2 barnhunt.com.

CA (Coursing Ability)

Fast CAT · AKC

The first CAT title. A dog earns it with 3 passes, under at least 2 different judges.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §5 images.akc.org.

CAA (Coursing Ability Advanced)

Fast CAT · AKC

The second CAT title, earned with 10 passes in total (the CA's 3 plus 7 more).

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §5 images.akc.org.

CAT (Coursing Ability Test)

Fast CAT · AKC

An AKC pass/fail test, open to any dog, where the dog follows a lure around a turning course of 600 yards (300 for small and flat-faced dogs). To pass, it has to keep going happily and finish inside the time limit.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 1 §1 and Ch 3 §1-4 images.akc.org.

Catalog

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE

The list of every entry in a trial, printed after entries close and the running order is drawn. AKC clubs must make an official catalog listing each dog in drawn order with its registration details. ASCA clubs keep a scoring catalog and may print one for exhibitors.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §26 images.akc.org; ASCA §2.5 asca.org; CPE §A5.8.1.

C-ATCH (CPE Agility Trial Champion)

Agility · CPE

CPE's Level 5 championship for Regular and Veterans dogs: 10 Standard legs plus 5 legs in each of Colors, Wildcard, Snooker, Jackpot, FullHouse and Jumpers. Enthusiast and Specialist dogs earn the matching CT-ATCH and CS-ATCH, and repeats add a number.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A7.4.1, A7.6.1, A7.8.1 cpe.dog. More on this

Catch pen (run-out)

Fast CAT · AKC

The open stretch past the Fast CAT finish line where dogs slow down and get caught. It must be at least 30 yards long, and 50 is suggested.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §2C and Glossary (Catch pen) images.akc.org.

Catcher

Fast CAT · AKC

The person waiting in the catch pen at the end of a Fast CAT run to collect the dog and take it out. Toys and treats are fine here once the dog has crossed the finish line.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §3 and Glossary (Catcher) images.akc.org.

C-ATE (CPE Agility Team Extraordinaire)

Agility · CPE

CPE's Level C title, needing 5,000 points from clean runs: 3,000 from 20 legs in each of the 7 classes and 2,000 from any classes. A dog needs its C-ATCH before the C-ATE is awarded.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A7.4.2, A7.9 cpe.dog. More on this

CAX (Coursing Ability Excellent)

Fast CAT · AKC

The top CAT title, earned with 25 passes in total. After that a number is added for every 25 more passes, so CAX2 comes at 50.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §5 images.akc.org.

Certified Measurement Judge (CMJ)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD judge approved to record a dog's official height. A dog needs a CMJ measurement after age 2 to be confirmed as a Lap dog, and a final height of 15 1/2 inches or more needs 2 different CMJs.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XII A2 northamericadivingdogs.com.

Champion level

Agility · UKI

UKI's top level, reached after 36 Senior points with 12 each from agility, jumping and games (Speedstakes has its own Champion level). Champion points count toward the IAC (or the CSS in Speedstakes).

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1a, §2.2a ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Championship pointsChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, UKC

In AKC these are MACH or PACH points, 1 for each full second under course time on a Master Q. In UKC, a 195 or better in Beginner B or Intermediate B earns 5 to 10 points toward the UACH.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §2 images.akc.org; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 11 §5 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Championship programChanges by organization

Agility · ASCA, USDAA

In USDAA, the full-height path of titles, run in parallel with the lower Performance program. In ASCA, the main titling program (Standard, Veteran Dog and Junior Handler divisions) that leads to the ATCH, alongside the ACE program.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1 usdaa.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, Ch 3 asca.org.

Chances

Agility · NADAC

A NADAC distance class of 10 to 16 obstacles with a marked line the handler must stay behind, set farther out at each level (10 feet in Novice, 20 in Elite). It's pass or fail with no placements, and every dog gets 40 seconds.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.3 nadac.com. More on this

Change of entry

Agility, General · AKC

Changing an AKC agility entry after it's in, other than a move-up. With a written request 30 minutes before the trial, you can switch from Novice A to B or move down a level. A dog measured into another height can swap Regular and Preferred.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §22 images.akc.org.

Check

Handling · all (training term)

A common verbal cue asking the dog to shorten its stride and turn tightly, usually back toward the handler. It isn't a standard word, so each handler decides exactly what it means and teaches that.

Source: Susan Garrett, "Contact Questions Answered" susangarrettdogagility.com; OneMind Dogs, verbals article oneminddogs.com.

Clean run (clear round)Changes by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt · BHA, CPE, NADAC, UKI

Agility: A run with no faults, under standard course time. UKI treats a clear round as a Q. NADAC gives 10 points for a clean Regular Agility run and 5 for 5 or fewer faults, and CPE's Level C counts only clean runs.

Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt's Crazy 8s, a run with no faults where the dog finds all 8 rats, climbs and tunnels inside 2 minutes, for 100 points.

Source: UKI §2.0 ukagilityinternational.com; NADAC §6.1.1; CPE §A6; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §1 (Crazy 8s Scoring) barnhunt.com. More on this More on this

Climb

Barn Hunt · BHA

A required Barn Hunt element: the dog gets all four feet up on top of a bale (or a straw-covered board). One bale high is enough. Front feet only, hopping over a bale, or standing on a step or bridge doesn't count.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §5 barnhunt.com.

Closed splash

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD event format with set splash times, an entry limit and a running order. You check in at least an hour before your splash and jump when your turn comes.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VI L2 northamericadivingdogs.com.

Closing date (and opening date)

Agility, General · AKC, UKI

The last day and time a trial takes entries. AKC clubs must close at least 7 days before the trial. The opening date is the first day entries are taken: AKC treats earlier entries as invalid, and UKI holds them until a week after opening.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §14 images.akc.org; UKI §4.3.

Collection

Handling · all (training term)

The dog shortening its stride before an obstacle so it takes off closer and can turn tightly on landing. Handlers cue it by slowing down, turning toward the dog, or with a verbal like "check".

Source: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, "Cuing Turns in Agility" (Loretta Mueller) fenzidogsportsacademy.com; OneMind Dogs, "Collection and tight turns in dog agility" oneminddogs.com.

Colors

Agility · CPE

A CPE class with two short courses of 8 to 12 obstacles laid over each other in one ring. The handler picks one and runs it, and only one of the two has a contact.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.2 cpe.dog. More on this

Combination

Agility · USDAA

A USDAA setup of 2 or 3 obstacles that's judged as one obstacle, used in Snooker and some tournament classes. After a correct start, refusals on the later pieces aren't faulted, but the dog must finish the whole sequence the right way before going on.

Source: USDAA §3.1.5 usdaa.com.

Combined win

Agility · UKC

In UKC, scoring at least 195 in each of Beginner B, Intermediate B and Excellent at one trial, with the 3 scores adding up to 590 or more. Five combined wins earn the UGRACH.

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 11 §7 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Command and signal

Obedience, Rally · AKC, UKC

A command is a spoken cue from handler to dog; a signal is a silent hand or body cue. Orders, by contrast, are what the judge tells the handler.

Source: AKC-OB Glossary of Obedience Terms; AKC-RA Glossary of Rally Terms.

Command discrimination

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

An Open exercise where the dog changes position 3 times (stand, down, sit in some order) on single cues while the handler moves farther away in two 15-foot steps, then stays put until the handler comes back.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §7-8; ASCA-OB 4.7.1.

Companion Dog (CD, UCD)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The first traditional obedience title, earned with 3 qualifying scores in Novice. AKC and ASCA call it CD; UKC's version is UCD, and its Novice class has different exercises, including an honor and a recall over a high jump.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §4; ASCA-OB 3.5; UKC-OB Ch 13 §3-4. More on this

Companion Dog Excellent (CDX, UCDX, ODX)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The Open-level obedience title, earned with 3 qualifying scores in Open. UKC calls it UCDX. ASCA offers 2 Open titles: CDX, and ODX (Open Dog Excellent), which swaps 2 exercises for "Directed Open Exercises"; a dog enters only one per trial.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §5; ASCA-OB 4.1-4.3, 4.8; UKC-OB Ch 15 §3. More on this

Confirmation (judging schedule)

Agility, General · AKC, CPE

The notice a club sends before the trial confirming your entries. CPE confirmations go out at least 7 days ahead and handlers are expected to check them. AKC clubs send a judging schedule with your dog's catalog number at least 7 days before the first day.

Source: CPE §9 cpe.dog; AKC Ch 1 §19.

Connection

Handling · all (training term)

The link between handler and dog during a run, mostly the handler looking at the dog at the right moments so it can read their cues. It doesn't need direct eye contact; many dogs only need to see the handler's side.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "5 things stopping you from getting clean runs" oneminddogs.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, AG345 "Connection & Commitment" course description fenzidogsportsacademy.com.

Contact zoneChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The painted bottom part of the A-frame, dog walk and teeter, which the dog must touch on the way down. AKC makes it bright yellow and 42 inches on all three. UKI and USDAA use 42 inches on the A-frame and 36 on the others.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.1.1; NADAC §4.2.1.

Course analysis

Handling · all (training term)

Studying the course map and the walk-through to work out the best path for your dog and the handling moves that will show it that path, including where to slow down, sprint or send.

Source: Clean Run, September 2009 (Nancy Gyes) nxtbook.com; OneMind Dogs, "Why agility course walks can feel overwhelming" oneminddogs.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, "Strategy for Agility: A Course Map Analysis Case Study" fenzidogsportsacademy.com.

Course faults and time faultsChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Course faults are for mistakes like a dropped bar, a refusal or an off course. Time faults are for going over standard course time: UKI, USDAA, NADAC and ASCA count fractions of a second, CPE drops them, and AKC takes 1 to 3 points a second by level.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §3 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.3.2; CPE §A6; NADAC §10.2.1; ASCA §9.4; UKC Ch 13 §1.

Course mapChanges by organization

Agility, Rally · AKC, ASCA, NADAC, WCRL

Agility: The judge's drawing of the course, with every obstacle numbered in the order the dog takes it. NADAC uses it to show which way to go around a barrel, and ASCA marks two-way start lines on it.

Rally: The judge's numbered drawing of a rally course, showing every sign and the path the team takes. It's posted at the ring before the walkthrough.

Source: NADAC §4.2.7 nadac.com; ASCA §7.4.1; AKC Ch 1 §29; AKC-RA Ch 2 §25, Glossary of Rally Terms; ASCA-RA 19.2.

Course time (run time)

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

How long the dog takes from the start line to the finish line, recorded to 1/100 of a second. It's checked against standard course time for time faults and used to break ties for placements.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §2 images.akc.org; USDAA §3.3.1; CPE §A6; NADAC §10.2.1.

Crazy 8s

Barn Hunt · BHA

An optional Barn Hunt points class open to any dog: 2 minutes to find 8 rats among 4 litter tubes, at 10 points per rat, tunnel and climb. Skipping one, or a first wrong call, costs 20. A Q needs 1 rat and 10 points.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §1 barnhunt.com. More on this

Crazy 8s titles (CZ8B, CZ8S, CZ8G, CZ8P)

Barn Hunt · BHA

Titles for points added up across Crazy 8s runs: Bronze at 500, Silver at 1,000, Gold at 1,500 and Platinum at 2,000. Past Platinum they keep coming every 500 points, so 2,500 is CZ8PB and double Platinum is CZ8P2.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §1 (Titles) barnhunt.com. More on this

Cynosport World Games

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's flagship championship event, where the tournament finals are held and gold medalists are named World Champions. Dogs get in through tournament Qs (and Wild Cards) earned during the season, or with byes.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.2 usdaa.com; USDAA 2027 Tournament Regulations usdaa.com.

DASH

Agility · UKI

UKI's tournament series for flowing courses with simpler handling, open to every level but designed at Senior level. It has a Steeplechase DASH Challenge and a DASH Triathlon, and winners earn byes into the US Open and West Coast Open Speedstakes finals.

Source: UKI DASH Tournaments page ukagilityinternational.com.

Day-of-show entry (DOS)

Agility, General · CPE, UKC

An entry made at the trial site instead of ahead of time. Many UKC clubs take them, and the club's event listing gives the hours. In CPE, a day-of-show entrant checks the catalog or gate sheet at check-in before running.

Source: UKC Definitions ukcdogs.com; CPE §9.

DCAT

Fast CAT · AKC

The second Fast CAT title, earned at 500 points.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §7 images.akc.org. More on this

Delay of startChanges by organization

Agility · ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI

A penalty for taking too long to start once the judge says go. NADAC, ASCA and CPE can charge 5 faults. UKI gives 5 faults after 45 seconds and eliminates after another 45, and UKC adds 5 seconds to the dog's time.

Source: NADAC §10.2.2; ASCA §9.1; CPE Table A5; UKI §4.17 ukagilityinternational.com; UKC Ch 13 §1.

Delimiting line

Agility · UKC

A line of tape or chalk near an obstacle that the handler can't step on or over until the dog has done (or failed) that obstacle. UKC puts 2 on every Intermediate and Excellent course, 2 feet out in Intermediate and 6 feet out in Excellent.

Source: UKC Ch 9 §19, Ch 10 §3 ukcdogs.com.

Directed jumping

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A Utility exercise where the dog is sent away down the middle of the ring, stops and sits, then takes whichever jump the judge names (the bar or the high jump) back to the handler. It's done twice, once over each jump.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §14-15; ASCA-OB 5.14.

Directed retrieve

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

A Utility exercise using 3 white gloves laid across one end of the ring. The judge names one, the handler turns to face it and points the way with one arm motion, and the dog fetches that glove.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §10-11; ASCA-OB 5.10-5.11.

Distance Challenge (DC)

Barn Hunt · BHA

A bale-bordered part of a Master Barn Hunt course, up to half the ring, that the dog must work on its own. Its entrances are marked with mats, and the handler can't step on a mat or go in until they've called a rat.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §8 (Distance Challenges) barnhunt.com.

Distance (Distance Jump)

Dock diving · NADD

The main NADD discipline: the dog runs down the dock and jumps as far out over the pool as it can. A splash has an optional practice jump and 2 judged jumps, and the longer judged jump is the score. Throwing a toy is optional.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII A-E and §IX I northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Distance handling

Handling · all (training term)

Guiding the dog through obstacles without running beside each one, using sends, directional cues and layering. Some classes, like gamblers and FAST, test it directly.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "Mastering Distance Handling in Dog Agility" oneminddogs.com; AKC, "Agility Terms & Lingo" (FAST) akc.org; Wikipedia, "Dog agility" en.wikipedia.org.

Division (dock diving)Changes by organization

Dock diving · NADD

In NADD, the band a score falls into: Novice, Junior, Senior, Master or Elite, plus Premier for Open-class Distance jumps of 28 feet and up. Each discipline and each class (Open or Lap) has its own cut-offs. Barn Hunt's height divisions are something else.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions), §XV, §XVII northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Division title

Dock diving · NADD

A dog's first NADD title in a division, earned with 5 qualifying scores that land in that same division, like DJ (Dock Junior) or AS (Air Retrieve Senior). Scores in other divisions count toward those titles instead.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII J, §XV A, §XVII northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, How do I earn a title northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Dock

Dock diving · NADD

The runway the dog launches from. A NADD facility dock is at least 40 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, with a non-slip surface sitting 2 feet above the water.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XI A2 northamericadivingdogs.com.

Dock diving (diving dogs)

Dock diving · NADD

A water sport where dogs run down a dock and jump into a pool, competing on distance or speed. North America Diving Dogs runs it in three disciplines: Distance, Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash. AKC adds NADD titles to a dog's record when you apply.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §I northamericadivingdogs.com; AKC Diving Dogs Title Recognition akc.org. More on this

Dog Agility Masters (DAM)

Agility · USDAA

A USDAA team tournament for 2-dog or 3-dog teams. Each member runs Standard, Gamblers, Jumpers and Snooker for team points, then the team runs a final Team Relay together.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.3 usdaa.com. More on this

Dog path

Handling · all (training term)

The route the dog actually travels over the obstacles and between them. Handlers walk it during the walk-through to see the lines the dog will see before planning their own route.

Source: Bud Houston glossary ("Path") budhouston.wordpress.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, "Strategy for Agility: A Course Map Analysis Case Study" fenzidogsportsacademy.com; Clean Run, September 2020 (Karen Beattie Massey) nxtbook.com.

Dog walk

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

A contact obstacle with a raised middle plank and a ramp at each end, each about 12 feet long. The dog walks up, across and down, touching the contact zone on the way down. AKC sets it at 48 inches; USDAA allows 48 to 54.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (2) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.1; NADAC §4.2.1.

Dog's Run Index (DRI)

Agility · NADAC

NADAC's speed score for a qualifying Elite run (not Chances or Gamblers): the dog's yards per second divided by a target for its class and height, times 100. A DRI of 100 or more marks the run as Platinum, which counts toward speed awards.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, Ch 8 nadac.com. More on this

Double entry

Barn Hunt · BHA

When a club allows it, a Barn Hunt dog can run 2 regular classes in one trial, as long as they're different levels and at least one is a B class (for example Novice B plus Open A).

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §2 barnhunt.com.

Double handlingChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Dock diving · BHA, NADD

Help from someone outside the ring or pool. In dock diving, that's tossing a toy or splashing water from the side to get a jump (cheering is fine). In Barn Hunt, it's hinting at rats or calling "Tunnel" or "Climb" before the judge does.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §IX D northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 7 §8 barnhunt.com.

Double Q (QQ)Changes by organization

Agility, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

Agility: In AKC agility, qualifying in both Master Standard and Master JWW on the same day (Regular or Preferred). QQs count toward the MACH, PACH, PAX and Nationals.

Obedience and rally: Qualifying in 2 set classes at one trial. AKC counts Advanced B plus Excellent B in rally (toward RAE) and Open B plus Utility B in obedience (toward UDX). ASCA rally pairs Excellent B and Masters B; WCRL pairs 2 B levels. Not agility's QQ.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §2, Ch 8 §7–8 images.akc.org; AKC-RA Ch 3 §15; AKC-OB Ch 6 §1; ASCA-RA 7.1; WCRL §8.3 definitions. More on this

Drop on recall

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A recall with a stop in the middle. On the judge's signal, the handler cues the dog to lie down partway in, then calls it the rest of the way to front and finish. It's an Open exercise in AKC and ASCA.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §9-10; ASCA-OB 4.6.2.

Dual Champion and Triple Champion (DC, TC)

General, Obedience · AKC

AKC names for dogs with championships in several sports. A Dual Champion has a conformation championship plus a field or herding championship. A Triple Champion is a Dual Champion that also earns an OTCH, a tracking championship, or a MACH or PACH.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 8 §4. More on this

Dumbbell

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The handler's own retrieve object, shaped like a small barbell, used in the Open retrieves and some rally signs. The judge tells the handler when to throw it and when to send the dog.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §11, §13.

Dynamic agility

Agility · UKC

UKC's optional classes outside Standard Agility: Tunnels, Hurdles and the points game 3 of a Kind. Each has a Novice and an Elite level, no A or B sections, and its own titles.

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 7 §1, Ch 18–20 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Elimination and failure to perform (F)Changes by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Fast CAT · AKC, ASCA, BHA, CPE, NADAC, NADD, UKI, USDAA

Agility: A score that rules out a Q. An AKC F (failure to perform), like a knocked bar or missed contact, costs the Q, though the team usually finishes. UKI, USDAA and NADAC say elimination. NADAC and ASCA charge 20 faults for failure to complete, CPE 15.

Fast CAT, dock diving and Barn Hunt: Here it means the dog peeing or pooping on course. It fails a CAT or Fast CAT run, NQs a whole dock diving splash, and gets a Barn Hunt dog an NQ and sent out (throwing up counts there too).

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4 and §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.5; NADAC §10.1.3; ASCA §9.2.2; CPE Table A6; AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §4 and Ch 4 §4 images.akc.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VI D northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §3 barnhunt.com.

EliteChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving · ASCA, BHA, NADAC, NADD, UKC

Agility: The top level in NADAC and ASCA, after Novice and Open, where championship points (NATCH, ATCH) are earned. In UKC Dynamic classes, Elite is the harder of two levels, and dogs can move between it and Novice.

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: In NADD, the division above Master: Open Distance jumps of 24 feet to 27 feet 11 inches (Lap, 18 feet and up), where dogs earn DE titles. In Barn Hunt, it's the REMX title for fast Master B runs.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.2.3 asca.org; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 18 §3 ukcdogs.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) and J northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §10 barnhunt.com. More on this

Empty tube

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Barn Hunt tube with nothing in it, used as a decoy in Instinct and Novice. Calling "Rat!" on it is a wrong call.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 3 (Tube) and Part 14 §4-5 barnhunt.com.

Enthusiast

Agility · CPE

A CPE height category open to any dog over 15 months that jumps 4 inches below its measured height. Enthusiast dogs place separately and earn their own titles (marked with a T, such as CT-ATCH).

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A4.2 cpe.dog. More on this

Entry limit (capping, wait list)Changes by organization

Agility, General · AKC, UKC, UKI

The most entries a trial will take. UKI calls it the capping level and fills it first come until it's reached or entries close. UKC caps judges at 200 entries a day and puts extras on a wait list, and AKC clubs may keep accepting entries until closing.

Source: UKI §4.3 ukagilityinternational.com; UKC Definitions (Wait List); AKC Ch 1 §14.

ExcellentChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, UKC

In AKC, the level after Open; 3 Excellent Qs (85 or more) earn the AX or AXJ. In UKC, Excellent Agility is the top Standard class, open only after the UACH, with no A or B sections and a 195 needed toward the UACHX.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §1–2, Ch 6 §4 images.akc.org; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 5 §3, Ch 11 §6 ukcdogs.com. More on this

Excellent title (X)Changes by organization

Barn Hunt, Dock diving · BHA, NADD

The NADD title after Advanced, with an X on the end (DJX): 25 more Distance jumps (55 in all) or 10 more Air Retrieve or Hydro Dash scores (25 in all), then numbered. Barn Hunt's X titles are B-class titles. Agility's Excellent is a level.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII L-M, §XV C-D, §XVII northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §5-7 barnhunt.com. More on this

Excused (E)Changes by organization

Agility, Fast CAT · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKC

Agility: In AKC agility, E marks an excusal: the judge sends the team out, for example for going over maximum course time or fouling the ring, and the run can't qualify. AKC also marks a Fix and Go On run E. ASCA uses E for elimination.

Fast CAT: When the Huntmaster (or the CAT judge) removes a dog, for example for not reaching the line within 5 minutes of being called, or for being unfit. An excused dog counts as a scratch.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4, §6, §8 images.akc.org; ASCA §11.2; CPE §11.4; UKC Ch 8 §6, Definitions; AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 5 §1 images.akc.org.

Excused, released and EChanges by organization

Obedience, Rally · AKC, WCRL

In AKC obedience and rally, a dog is excused for things like aggression toward another dog or being unfit to compete, and released when it's out of the handler's control. In WCRL rally, "E" means elimination, which scores the run as zero.

Source: AKC-OB Glossary of Obedience Terms; AKC-RA Glossary of Rally Terms; WCRL §4.2 "Elimination (E)".

Extension

Handling · all (training term)

The dog lengthening its stride and jumping long and flat, used when the line ahead runs straight with no turn. Handlers cue it by running forward, often with a verbal like "go".

Source: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, "Cuing Turns in Agility" (Loretta Mueller) fenzidogsportsacademy.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com; OneMind Dogs collection article oneminddogs.com.

False startChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Fast CAT · AKC, BHA

A Fast CAT false start is a release before the Huntmaster calls "Tally-ho", and the Huntmaster can call a restart. In Barn Hunt, leaving the start box before the judge says go adds 20 seconds in most classes, and a second one is an NQ.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §5 and Glossary (False start) images.akc.org; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 10 §4 barnhunt.com.

False turn (reverse flow pivot, RFP)

Handling · all (training term)

A quick turn of the handler's body into the dog and then back again, which draws the dog in toward the handler before both carry on. Also called a reverse flow pivot.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Reverse Flow Pivot/False Turn" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "What is a False Turn" oneminddogs.com.

Fast CAT

Fast CAT · AKC

A timed AKC 100-yard dash where each dog runs alone after a lure. Finishing is a pass, and the time becomes miles per hour, then points that add up to titles. Purebred or mixed dogs 12 months and older can enter with an AKC number.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 1 §1-2 and Ch 4 §1 images.akc.org; AKC Fast CAT page akc.org. More on this

FAST (Fifteen and Send Time)

Agility · AKC

An AKC points game where the handler picks a path through 14 to 16 obstacles worth 1 to 10 points each, plus a Send Bonus. A Q needs the bonus and at least 50 points in Novice, 55 in Open, or 60 in Excellent and Master.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 9 §2, §6–9 images.akc.org. More on this

Fault limitChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, USDAA

A cap on faults that ends a run early to save time. AKC allows it only in Excellent and Master Standard and JWW, when judge and trial chair agree, at 3 or 4 faults that would each cost a Q. USDAA lets organizers or judges set one.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §6 images.akc.org; USDAA §3.4.

FCAT

Fast CAT · AKC

The third Fast CAT title, earned at 1,000 points.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §7 images.akc.org. More on this

FCAT numbers (FCAT2, FCAT3 …)

Fast CAT · AKC

After the FCAT, every extra 500 points adds a number to the title. So FCAT2 comes at 1,500 points, FCAT3 at 2,000, and so on.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §7 images.akc.org. More on this

FEO (For Exhibition Only)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, USDAA

A run that can't qualify or place, used to practice in the trial ring. In AKC agility it's a club option, and you may reward with a toy that stays in your hand. CPE and ASCA clubs may take FEO entries, and USDAA bars FEO from tournaments.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §21, Ch 5 §7 images.akc.org; CPE §A5.5; ASCA §8.3; USDAA Ch 10. More on this

Figure eight

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A heeling pattern around 2 cones or posts set 8 feet apart, done twice around in obedience with at least one halt. In Novice it's on leash; in Open it's off leash. Rally has figure-eight signs too.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §5, Ch 4 §6; ASCA-OB reference sheet.

Finish

Obedience, Rally · AKC, UKC

The move from sitting in front of the handler back to heel position, ending in a sit. The dog can go around behind the handler or swing to the left side, as long as it's quick and straight.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §10, Glossary of Obedience Terms; AKC-RA Glossary; UKC-OB Definitions.

First Chance Qualifier (FCQ)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD qualifying event held right after the National Championship that counts toward the next season. The top 5 dogs in each division earn an invitation to the following year's Nationals.

Source: NADD Nationals Invite Requirements northamericadivingdogs.com.

Fix and Go OnChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE

AKC's option to redo one obstacle, once, mid-run. The run is marked E and can't qualify, but you may back up a few obstacles or reset one bar. CPE's Fix and Go scores a no time, and a second fix ends the run.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §8 images.akc.org; CPE §A5.6.2 cpe.dog. More on this

Flatwork

Handling · all (training term)

Handling practice with no obstacles, just the handler, the dog and rewards: heeling on both sides, circles, crosses, and cues for a longer or shorter stride. "On the flat" also means the ground between obstacles.

Source: Barb Levenson, "Flatwork: Foundation for Agility" (Dogwise listing) dogwise.com; Debby Quigley, "Flatwork Classroom" debbyquigley.com.

Fly-offChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKI, USDAA

When a dog jumps off the teeter before the board touches the ground. AKC scores it a failure to perform, and CPE charges 15 faults. UKI and USDAA charge 5 faults, and only 5 in total if the dog also misses the contact.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.10, §4.11; USDAA §3.1.1; CPE §A8.1.4.

Food in the ringChanges by organization

Rally · AKC, WCRL

AKC rally can release a handler who brings food or training gear into the ring. WCRL allows a food or petting reward after stationary exercises, as long as the food stays in a pocket until it's given.

Source: AKC-RA Glossary of Rally Terms ("Released"); WCRL §3.4 "Rewards".

Foundation

Handling · all (training term)

The basic skills a dog learns before running full courses, often taught with little or no equipment: body awareness, jumping, contact basics, and following the handler's movement.

Source: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, AG105 "Agility Foundations" course description fenzidogsportsacademy.com; OneMind Dogs, "What's next after agility foundations?" oneminddogs.com.

Four on the floor (4 on the floor, 4OTF)

Handling · all (training term)

A stopped contact where the dog comes off the end of the plank and stops with all 4 feet on the ground, holding there until released. On the teeter, some teach a version with all 4 feet still on the board.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Clean Run, September 2008 (Ann Croft) nxtbook.com; Frontiers in Veterinary Science, teeter contact study frontiersin.org.

Front

Obedience, Rally · AKC, UKC

The dog sitting straight and centered in front of the handler, facing them, close enough to touch without the handler stretching or stepping. A recall ends in a front before the finish.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §10; AKC-RA Glossary of Rally Terms; UKC-OB Definitions.

Front cross

Handling · all (training term)

A side change where the handler crosses in front of the dog's path while turning to face it, so the dog ends up on the handler's other side. It tends to tighten the dog's turn.

Source: AKC, "Agility Terms & Lingo" akc.org; AgilityNerd, "Front Cross" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "What is a Front Cross" oneminddogs.com.

FullHouse

Agility · CPE

A CPE points game on one course for all levels: build your own path to the level's points, including three 1-point jumps, two 3-point obstacles and one 5-point joker. When time's up, the dog has 5 seconds to reach the table or finish.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.6 cpe.dog. More on this

Fun Test

Barn Hunt · BHA

A licensed Barn Hunt practice event. Dogs don't need a Barn Hunt number, can enter any level, and the club may allow training in the ring, but nothing earned counts toward a title.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 3 and Part 4 barnhunt.com.

GamblersChanges by organization

Agility · ASCA, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

A strategy class: collect points your own way, then send the dog through a distance challenge (the gamble). USDAA calls it the Joker, UKI offers a 10 or 15 point choice, NADAC's is worth 20 points, and CPE runs the same idea as Jackpot.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 6 §6.3 usdaa.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.2a ukagilityinternational.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.8 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §7.1 asca.org.

Games

Barn Hunt · BHA

The two extra classes at the Barn Hunt National and Regionals: Hurdles (a sprint over 5 low jumps to find one rat in three tubes) and Team (two dogs hunt 6 rats together). The top combined Games score wins the Games Champion (RGC) title.

Source: Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 1, Part 5, Part 6 barnhunt.com.

Games points (UKI)

Agility · UKI

Points from UKI's Gamblers and Snooker count toward moving up a level. Those and other UKI games, such as Power and Speed, count toward lifetime games awards: Bronze at 60, Silver at 120 and Gold at 240, kept across every level and height.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1d, §3.2 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Gate steward

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKC, UKI

The volunteer at the ring entrance who checks dogs in and keeps the next teams lined up. AKC requires one per ring. A CPE gate steward may move a dog within its jump height, for example when its handler has a ring conflict.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §8 images.akc.org; UKI §4.7; CPE §A5.8.7; UKC Ch 21 §5.

German turn

Handling · all (training term)

A 270-degree turn at a jump where the dog takes the bar from the backside and comes around the wing, while the handler does a blind cross so the dog finishes on the handler's other side.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "German Turn" oneminddogs.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com ("270°", "German turn").

Go (go on)

Handling · all (training term)

A verbal cue to keep driving straight ahead, away from the handler, in full stride. Handlers often pair it with running forward or a send.

Source: Bud Houston glossary ("Go on") budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs verbals article oneminddogs.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com.

Go out

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

Sending the dog straight away to the far end of the ring, where it stops and sits on cue, watching the handler. It's the first half of directed jumping and a separate exercise in Graduate Open.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 18 §7, Ch 5 §14.

Grab and miss

Dock diving · NADD

How each Air Retrieve jump is scored. A grab means the dog pulled the bumper fully off both clips while jumping from the dock; a miss means it didn't. Two misses at one distance, or three in all, end the turn.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIV J-L northamericadivingdogs.com.

Graduate Novice (GN)

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

An optional titling class open to any dog, with Open-style work: off-leash heeling, a drop on recall, dumbbell work and jumps at half height (AKC). Three qualifying scores earn the GN title.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 17 §1-3; ASCA-OB 9.1-9.3.

Graduate Open (GO)

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

An optional titling class open to any dog, built from Utility-style work: a signal exercise, one scent article, a go out, directed jumping, a moving stand and a directed retrieve. Three qualifying scores earn the GO title.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 18 §1-3; ASCA-OB 10.1-10.3.

Grand National

Barn Hunt · BHA

The main event at the Barn Hunt National: four courses over three days, with the top 60 dogs (plus wildcards) from the first two courses going on to the last two. The overall winner earns the Grand National Champion (RGNC) prefix title.

Source: Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 4 barnhunt.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §3 barnhunt.com.

Grand Prix of Dog Agility

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's longest-running tournament, a Masters-level standard course scored on faults and time. Qs come from local qualifying rounds and regional semifinals, and finals are held at Cynosport.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 10 §10.1 usdaa.com. More on this

Grounders

Agility · NADAC

A NADAC class of barrels, hoops and tunnels, built around an X-shaped hoop circle. A handler who stays behind an optional challenge line on a clean run earns 5 extra points.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.7 nadac.com. More on this

Group exercise (sit and down stay)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

The Novice stays done with several dogs in a line, a sit and then a down, on 6-foot leashes held by their handlers. AKC makes it optional for dogs that qualified on the other exercises; ASCA calls it the Long Sit and Long Down.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §14-15; ASCA-OB 1.2.2, 3.4, 3.15.

Handicap

Fast CAT · AKC

The multiplier that evens out Fast CAT points by size, based on height at the withers: 1.0 for dogs 18 inches or taller, 1.5 for 12 inches up to under 18, and 2.0 for dogs under 12 inches.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §6 images.akc.org. More on this

Handler crossing an obstacleChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

A penalty when the handler goes over, under or through equipment, like hopping a tunnel or stepping through the weaves. NADAC and ASCA charge 10 faults and CPE 5. AKC scores it a failure to perform, and UKI and USDAA eliminate the run.

Source: NADAC §10.1.2; ASCA §9.2.2; CPE Table A5; AKC Ch 5 §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.2.2.

Handler path

Handling · all (training term)

The route the handler plans to take around the course. It's often quite different from the dog's path, and it's set so the handler is in place to give each cue on time.

Source: Bud Houston glossary ("Path") budhouston.wordpress.com; AgilityNerd, "Handler Line" agilitynerd.com; Wikipedia, "Dog agility" en.wikipedia.org.

Handling system

Handling · all (training term)

A consistent set of cues a handler uses to show the dog where to go, so the same body position or word always means the same thing. Systems differ in which cues they stress and when they're given.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; AgilityNerd, "Cues" agilitynerd.com.

H.AR.D. Charger Award

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD award at Regionals and Nationals for dogs that qualify in all three disciplines (Hydro Dash, Air Retrieve, Distance) at the same event. Their scores convert to points, which place them in a tier from Topaz up through Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, H.AR.D. Charger Award section northamericadivingdogs.com.

Heel free (heel off leash)

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The heeling pattern done without a leash, with the same judge's orders as heel on leash. UKC calls it heel off leash.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §9; UKC-OB Ch 13 §4.

Heel on leash

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The first Novice exercise: the team heels on a loose leash while the judge calls turns, halts and pace changes (slow, normal, fast). At every halt, the dog should sit at heel without being told.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §5-6.

Heel position

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

The dog at the handler's left, pointed the same direction and close without crowding. In AKC obedience, the dog's head to shoulder lines up with the handler's left hip. Some WCRL Level 3 bonus signs use a right-side heel.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 2 §18; AKC-RA Ch 2 §16; WCRL Ch 3 "Heel Position".

Height cardChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

Proof of a dog's official jump height. AKC issues a permanent Jump Height Card after 2 matching measurements past age 2 (one is enough over 22 inches). NADAC requires a Permanent Height Card from 24 months, CPE calls its version a P-card, and UKI records a permanent measure.

Source: AKC Ch 2 §5 images.akc.org; NADAC §3.4; CPE §A4; USDAA Appendix D; UKI §4.5; ASCA §2.4.3. More on this

Height divisionsChanges by organization

Barn Hunt · BHA

Barn Hunt places dogs in three sizes: Small (15 inches and under), Medium (15.1 to 22 inches) and Large (over 22). Everyone runs the same course, but A-class and Master B placements are given per size. Agility jump heights work differently.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 5 §2, Part 8 §1, Part 16 §2 barnhunt.com.

Hide

Barn Hunt · BHA

A spot where a Barn Hunt tube is tucked into the straw, loosely covered so neither dog nor handler can see it. Judges mark the hides on a course map for each blind, and no tube can be within 2 feet of the start box.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 12 barnhunt.com; Barn Hunt Judge Rulebook, Part 10 §1 barnhunt.com.

High Combined (HC)Changes by organization

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

An award for the best total of 2 classes at one trial. In obedience it's Open B plus Utility (AKC, ASCA, UKC). In AKC rally it's Advanced B plus Excellent B; in ASCA rally, Excellent B plus Masters B.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 1 §22; AKC-RA Ch 1 §31; ASCA-OB 1.16; ASCA-RA 1.19; UKC-OB Ch 28 §4.

High in Class (HIC)

Barn Hunt · BHA

The Barn Hunt ribbon for the fastest dog of any height in an A class. B classes may give one too (HICB), and Master B must.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 16 §2-3 barnhunt.com.

High in Trial (HIT)Changes by organization

Agility, General, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

Agility: An award for the best qualifying score of the whole trial. Every UKC agility trial must give one, with ties going to the dog furthest under its course time. ASCA clubs may choose whether to offer it, except at the National Specialty trials, where it's required.

Obedience and rally: The top qualifying score in the regular classes at a trial (AKC calls it Highest Scoring Dog). UKC obedience makes class winners of 195+ do extra heeling and a recall, and ASCA rally adds bonus points by level before comparing scores.

Source: UKC Ch 15 §7 ukcdogs.com; ASCA §2.6.2; AKC-OB Ch 1 §22; ASCA-OB 1.16; ASCA-RA 1.18.3; UKC-OB Ch 28 §3; UKC-RA Ch 14 §3.

High jumpChanges by organization

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A solid white jump made of stacked boards. Its height comes from the dog's height at the withers, with lower settings for breeds on an approved list and for Preferred or optional classes, and ASCA lets dogs 7 and up jump lower.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 1 §34, Ch 4 §13, Ch 12 §8; ASCA-OB reference sheet, 4.1; UKC-OB Ch 2 §4. More on this

Highest Scoring Triple Qualifying Score

Rally · AKC

An AKC rally award for the best combined score among dogs that qualify in Advanced B, Excellent B and Master at the same trial. Ties go to the faster combined time.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 1 §32.

HonorChanges by organization

Obedience · UKC

In UKC Novice and Advanced Novice, a second dog holds a down on leash inside the ring while the working dog does its heeling; the honor is scored as an exercise. Current AKC obedience and rally rules don't have an honor.

Source: UKC-OB Ch 6 §9-10, Ch 13 §4, §6, Definitions ("Honoring Dog"). More on this

Hoop

Agility · NADAC

A NADAC obstacle shaped like an arch, which the dog runs through from the numbered side. It counts once all four feet have passed through. A hoop or a jump is the only obstacle allowed in a NADAC warm-up area.

Source: NADAC §4.2.6, §9.3 nadac.com. More on this

Hoop tunnel

Agility · UKC

A UKC obstacle made of a row of hoops on a frame, angled so they zig-zag when you look down from above. The dog runs through the line of hoops. It's required in Intermediate Agility.

Source: UKC Ch 10 §3, Ch 22 (Hoop Tunnel) ukcdogs.com.

Hoopers

Agility · NADAC

A former NADAC class run through hoops. NADAC merged it with Barrelers into the Grounders class, and hoops now appear there.

Source: NADAC "Grounders info" nadac.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, Ch 5 nadac.com.

Hot start

Fast CAT · AKC

Letting a dog go just as the lure flies past it. AKC doesn't allow it: the lure must sit in front of the dog at the start, and the dog is released only once it's moving and "Tally-ho" has been called.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §2B and Glossary (Hot start) images.akc.org.

Huntmaster

Fast CAT · AKC

The official who runs the field at CAT and Fast CAT. They check the lure, make sure the lure operator and handler are ready, call "Tally-ho" to start each run, and can have the lure stopped. In Fast CAT they also excuse dogs.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §5 and Ch 5 §1 images.akc.org.

Hurdles

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Barn Hunt Games class at Regionals and the National. The dog sprints down an 80-foot fenced lane over 5 low hurdles, and the handler calls which of 3 tubes holds the rat. Faster runs earn bonus points.

Source: Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 5 barnhunt.com.

Hydro Dash (HD)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD swimming race. The dog jumps in, swims to knock a bumper off its clips 37 feet out, and swims back. Time runs from leaving the dock until the nose crosses the 10-foot line on the return, and the faster of 2 attempts counts.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XVI northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

IAC (International Agility Champion)

Agility · UKI

UKI's championship: 60 points at Champion level, with at least 12 each from agility, jumping and games. The IWAC asks for 60 points from wins only, and both repeat with a number (IAC 2).

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1b ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Incorrectly performed sign (IP)

Rally · AKC, ASCA

A rally sign where the team misses or botches a main part of it. It costs 10 points in AKC rally. ASCA uses the same idea for stations: 10 points, or 20 on a star station.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 2 §30, Glossary of Rally Terms; ASCA-RA 2.23, 3.5.2.

Independent weaves

Handling · all (training term)

Weave poles the dog can find, enter and finish on its own from any angle, whatever the handler is doing, so the handler can move on to the next spot while the dog weaves.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "5 steps to achieving independent weaves" oneminddogs.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, AG470 "Love'em and Weave'em" course description fenzidogsportsacademy.com.

Instinct (RATI)

Barn Hunt · BHA

Barn Hunt's optional starter class. Three tubes (one rat, one litter, one empty) sit in a cradle on the ground, and the dog has 1 minute to show you the rat. No climb or tunnel. One Q earns the RATI title.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §4 barnhunt.com. More on this

Intermediate

Agility · UKC

UKC's second Standard class (formerly AGII), split into A and B sections. Three Qs of 170 or more at 3 trials earn the Intermediate Agility (IA) title, and B-section scores of 195 or more earn UACH points.

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 5 §2, Ch 11 §3, §5 ukcdogs.com. More on this

International Challenge Event (ICE)

Agility · UKI

A UKI event with European-style courses by international judges, combining an Agility and a Jumping round. Champion dogs run the International level and Beginners and Novice dogs run Rookie, and winners earn byes.

Source: UKI International Challenge Event page ukagilityinternational.com.

International Program

Agility · UKI

UKI's main program of agility, jumping and games classes, with four levels from Beginners to Champion. A dog moves up only when it has the set points in each class type, not just in total.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

IntroChanges by organization

Agility · NADAC, USDAA

In USDAA, a separate starter program (Standard, Jumpers, Gamblers, Snooker) for dogs with no other USDAA titles, with extra time and easier equipment. In NADAC, an optional first level in every class but Gamblers, without weaves or discriminations in Regular.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 11 §11.1 usdaa.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.1, §6.1.1 nadac.com.

Invite (NADD)

Dock diving · NADD

An invitation to NADD Regionals or Nationals, earned one discipline at a time, for example by placing top 3 in a division at a qualifier or Regionals. To accept, a dog also needs 15 Distance, 5 Air Retrieve and 5 Hydro Dash splashes that season.

Source: NADD Regionals and Nationals Invite Criteria northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Nationals Invite Requirements northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ northamericadivingdogs.com.

ISC (International Sweepstakes Class)

Agility · AKC

An AKC non-regular class on international-style Agility and Jumping courses (levels 1 to 3), based on FCI rules. It's scored faults then time, places dogs by FCI size, and earns no titles, though clean runs can count toward World Team Tryouts.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 14 §1, §3, §8, §14–15 images.akc.org; AKC ISC page akc.org; AKC/USA World Team Tryouts Rules, Option 3 akc.org. More on this

Jaakko turn

Handling · all (training term)

A very tight wrap where the handler stays close to the jump, tucked in by the wing. The dog collects, turns around the wing behind the handler's back, and finishes on the same side it started.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "Jaakko Turn" oneminddogs.com; Clean Run, April 2014 nxtbook.com.

Jackpot

Agility · CPE

CPE's gamblers-style class: build points on your own path, then send the dog through a numbered gamble from behind a line. A Q needs the gamble done cleanly in time and the level's points.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.5 cpe.dog. More on this

JokerChanges by organization

Agility · CPE, USDAA

In USDAA Gamblers, the Joker is the timed distance challenge at the end, also called the gamble, which must be done cleanly to Q. In CPE FullHouse, jokers are the 5-point obstacles, and a dog needs one to qualify.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.1, Ch 6 §6.3 usdaa.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.6 cpe.dog.

Judge (judge of record)

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The approved official who designs and measures the course, sets standard course time, briefs handlers and scores every run. The judge of record is the one assigned to that class or trial. UKI, NADAC and UKC all say the judge's call on the day is final.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §32 images.akc.org; UKI §4.6; CPE §A5.7; NADAC Ch 7, §10.1.2; UKC Ch 9 §7.

Judge's briefing

Agility · UKC, UKI, USDAA

A short talk from the judge before a class, covering the standard course time and anything about the course that isn't obvious. Handlers can ask questions. In UKC the walk-through comes right after it.

Source: UKC Ch 9 §8, §9 ukcdogs.com; USDAA §3.2.1; UKI §4.6.

Jump card

Dock diving · NADD

The card you get for each splash at an open-splash NADD event. You hand it in to get in line, and the judge writes your two jump distances on it. The score on the card is the official one.

Source: NADD FAQ, Common Terms (Jump Card) northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VI L1 northamericadivingdogs.com.

Jump heightChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

How high the bars are set, based on the dog's height at the withers. AKC uses 8 to 24 inches plus 24C, and UKI adds 22. USDAA gives each of 5 size divisions a Championship and a Performance height, and UKC uses 4, 8, 14 and 20.

Source: AKC Ch 2 §4 images.akc.org; UKI §2.3; USDAA §1.3; CPE Table A2; NADAC §3.1; UKC Ch 6 §5. More on this

Jump height exemption

Agility · ASCA, NADAC

Permission for certain short-legged dogs to jump 4 inches lower than their height would put them. NADAC and ASCA both list breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds and Basset Hounds, and NADAC can also approve other dogs from photos and a vet-checked height and weight.

Source: NADAC §3.2, §3.3 nadac.com; ASCA §2.4.5. More on this

Jumpers (JWW)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

A course with no contacts. AKC's Jumpers With Weaves (JWW) always has weave poles, and UKI's Jumping class needs them too. USDAA and CPE Jumpers have no weaves. NADAC's is jumps and maybe one tunnel.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 7 images.akc.org; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.1b ukagilityinternational.com; USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.1 usdaa.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.7 cpe.dog; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.2 nadac.com. More on this

Junior (dock diving)Changes by organization

Dock diving · NADD

The NADD division above Novice. In Open-class Distance it covers jumps of 10 feet to 14 feet 11 inches (5 feet to 8 feet 11 inches for Lap dogs), and 5 jumps there earn a DJ. Junior handlers are a separate thing.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) and J northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Junior HandlerChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Fast CAT, General · AKC, ASCA, BHA, CPE, NADAC, NADD, UKC, USDAA

Agility: A young handler, under 18 in most rulebooks (17 and under in ASCA). AKC juniors get a junior handler number, and CPE offers Jr Handler titles. NADAC and ASCA have Junior Handler divisions with a lower jump option, and every UKC trial awards High Scoring Junior.

Fast CAT, dock diving and Barn Hunt: A young handler. In Fast CAT, under-18s can release or catch and get AKC junior recognition. NADD handlers start at age 5 (alone on the dock at 7) and have a junior program at Regionals and Nationals. Barn Hunt sets no minimum age.

Source: AKC Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; CPE §A1.2; NADAC §5.3.4; ASCA §3.3.3; UKC Ch 15 §8; USDAA Appendix F (Junior Handler Program); AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §12 images.akc.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §IX B and Jr. Handler Program section northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 7 §3 barnhunt.com.

Ketschker (Ketschner)

Handling · all (training term)

A tight turn where the dog passes behind the handler's back. Some describe it as a front cross that turns into a blind cross, but handlers in Germany use the name for several different turns.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "Agility handling technique names" oneminddogs.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com ("Ketschner", "Flip").

Knocked barChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

A jump bar that comes down because the dog or handler hit it. It's 5 faults in UKI, USDAA, CPE, NADAC and ASCA. In AKC agility it's a failure to perform that costs the Q, and in UKC it's a non-qualifying score.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §5.3.1; CPE Table A6; NADAC §10.1.1; ASCA §9.2.2; UKC Ch 12 §4.

LAA (Lifetime Achievement Award)

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's career award for one dog, from Bronze (150 Qs, with 15 in each core Masters class) through Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium to Diamond (1,000 Qs, 100 in each core class).

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.3.2 usdaa.com. More on this

Lack of Control

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Barn Hunt NQ for a dog the handler can't manage safely, like running off with a tube, shaking or biting one, refusing to be caught, wrecking the bales, or crashing into the judge or a wrangler.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 10 §4 barnhunt.com.

Lap class (Lap dog)

Dock diving · NADD

The NADD class for dogs under 16 inches at the withers. Lap dogs have shorter division cut-offs and start Air Retrieve closer to the dock. Height is confirmed by a NADD measurement after age 2 or an AKC or CKC agility height card.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XII A2 and §XIV G northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Lap turn

Handling · all (training term)

A turn on the flat where the dog is coming toward the handler, who turns it away so it passes in front of the handler and changes sides. In a tandem turn the dog is going the same way as the handler.

Source: Clean Run, September 2014 nxtbook.com; OneMind Dogs, "Lap Turn, Tandem Turn: what is the difference" app.oneminddogs.com.

Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD qualifying event held just before the National Championship. Dogs that earn a Nationals invite there don't have to have attended a Regionals.

Source: NADD Nationals Invite Requirements northamericadivingdogs.com.

Layering

Handling · all (training term)

Handling from a distance with an obstacle between you and the dog: the handler stays on the outside line while the dog works the obstacles further out and skips the one in between.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "Layering in dog agility" oneminddogs.com; Wikipedia, "Dog agility" en.wikipedia.org.

Lead change

Handling · all (training term)

The dog switching which front leg leads its stride. A dog turns most easily toward its leading leg, so it changes lead to turn the other way, and handlers time their cues to give it room.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Lead Leg" agilitynerd.com; OneMind Dogs, "Leading legs: how do dogs turn in agility?" oneminddogs.com.

Lead-outChanges by organization

Agility, Handling · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, all (training term)

Rules: Leaving your dog in a stay at the start and walking ahead before you release it. AKC and CPE allow any distance but no touching the dog once you've crossed the start line. NADAC and ASCA eliminate you for walking back past the first obstacle.

Handling: On the handling side, a lead-out is about where you stand: walk to a planned spot on course so you're already ahead of the dog when you release it. It depends on a reliable start-line stay.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(e) images.akc.org; CPE §5.4.1.1; NADAC §10.3.4; ASCA §9.3.3; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Clean Run, July 2010 nxtbook.com; OneMind Dogs, start-line stay oneminddogs.com.

Lead-out pivot (LOP)

Handling · all (training term)

A front cross done from a lead out: the handler waits out on course and pivots toward the dog as it comes over the first jumps, changing its side and direction.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Clean Run, March 2009 nxtbook.com.

LegChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, General, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, BHA, CPE, NADD, UKC

Agility: One qualifying score that counts toward a title. UKC defines it that way and CPE titles are counted in legs. AKC agility rules mostly say qualifying score instead, while NADAC, ASCA and UKI count points toward titles rather than legs.

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: One qualifying score toward a title. In Barn Hunt a leg is a Q at a licensed trial; in NADD each splash's best qualifying score is a leg in the division it lands in.

Obedience and rally: One qualifying score toward a title. UKC defines it that way in its rulebook and ASCA uses it too ("an Open leg"). AKC's rules say "qualifying score" instead, and use "leg" only for a straight stretch of the heeling pattern.

Source: UKC Definitions (Leg) ukcdogs.com; CPE §A7; AKC Ch 8 §4; NADAC Ch 11; ASCA §10.1; UKI §2.0; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 10 §1 barnhunt.com; NADD FAQ, How do I earn a title northamericadivingdogs.com; UKC-OB Definitions ("Leg"); ASCA-OB 3.1, 6.1; AKC-OB Ch 2 §1.

Level C

Agility · CPE

CPE's top level, open in a class once its Level 5 work is done. Runs must be clean, and Level C legs count toward the C-ATE and the 30-leg Extraordinaire class titles, not toward Level 5 titles.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6, A7.4.2, A7.9 cpe.dog. More on this

Levels 1 to 5 (CPE)

Agility · CPE

CPE's titling levels are 1, 2, 3 and 5 (the rulebook has no Level 4), then Level C. Levels 1 to 3 allow up to 10 faults on a Q and Level 5 allows 5.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6, A7.3, Table A24 cpe.dog. More on this

Lifetime metalsChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, UKI, USDAA

In AKC, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Century titles (MXB, MJS…) each take 25 more Master Qs. USDAA's Bronze to Diamond tiers sit on Champion titles from 15 to 100 Masters Qs. UKI's Bronze, Silver and Gold class awards are points totals.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §3 images.akc.org; USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1.1 usdaa.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §2.1d ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Line

Handling · all (training term)

The path the dog takes through a sequence, seen as one stretch from obstacle to obstacle. Handlers talk about showing the dog its line, holding a line and picking a line that saves time.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "Handle lines, not obstacles" oneminddogs.com; USDAA, "Shaping Success with Susan Garrett" usdaa.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, "Strategy for Agility: A Course Map Analysis Case Study" fenzidogsportsacademy.com.

Line Drive (LD)

Barn Hunt · BHA

An optional Barn Hunt class where a fixed line of 7 or 11 bales hides 9 tubes, and the dog has 1 minute to find the 4 rats. Dogs can work on leash, so blind dogs and dogs in carts can play. Ten Qs earn LD.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §2 and Part 7 §2 barnhunt.com.

Litter (litter tube)

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Barn Hunt tube holding used rat bedding but no rat. It smells like rat, so the dog has to tell it apart from the real thing. Calling "Rat!" on a litter tube is a wrong call.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 3 (Tube) and Part 15 §1 barnhunt.com.

Lure

Fast CAT · AKC

The thing a coursing dog follows, pulled along a string by a machine. In CAT and Fast CAT it's a white plastic bag, plastic strips, or a squawker.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §2, Ch 4 §2F, Glossary (Lure) images.akc.org.

Lure coursing

Fast CAT · AKC

A separate AKC sport for sighthound breeds, where dogs chase a lure over a zig-zag field course of 600 yards or more and are judged on how they run. CAT was built on it, but CAT and Fast CAT are open to every dog.

Source: AKC Lure Coursing page akc.org; AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 1 §1 images.akc.org.

Lure operator

Fast CAT · AKC

The person running the lure machine. They start the lure on the Huntmaster's signal, keep it a safe distance ahead of the dog, and stop it right away if anything goes wrong. They can't run the lure for a breed they own and have entered.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §6 and Ch 4 §2E images.akc.org.

MACH (Master Agility Champion)

Agility · AKC

AKC's Regular championship: at least 750 MACH points and 20 double Qs from Master Standard and Master JWW. Every further set adds a number, so 1,500 points and 40 QQs makes a MACH2.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §2 images.akc.org. More on this

MACH points

Agility · AKC

One point for every full second a dog finishes under standard course time on a Master Standard or Master JWW Q, with no partial points. Preferred dogs earn PACH points the same way, and Premier Qs add 15 points toward Nationals.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §2, Ch 8 §8 images.akc.org; AKC Nationals qualification info akccompanionevents.com. More on this

Master / MastersChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving · AKC, BHA, NADD, UKI, USDAA

Agility: AKC's Master level comes after Excellent, needs a perfect 100, and feeds the MACH. USDAA's Masters is its top titling level, 5 Qs per class title. UKI has no Masters level; its Masters Series is a tournament class.

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt, the top regular class: 8 tubes with 1 to 5 rats, distance challenges, and you call "Clear" when done. Five Qs earn RATM. In NADD, the division below Elite (Open Distance 20 feet to 23 feet 11 inches).

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §1–2, Ch 6 §5 images.akc.org; USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1.1 usdaa.com; UKI Cups, Classics and Festivals page ukagilityinternational.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §8 barnhunt.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Master and Elite (MOD, EOD)Changes by organization

Obedience · UKC

UKC's 2 top additional titling obedience classes, open to any dog. Master includes a seek back and handler discrimination; Elite, a food refusal. Three qualifying scores earn Master Obedience Dog (MOD) or Elite Obedience Dog (EOD). Not AKC's Obedience Master points title.

Source: UKC-OB Ch 5 §8-9, Ch 18 §1, §4-5, Ch 19 §1, §4-5. More on this

Masters Challenge

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's Standard and Jumpers classes on open courses run at full stride, open to any dog. Ten Qs earn an MC Champion title, and these Qs also count toward the regular Standard and Jumpers Champion titles.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 12 usdaa.com. More on this

Masters Series

Agility · UKI

A UKI class run at Cups, Classics, Festivals and some trials, adding an Agility run to a Jumping run, with faults turned into seconds, lowest total winning. Clear rounds in its heats still earn level points.

Source: UKI Cups, Classics and Festivals page ukagilityinternational.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §2.1a, §3.3 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Maximum course time (MCT)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE

The time at which a run ends and the dog must leave the ring. AKC Standard and JWW use standard course time plus 20 seconds, and Time 2 Beat 50, 55 or 60 seconds by height. ASCA adds 6 seconds to the longest SCT in the class.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §3, Ch 10 §5 images.akc.org; ASCA §5.6; CPE Table A9. More on this

Measuring (wicket, challenge measurement)

Agility · AKC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Checking a dog's height at the withers with an approved device while it stands square on a flat surface; UKC calls the device a wicket. AKC uses Volunteer Measuring Officials, and owners get one challenge measurement in the dog's life after age 2.

Source: AKC Ch 2 §4, §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.5; USDAA Appendix D; UKC Definitions (Wicket). More on this

Minor and substantial deductionsChanges by organization

Obedience, Rally · AKC, UKC

How judges size point losses. AKC obedience: minor is ½ to 2½ points, substantial is 3 or more. AKC rally: minor is 1 to 2, substantial is 3 or more. UKC obedience: minor is ½ to 2, major is 2½ or more.

Source: AKC-OB Glossary of Obedience Terms; AKC-RA Glossary of Rally Terms; UKC-OB Ch 9 §15.

Missed contactChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Coming off a contact obstacle without touching its down zone. It's an NQ in AKC, 15 faults in CPE, 5 in UKI and USDAA, and 10 in NADAC and ASCA. UKC Excellent gives an NQ, and lower UKC classes allow retries at 5 points each.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §5.3.1; CPE §A8.1.2; NADAC §10.1.2; ASCA §9.2.2; UKC Ch 12 §6.

Motion cues

Handling · all (training term)

Everything a handler shows with their body rather than their voice: speed and direction of movement, position, shoulders, feet, arms and where they look. Most dogs read these first.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Cues" agilitynerd.com; OneMind Dogs verbals article oneminddogs.com.

Move-upChanges by organization

Agility, General · AKC, UKI, USDAA

Moving a dog up a level after it earns a title. AKC needs it in writing by 6 pm the Monday before a Thursday to Sunday trial; day-to-day move-ups are the club's call. UKI dogs move up the next day, and USDAA dogs can't go back down.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §20 images.akc.org; UKI §2.0; USDAA §1.4.

Moving stand and examination

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

A Utility exercise where the dog is told to stand while heeling, the handler keeps walking, and the judge examines the dog. The handler then calls the dog straight to heel.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §12-13; ASCA-OB 5.12.

MPH (Fast CAT speed)

Fast CAT · AKC

Fast CAT turns a dog's 100-yard time into miles per hour by dividing 204.545 by the time in seconds, then rounding to two decimals. A 9.00-second run is 22.73 MPH.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §5 images.akc.org. More on this

NAC (National Agility Champion)

Agility · AKC

The title for the overall winner of each jump height at the AKC National Agility Championship (PNAC for Preferred heights). To enter, a dog needs 7 QQs and 550 MACH and Premier points earned in a qualifying year that runs December through November.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 12 images.akc.org; AKC Nationals qualification info akccompanionevents.com. More on this

NATCH (NADAC Agility Trial Champion)

Agility · NADAC

NADAC's championship: 230 Regular, 130 Jumpers and 130 Chances points, then 200, 100 and 100 more for each repeat. Variants add more classes (Versatility, Platinum) or fast runs (Speed Star).

Source: NADAC Awards List, updated 1/1/22 nadac.com. More on this

National

Barn Hunt · BHA

Barn Hunt's yearly championship, with the Grand National and the Games. To enter, a dog needs 5 Master B Qs in the June-to-May qualifying window, or a bye. Qs there don't count toward regular titles.

Source: Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 1 and Part 2 barnhunt.com.

National Championship (NADD Nationals)

Dock diving · NADD

NADD's season-ending, invitation-only event, with Distance, Hydro Dash and Air Retrieve splashes, finals and a Junior Handler championship. Dogs compete in the division set by their season average at the end of the season.

Source: NADD Nationals Invite Requirements northamericadivingdogs.com.

National Obedience Champion (NOC)

Obedience · AKC

The title for the winner of AKC's yearly, invitation-only National Obedience Championship. Invitations go to top dogs by OTCH points, top dogs by breed, and the top 4 at each regional qualifier.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 9.

NFC (Not For Competition)

Agility · UKI

UKI's way to run a class for practice. Declare NFC before the run, then use the standard course time to train, with a toy and even a helper in the ring. Noisy toys aren't allowed, and food only in an approved area. AKC's nearest match is FEO.

Source: UKI §4.12 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

No course

Fast CAT · AKC

A run called off because something got in the dog's way, like the dog tangling in the string or the lure getting too close. In CAT the judge calls it, in Fast CAT the Huntmaster, and the dog gets to run again.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §11 and Glossary (No course) images.akc.org.

No time (NT)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKI

A run recorded without a time, so it can't qualify or place. CPE gives an NT for a Fix and Go, a dog leaving the ring or a run past maximum time. AKC FEO runs are marked NT, and a UKI scrimer writes NT when there's no time.

Source: CPE §A5.6.2, Table A5 cpe.dog; AKC Ch 1 §21; UKI §4.7.

No-show (NADD)

Dock diving · NADD

A pre-registered NADD splash you didn't withdraw from before entries closed and didn't pay for or jump. Three no-shows cost you the right to pre-register, though you can still enter on site.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §IV A northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, Common Terms (No Show) northamericadivingdogs.com.

NoviceChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Obedience · AKC, ASCA, BHA, NADAC, NADD, UKC, UKI

Agility: The entry level in AKC, NADAC (after an optional Intro) and ASCA, split into A and B in AKC and usually ASCA. UKI Novice is the second level, after Beginners, and in UKC Dynamic classes it's the easier of two levels.

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt, the first titling class: in 2 minutes, find 1 rat among 3 tubes, climb, and go through a short straight tunnel. Three Qs earn RATN. In NADD, the lowest division (Open Distance up to 9 feet 11 inches).

Obedience: The first traditional obedience level: heeling on and off leash, a figure eight, a stand for exam, a recall and stays. UKC's Novice swaps the stays for a greeting, an honor and a recall over a high jump.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; UKI Rules 12th ed., §2.1a ukagilityinternational.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.2.1 asca.org; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §5 barnhunt.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) northamericadivingdogs.com; AKC-OB Ch 3 §3; ASCA-OB 3.4; UKC-OB Ch 13 §4. More on this

Novice A and Novice BChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, UKC

AKC Novice A is for an untitled dog whose owner-handler has never titled a dog; B is for everyone else. ASCA uses A for new teams. UKC splits Beginner and Intermediate into A and B too, and keeps trainers and instructors out of A.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.2 asca.org; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 5 ukcdogs.com. More on this

NQ (non-qualifying)

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKC

A run that didn't meet the standard for a Q. UKC describes it as the score for the most serious mistakes, and a dog with an NQ in one class can still run its other classes that day.

Source: UKC Definitions (Non-Qualifying Score) ukcdogs.com; AKC Ch 5 §5.

Nursery

Agility · UKI

A UKI class for green dogs or handlers, open from 15 months: a flowing course with no teeter, tire, spread or weaves and a lowered A-frame. Refusals aren't judged, and there are clear-round ribbons but no placements or level points.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §3.4a ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Obedience Master and Grand Master (OM, OGM)

Obedience · AKC

AKC points titles for UD dogs. Scores of 190+ in Open B or Utility B earn 6 to 15 points; 200 points (at least 60 from each class) makes an OM. There are 9 OM levels, and finishing the 10th earns OGM.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 7 §1-3.

Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) and OTCH pointsChanges by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

AKC's OTCH takes 100 points, mostly from placing 1st to 4th in Open B or Utility B, plus 3 first places under 3 judges. ASCA's OTCH needs 100 points earned from scores, not placements, plus set high scores; ASCA also offers OTCH-O.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 8 §1-3, §5; ASCA-OB 7.1-7.6.

Obstacle discrimination

Handling · all (training term)

A spot on course where 2 obstacles sit close together and the dog has to take the one the handler cues. The classic example is a tunnel tucked under the A-frame.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Wikipedia, "Dog agility" en.wikipedia.org.

Obstacle familiarization

Agility · UKC

A UKC chance, after the walk-through, for newer dogs to try each obstacle once on leash before the scored run, with jump bars on the ground. B sections and Excellent don't get it, except dogs that haven't yet earned that class's title.

Source: UKC Ch 9 §11 ukcdogs.com.

OpenChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Obedience · AKC, ASCA, BHA, NADAC, NADD, UKC

Agility: The middle level in AKC, NADAC and ASCA. AKC Open follows the Novice title in that class, NADAC needs a Novice title (30 points) in that class, and ASCA dogs move up after the Novice title (30 Regular points, or 20 in Gamblers or Jumpers).

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: In NADD, the class for dogs 16 inches and taller at the withers. In Barn Hunt, the second level: 2 rats among 5 tubes, a tunnel with one turn, and 2:30 on the clock; three Qs earn RATO.

Obedience: The second traditional obedience level, all off leash: heeling with a figure eight, a drop on recall, 2 dumbbell retrieves and a broad jump. AKC and ASCA add command discrimination and a stand stay; UKC adds a greeting. Three Qs earn the CDX (UKC: UCDX).

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.2.2, §10.2 asca.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XII A1 northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §6 barnhunt.com; AKC-OB Ch 4 §3-5; ASCA-OB 4.2, 4.4; UKC-OB Ch 15 §3-4. More on this

Open splash

Dock diving · NADD

The NADD format used at many mobile docks: all of the day's splashes run at once, and you jump whenever you hand in your jump card and your name comes up, until open-splash time ends.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §VI L1 northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, Common Terms (Open Splash) northamericadivingdogs.com.

Out (get out)

Handling · all (training term)

A verbal cue asking the dog to move sideways away from the handler and keep working on a line further out, often on a parallel path.

Source: Bud Houston glossary ("Get out") budhouston.wordpress.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com.

Outside assistance (double handling)Changes by organization

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Help from someone outside the ring, like calling directions or standing where the dog will be drawn to them. AKC penalizes it from 5 points up to elimination, and NADAC and UKI eliminate the run. UKC calls it double handling and can remove the person from the grounds.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(d) images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.2.2; CPE Table A5; NADAC §10.3.17; ASCA §9.1; UKC Ch 3 §3.

Outstanding and Superior Performance titlesChanges by organization

Agility · ASCA, NADAC

Optional extra titles for staying at a level. NADAC counts the level's total points (Regular needs 100 and 200, or 200 and 400 in Elite). ASCA counts points earned after the level title (Elite Regular needs 200, then 400).

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §10.4–10.5 asca.org.

PACH (Preferred Agility Champion)

Agility · AKC

AKC's championship for the Preferred classes: 750 PACH points and 20 double Qs from Master Standard Preferred and Master JWW Preferred. It repeats with a number, like the MACH.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 8 §8 images.akc.org. More on this

Panel jump

Agility · AKC, CPE

A jump filled with boards from the bar height to the ground, so it looks like a solid wall to the dog. Knocking the top board down is faulted like a knocked bar. In AKC the judge can swap it for a bar jump when it's windy.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (8) images.akc.org; CPE §A8.1.8.

Pass (CAT and Fast CAT)

Fast CAT · AKC

CAT and Fast CAT are pass/fail. A CAT pass means finishing the course eagerly, without stopping, inside the time limit; a Fast CAT pass means running to the finish line without stopping. Peeing or pooping on course is a fail.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §4 and Ch 4 §4 images.akc.org.

Pause tableChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKC, USDAA

A low square table the dog jumps onto. In AKC the dog stays on it for a 5-second count in any position. USDAA uses it in Standard only below Masters, CPE only to stop the clock in games, and UKC's upper classes may use a pause box instead.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (4) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.3; CPE §A8.1.6; UKC Ch 10 §3.

PAX (Preferred Agility Excellent)

Agility · AKC

An AKC Preferred title for 20 double Qs in Master Standard Preferred and Master JWW Preferred, with no points needed. Each further 20 QQs adds a number (PAX2 at 40).

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 8 §7 images.akc.org. More on this

PDCH (Performance Dog Champion)

Agility · USDAA

The Performance program's counterpart of the ADCH, still awarded today with the same Bronze to Diamond tiers. USDAA's current rules chapters don't spell it out; its title list names it as the Performance Dog Champion.

Source: USDAA Appendix F, Titles and Abbreviations (2011) usdaa.com; USDAA Breed Statistics by Title usdaa.com. More on this

Performance event (trial vs match)Changes by organization

Agility, General · AKC, UKC

A trial is an official event where qualifying runs count toward titles. AKC sanctioned matches are informal events with no title credit, often held by clubs working toward licensed trials. UKC calls any event judged on performance rather than looks a performance event.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §2, §25 images.akc.org; UKC Definitions (Agility Trial, Performance Event).

Performance program

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's parallel titling path where dogs jump 4 inches lower than Championship height and usually get more time. Titles are earned at Performance height or a mix of Performance and Championship runs.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1 usdaa.com. More on this

Placements and ribbonsChanges by organization

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKC, UKI

Awards for the top finishers plus a ribbon for each qualifying run. AKC places 1st to 4th (blue, red, yellow, white) and only qualifying dogs can place. UKI ties the number of places to class size, CPE uses teal Q ribbons, and UKC's 3rd is green.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §25, Ch 5 §2 images.akc.org; UKI §4.14; CPE §10; ASCA §2.6.1; UKC Ch 15 §5, §6.

PointsChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Fast CAT · AKC, BHA

Fast CAT points are a run's MPH times the dog's handicap: a small dog at 20.45 MPH with a 2.0 handicap earns 40.90. Barn Hunt Crazy 8s points are 10 per rat, tunnel and climb, plus bonuses. In agility, see MACH points and T2B points.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §5-6 images.akc.org; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 15 §1 barnhunt.com. More on this

Post turn

Handling · all (training term)

A turn where the dog stays on the same side of the handler, who acts like a post the dog turns around. Also called a shoulder pull or pivot turn.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Post Turn/Shoulder Pull/Pivot Turn" agilitynerd.com; Clean Run, April 2018 nxtbook.com.

Power and Speed

Agility · UKI

A UKI games class in two parts. The power section is the contacts, weaves, a long jump and a spread, and only a fault-free power section lets the dog go on to the speed section of jumps and tunnels.

Source: UKI Classes page ukagilityinternational.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §2.1d ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Practice jump

Dock diving · NADD

An optional, unscored first jump in a NADD Distance splash, which you ask the judge for out loud. If a dog jumps before it's cued and hasn't had its practice yet, that jump becomes the practice. Air Retrieve allows one at regular events.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII A and G, §XIV N northamericadivingdogs.com.

Preferred (and other lower-height options)Changes by organization

Agility, Obedience · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

AKC Preferred jumps one height lower with 5 extra seconds and its own titles. UKI Select also drops one height, with no spread jumps. The others: USDAA Performance heights, CPE Enthusiast and Specialist, NADAC Skilled, ASCA's ACE program and UKC's Minimum Jump Height. In AKC, Preferred is its own title track (NAP through PACH), so Regular and Preferred Qs don't carry across, apart from the AGCH.

Source: AKC Ch 8 images.akc.org; UKI §2.0, §2.3; USDAA §1.3; CPE Table A3; NADAC §5.4; ASCA §4.3.1; UKC Ch 6 §4; AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 8 §1–10, Ch 2 §3 images.akc.org; AKC-OB Ch 1 §4, Ch 11-13. More on this More on this

Preferred titles (PCD, PCDX, PUTD, PUDX, POC)

Obedience · AKC

PCD, PCDX and PUTD each take 3 Qs in Preferred Novice, Open or Utility. PUDX takes Qs in both Preferred Open and Utility at 10 trials. POC (Preferred Obedience Champion) takes 750 points from 190+ scores plus Qs in both classes at 20 trials.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 11 §3, Ch 12 §3, Ch 13 §3, Ch 14, Ch 15.

PremierChanges by organization

Agility, Dock diving · AKC, NADD

Agility: AKC's harder Standard and JWW classes with one level for every dog, a maximum course time, and a perfect score needed to Q (runouts aren't judged). 25 Qs, 5 of them top 25% finishes, earn the PAD or PJD.

Dock diving: In NADD, the top Distance division, for Open-class dogs jumping 28 feet or more. Its titles start with DP (Dock Premier).

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 11 images.akc.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) and J-L northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this More on this

Premium list

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKI, USDAA

The official announcement for a trial, with the date, place, judges, classes, fees, jump heights and entry details. USDAA calls it the agility test schedule. Club options like FEO or day-to-day move-ups have to be stated in it.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §9 images.akc.org; UKI §4.2; USDAA §1.4, §3.3.1; CPE §8.

Pre-NoviceChanges by organization

Agility, Obedience · ASCA, UKC

Agility: An optional ASCA class for dogs over 12 months with no teeter or weave poles. Dogs under 18 months jump at least 4 inches lower, and the club can leave out other obstacles.

Obedience: UKC's starter obedience class, all on leash, where handlers can talk to and encourage their dog. Exercises are heel on leash, a 3-cone serpentine, a sit for exam, a down stay and a recall; 3 Qs earn the PN.

Source: ASCA Agility Program Rules, §8.2 asca.org; UKC-OB Ch 5 §1, Ch 11 §1-6. More on this

Proficient

Agility · NADAC

NADAC's default category, where a dog jumps the height set by its withers measurement. Points earned here and in Skilled count toward the same titles.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.4 nadac.com. More on this

Pull

Handling · all (training term)

Drawing the dog toward the handler, often by turning away from it so it comes along on the same side. Handlers use it to bring a dog in past an obstacle or into a tight turn.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Clean Run, April 2018 nxtbook.com.

Push

Handling · all (training term)

Moving into the dog's path to press it away from the handler toward an obstacle, often to send it to a backside. Some handlers use "push" as the verbal for that.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, verbals article oneminddogs.com.

Q (qualifying score)Changes by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, BHA, CPE, NADAC, NADD, UKC, UKI, USDAA, WCRL

Agility: A run good enough to count toward a title. AKC needs 85 of 100 points from Novice to Excellent and a perfect 100 in Master and Premier. UKI and USDAA Standard need zero faults, ASCA Regular allows 5, and UKC needs 170 of 200 (195 in Excellent).

Barn Hunt and dock diving: A Q is a qualifying score; an NQ isn't. In Barn Hunt a Q means every required element done in time with no NQ errors. In NADD, any jump the dog takes off the dock on its own, in time, qualifies.

Obedience and rally: Obedience in AKC, ASCA and UKC: 170 of 200, with over half the points on every exercise. Rally: AKC and UKC need 70 of 100; ASCA and WCRL score out of 200 and need 170 (190 in ASCA's C classes). Less is an NQ.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §1, Ch 6 images.akc.org; UKI §2.0; USDAA Ch 5; ASCA §5.2; UKC Ch 11; CPE §A6; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 10 §1-2 barnhunt.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII C northamericadivingdogs.com; AKC-OB Ch 1 §15; AKC-RA Ch 1 §14; ASCA-OB 1.10; ASCA-RA 1.11; UKC-OB Ch 9 §13; UKC-RA Ch 13 §2; WCRL §4.1. More on this

Qualifier (NADD)

Dock diving · NADD

A NADD event where each division's 3 best dogs (Open, Lap and Veteran) earn invitations. Scoring is like a normal event, but a dog needs at least 3 Distance jumps there to be ranked, and Air Retrieve voluntary withdrawals don't count.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, Qualifier Events section northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, What is a Qualifying Event northamericadivingdogs.com.

Qualifying jump

Dock diving · NADD

Any judged NADD jump where the dog goes into the water off the dock on its own within the time limit, whether or not a toy was thrown. The longer of a splash's two qualifying jumps is the score that counts toward titles.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII C northamericadivingdogs.com.

Qualifying period

Agility, General · ASCA, UKI

The window of dates when results count toward a championship event or its byes. ASCA's Agility Finals period runs from June 1 to May 31, and UKI posts a period for its US Open, which ends in late September.

Source: ASCA §12.2.6 asca.org; UKI US Open page ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE)

Rally · AKC

An AKC rally title for 10 trials where the dog qualifies in Advanced B and in Excellent B at that one trial, counted after the RE. Every further 10 adds a number: RAE2, RAE3 and so on.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §15.

Rally Advanced (RA)Changes by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA

The first off-leash rally level, with one jump on the course in AKC. Three qualifying scores earn the RA; ASCA requires at least 2 different judges.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §7-10; ASCA-RA 4.1.

Rally Champion (RACH) and RACH points

Rally · AKC

AKC's rally championship. Scores of 91+ in Advanced B, Excellent B and Master earn 5 to 10 points. A RACH takes 300 points (150 from Master) plus 20 triple Qs: qualifying in all 3 classes at the same trial.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 4 §1-4.

Rally Choice (RC)Changes by organization

Rally · AKC

An AKC rally class open to every dog, off leash with no jumps and no retries. RC takes 10 qualifying scores under at least 2 judges. Not to be confused with the 24 inch Choice jump height in AKC agility.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §18-19.

Rally Excellent (RE)Changes by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA

An off-leash rally level, and handlers may not clap or pat their legs. In AKC the dog jumps twice and the course ends with a sit stay while the handler fetches the leash; ASCA uses one starred jump. Three Qs earn the RE.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §11-14, Ch 2 §23 (#298); ASCA-RA 5.1, 5.5.2-5.5.3.

Rally Intermediate (RI)

Rally · AKC

An AKC on-leash rally class between Novice and Advanced, with some Advanced signs but no jumps. Three qualifying scores earn the RI.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §5-6.

Rally Master (RM) and Rally MastersChanges by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA

AKC's Rally Master class needs an RE to enter and has no retries; RM takes 10 qualifying scores under 2 or more judges. ASCA's Rally Masters level also gives an RM title, but for 3 qualifying scores.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §16-17; ASCA-RA 6.1.

Rally National Champion (RNC)

Rally · AKC

The title for the overall winner of the Championship class at AKC's yearly Rally National Championship.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 5 §1-3.

Rally Novice (RN)Changes by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA

The first rally level, done on leash. Three qualifying scores earn the RN. AKC has no judge requirement for it; ASCA wants at least 2 different judges and scores the course out of 200.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §1-4; ASCA-RA 3.1, 3.5.

Rally pairsChanges by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA

A non-regular class. In AKC, one handler takes 2 dogs through a course with no jumps, scored out of 200 with no NQs. ASCA offers pairs classes at several levels; its Masters Pairs is off leash except in a tagging zone.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 6 §1; ASCA-RA 11.3.

Rally (rally obedience)

Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

A heeling course where the team follows numbered signs, each naming an exercise like a turn, a halt or a recall, at their own pace without the judge calling orders. Handlers can talk to their dog and praise it throughout.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 2 §22-23, Ch 3; UKC-RA "Rally Competition and Philosophy". More on this

Rally Trial Champion (RTCH)

Rally · ASCA

ASCA's rally championship, started after the RM. Teams earn points for scores of 191+ in Excellent B and Masters B when they qualify in both at the same trial; it takes 100 points from each, including 5 scores of 195+ in each.

Source: ASCA-RA 10.1-10.2.

Rat Wrangler and WranglerChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Dock diving · BHA, NADD

In Barn Hunt, a Rat Wrangler moves and removes the rat tubes and keeps the rats safe, under a Chief Rat Wrangler. In NADD dock diving, the wrangler is the person who tells teams when to jump and makes sure the pool is clear.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 11 and Part 13 barnhunt.com; NADD FAQ, Common Terms (Wrangler) northamericadivingdogs.com.

RATCH (Barn Hunt Champion)

Barn Hunt · BHA

Barn Hunt's championship title. After the RATM, a dog runs Master B and needs 10 Qs there, under at least 2 judges.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §3 and §9 barnhunt.com. More on this

RATCHX

Barn Hunt · BHA

The Barn Hunt title after RATCH: 10 more Master B Qs under at least 2 judges. A number is added for each further 10, so RATCHX2 comes at 20.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §9 barnhunt.com. More on this

RATNX, RATOX and RATSX

Barn Hunt · BHA

Barn Hunt's B-class titles at Novice, Open and Senior, each earned with 10 Qs in that B class under at least 2 judges. Every 10 more adds a number (RATNX2 at 20). Dogs can move in and out of B classes and keep their Qs.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §5-7 barnhunt.com. More on this

Rear cross

Handling · all (training term)

A side change made behind the dog: the dog is ahead, and the handler crosses behind it, so it turns away and ends up on the handler's other side.

Source: AKC, "Agility Terms & Lingo" akc.org; AgilityNerd, "Rear Cross" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "What is a rear cross" oneminddogs.com.

Recall

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

The dog stays where it's left, then comes when called and sits in front. In obedience it then finishes to heel on the judge's order, and UKC's Novice recall goes over a high jump.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §10-11; WCRL §3.4 "Recall"; UKC-OB Ch 13 §4.

Recent average

Dock diving · NADD

A rolling NADD average of a dog's last few scores. In Air Retrieve it sets the lowest starting distance you can pick: 2 feet below the recent average, rounded down. It also breaks some ties.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII I and §XIV M, T northamericadivingdogs.com.

Redirect, Remove and Restrain

Barn Hunt · BHA

The three ways to deal with a found rat tube mid-run in Barn Hunt: send the dog on and leave the tube (redirect), lift it out and hand it off yourself (remove), or hold your dog while a Rat Wrangler takes it (restrain).

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 13 barnhunt.com.

RefusalChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKC, UKI, USDAA

When a dog heads for the right obstacle, then stops or turns away. AKC, UKI and USDAA (above Starters) charge 5 faults, and 3 refusals eliminate the run in UKI and USDAA. UKC takes 1 point, and CPE and AKC Time 2 Beat don't fault refusals.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(a), Ch 10 §4, Ch 11 §3 images.akc.org; UKI §4.11; USDAA §3.2.5, §5.3.1; CPE §5.4.2; UKC Ch 12 §4. More on this

RegionalsChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Dock diving · BHA, NADD

In NADD, invitation-only regional championships that also lead to Nationals invites. In Barn Hunt, a yearly event in each of six regions where dogs with a RATS or higher compete, and top Grand National finishers and Games winners earn a National bye.

Source: NADD Regionals and Nationals Invite Criteria northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Regionals Competition Rules, Part 1-2 barnhunt.com.

RegularChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKI

In AKC and UKI it's the full-height option, against Preferred or Select. In CPE it's the height category earning Regular/Veterans titles. In NADAC and ASCA, Regular (Agility) is the class with every obstacle.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 8 §3 images.akc.org; UKI Rules 12th ed., §2.3 ukagilityinternational.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A4.2 cpe.dog; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, Ch 5 asca.org.

Relay (Pairs Relay)Changes by organization

Agility · UKI, USDAA

In USDAA, Pairs Relay is a titling class where two dog-and-handler teams share one course and Q by beating the judge's qualifying time; it's run for all levels together. UKI pairs and team classes are special classes that don't count toward progress.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 9 usdaa.com; USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.1 usdaa.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.4 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Release

Fast CAT · AKC

Letting the dog go at the start of a CAT or Fast CAT run. You wait until you hear the "T" in "Tally-ho", and in Fast CAT at least the dog's front paws must be inside the 10-foot start box.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §5 and Ch 4 §2B images.akc.org.

Releaser

Fast CAT · AKC

The person who holds the dog in the Fast CAT start box and lets it go when "Tally-ho" is called. They can't run alongside the dog or walk down the course.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §3 and Glossary (Releaser) images.akc.org.

REMX (Barn Hunt Elite Master Champion)

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Barn Hunt speed title. Any Master B Q finished in 2:30 or less also counts as a REMX leg, and 10 of them earn the REMX (20 earn REMX2).

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §10 barnhunt.com. More on this

Repeat and Move On (RMO)

Agility · UKI

UKI's option to redo any one obstacle, once, during a run. It eliminates the run straight away, but you may back up 1 or 2 obstacles and reset one bar, then finish or head out. AKC's version is Fix and Go On.

Source: UKI §4.13 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Retrieve on flat

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

An Open exercise where the handler throws the dumbbell at least 20 feet and sends the dog to fetch it, come to front and finish.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §11-12; ASCA-OB reference sheet, 4.6.4.

Retrieve over high jump

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

Like the flat retrieve, but the dumbbell lands at least 8 feet past the high jump and the dog has to clear the jump going out and coming back.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §13-14; ASCA-OB 4.6.6. More on this

RetryChanges by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

Redoing a rally sign from the approach after a mistake, for a 3-point penalty. AKC allows one retry per sign, but none in Master or Choice or on jumps and the sit stay. ASCA allows 2 in Novice; WCRL allows 2 per exercise.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 2 §30; ASCA-RA 2.23; UKC-RA Ch 8 §11-12; WCRL §3.4 "Retries", §4.3.

Ring

Agility, General · CPE, NADAC, UKI

The marked-off area where the course is built and dogs run. CPE asks for at least 100 by 100 feet, UKI about 11,000 square feet outdoors, and NADAC recommends full fencing without requiring it.

Source: CPE §A5.9 cpe.dog; UKI §4.8; NADAC §9.1.

Roll call

Fast CAT · AKC

Check-in at CAT and Fast CAT, where the inspection committee looks every dog over for lameness, fitness and females in season. Dogs found unfit get their entry fee back.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §7, §11 and Glossary (Roll call) images.akc.org.

Running contacts

Handling · all (training term)

A contact behavior where the dog runs down and off the plank in full stride, hitting the contact zone without stopping. The other choice is a stopped contact, like two on two off.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "3 steps to consistent contacts" oneminddogs.com; Frontiers in Veterinary Science, teeter contact study frontiersin.org.

Running order

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKI

The order dogs run in a class, drawn at random within each jump height after entries close. AKC spreads out several dogs with the same handler. UKI handlers must run their dogs in the drawn order, but a CPE gate steward can shuffle within a height.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §19 images.akc.org; UKI §4.4; CPE §A5.8.7.

Run-offChanges by organization

Agility, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

Agility: An extra run to settle a tie. AKC holds one when dogs tie on both score and time, on the same course or an easier one. UKC breaks score ties by the biggest margin under course time, and runs off only when a prize depends on it.

Obedience and rally: How a tie for a placement is broken. AKC and ASCA obedience redo the Novice heel free. AKC rally uses the faster time first. UKC obedience heels all tied dogs at once and drops each team at its first error.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §2 images.akc.org; UKC Ch 15 §6; AKC-OB Ch 2 §9; AKC-RA Ch 2 §28; ASCA-OB 1.16; UKC-OB Ch 28 §2.

Run-out (run-by)Changes by organization

Agility, Fast CAT · AKC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Agility: When a dog runs past the next obstacle instead of taking it. AKC, USDAA and UKI all score it as a refusal, though AKC Premier doesn't judge run-outs. UKC calls it a run-by and takes 1 point if short, 3 if long.

Fast CAT: In Fast CAT, the run-out is the safe space past the finish line where dogs slow down, also called the catch pen.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(a) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.2.5; UKI §4.11; UKC Ch 12 §4; AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §2C and Glossary (Catch pen) images.akc.org.

Sandbagging

Dock diving · NADD

Deliberately holding a dog back so it scores lower and stays in an easier division, title or ranking. NADD gives a private warning first, then a zero for the splash, then removal from the trial.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §IX O northamericadivingdogs.com.

Scent discrimination

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A Utility exercise where the dog picks the one article the handler touched from a pile of matching metal, leather or wood objects, using its nose alone, and brings it back. AKC Utility does it twice.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §8-9; ASCA-OB 5.8.

Scratch

Fast CAT · AKC

A CAT or Fast CAT dog that's entered but doesn't run. An excused dog counts as a scratch too. The club keeps a scratched dog's entry fee unless the dog was unfit or in season at roll call.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §11 and Ch 5 §1 images.akc.org.

Scribe

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKC, UKI

The volunteer who watches the judge's hand signals and writes the faults, points and time on the scribe sheet. UKI rolls scribe and timer into one job, the scrimer. In AKC you can't scribe the jump height you're entered in.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §8 images.akc.org; UKI §4.7; CPE §A5.8.3; UKC Ch 9 §17.

SCT (standard course time)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The time a dog must beat to avoid time faults. The judge measures the course and divides by a set yards per second for the class, level and height. In AKC Time 2 Beat the fastest clean run sets the SCT, and AKC Preferred adds 5 seconds.

Source: AKC Ch 6, Ch 8 §10, Ch 10 §6 images.akc.org; UKI Appendix A-2; USDAA §3.3.2; NADAC Ch 7; UKC Ch 13. More on this

Season average

Dock diving · NADD

The average of a dog's best scores in the current NADD season: top 15 for Distance and top 5 for Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash. It sets the dog's division for rankings and for Regionals and Nationals.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII I northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Regionals and Nationals Invite Criteria northamericadivingdogs.com.

Seesaw (teeter)

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKC, UKI, USDAA

A contact obstacle: a plank on a pivot that tips once the dog passes the middle. The dog rides it to the ground and touches the down contact. AKC says seesaw, CPE and ASCA say teeter-totter, and AKC also wants a paw in the up zone.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (3) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10; USDAA §3.1.1; CPE §A8.1.4; ASCA §9.2.1.

Select

Agility · UKI

UKI's option to jump one height lower than Regular, with no spreads, a shorter long jump and a lower A-frame. If a dog runs Select, it runs Select in every class at that show, and earlier results still count.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1e, §2.2d ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Send

Handling · all (training term)

Pointing the dog at an obstacle or line so it goes ahead on its own while the handler stays back or heads somewhere else.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "Mastering Distance Handling" ("Forward Send") oneminddogs.com; AKC, "Training Tip: Send to Target" akc.org.

Send bonus

Agility · AKC

The distance section of an AKC FAST course, worth 20 points: the dog does 2 or 3 obstacles while the handler stays behind a line 5 to 25 feet away, depending on level. No Q without it.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 9 §2–3 images.akc.org. More on this

SeniorChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock diving · ASCA, BHA, NADD, UKI

Agility: In UKI, Senior is the third level, reached after 20 Novice points. In ASCA's ACE program, the Senior Dog division is for dogs 7 and older, who jump another 4 inches lower.

Dock diving and Barn Hunt: In Barn Hunt, the third level: 4 rats among 8 tubes, a dark tunnel with one or two turns, and 3:30 to finish; three Qs earn RATS. In NADD, the third division (Open Distance 15 feet to 19 feet 11 inches). Neither is about age.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.1a ukagilityinternational.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §4.3.2 asca.org; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 14 §7 barnhunt.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIII (Distance Jump Divisions) northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Sequencing

Handling · all (training term)

Training short chains of a few obstacles, often 3 to 6, to practice handling and timing before running full courses.

Source: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, AG255 "Quality over Quantity: Short Sequences" fenzidogsportsacademy.com; OneMind Dogs, "What's next after agility foundations?" oneminddogs.com.

Serpentine

Handling · all (training term)

A line of 3 or more obstacles, often jumps, where the dog takes each one in the opposite direction from the last, weaving like a snake. The handler might keep to one side the whole way or change sides.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Serpentine Sequence" agilitynerd.com; OneMind Dogs, "Handling threadles and serpentines" oneminddogs.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com.

Signal exercise

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

A Utility exercise done in silence. The team heels on hand signals, the dog stands and stays, then from across the ring it takes signals to down, sit and come. A spoken cue for any of those moves is an NQ.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §6-7; ASCA-OB 5.6.

Signs and stationsChanges by organization

Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC, WCRL

A sign names one rally exercise; a station is the spot where it's done. ASCA "star stations" are worth 20 points instead of 10, and WCRL lets 2 or 3 signs share a station when they share a position.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 2 §22-23; ASCA-RA 3.5.2; WCRL §3.4 "Station", "Shared Station".

Sit for exam

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The Beginner Novice (and UKC Pre-Novice) version of the stand for exam: the dog sits while the handler stands at the end of the leash, about 6 feet away, and the judge touches the dog's head (AKC).

Source: AKC-OB Ch 16 §10-11; ASCA-OB 8.10; UKC-OB Ch 11 §6.

Sit stay, get your leash

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA

A Novice stay where the dog sits while the handler walks off to pick up the leash and returns to heel. Open has a stand stay version, and AKC Rally Excellent ends with the same idea as a sign.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §12-13, Ch 4 §17; AKC-RA Ch 2 §23 (#298); ASCA-OB 3.13.

Skilled

Agility · NADAC

NADAC's optional category that lowers a dog's jump height 4 inches with the extra time of that lower height. It's open at every level, and dogs must run it after their 12th birthday.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.3.2, §5.4 nadac.com. More on this

Slice

Handling · all (training term)

Taking a jump on an angle instead of straight across the middle of the bar, which sets the dog up for the next obstacle and saves distance.

Source: Clean Run, June 2010 nxtbook.com; Clean Run, February 2014 nxtbook.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com.

Slingshot start

Agility · CPE, NADAC

Setting your dog up off to one side of the first obstacle so it swings in at an angle. CPE and NADAC allow it, as long as the dog isn't placed past the line of the first obstacle.

Source: CPE §5.4.1 cpe.dog; NADAC §9.6.

SnookerChanges by organization

Agility · CPE, UKI, USDAA

A points game based on billiards: a red jump, then a color, usually three times, then colors 2 to 7 in order. USDAA and UKI need 37 points to Q. CPE needs 3 reds and 24 to 32 points, by level and height.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 8 §8.4.3 usdaa.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.2b ukagilityinternational.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.4 cpe.dog.

Specialist

Agility · CPE

A CPE height category open to any dog over 15 months that jumps 8 inches below its measured height (never under 4). Specialist dogs place separately and earn their own titles, such as CS-ATCH.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A4.2 cpe.dog. More on this

Speedstakes

Agility · UKI

A UKI class of only plain jumps and tunnels, and its own program with Beginners to Champion levels. Dogs can start at 15 months, and the top titles are Champion of Speedstakes (CSS) and Win Champion of Speedstakes (WCSS).

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.2, §3.1c ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Splash

Dock diving · NADD

One paid NADD turn in a discipline. In Distance it's an optional practice jump plus 2 judged jumps; in Air Retrieve, attempts until the misses run out; in Hydro Dash, 2 attempts. You can enter every splash offered, but each one only once per dog.

Source: NADD FAQ, What is a Splash northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §IV A and §IX H northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Spread jump (double, triple)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKI, USDAA

A jump with 2 or 3 bars set apart front to back, cleared in one leap. AKC has the double bar, ascending double and triple bar; UKI and USDAA say spread. UKI Select dogs skip them, as do USDAA Performance dogs and dogs jumping 12 inches or less.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (9, 10, 14) images.akc.org; UKI §2.0, §2.3; USDAA §3.1.4; CPE §A8.1.8.

Squawker

Fast CAT · AKC

A type of lure that can be used in place of a plastic bag in Fast CAT. Despite the name, it may or may not make a sound.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §2F images.akc.org.

Stalling

Barn Hunt · BHA

Waiting too long in the Barn Hunt start box after the judge says go. The first time adds 10 seconds (20 points off in Crazy 8s), and a second time in the same run is an NQ.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §2 and Part 10 §4 barnhunt.com.

Stand for examination

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A Novice exercise where the dog stands off leash, the handler moves about 6 feet away, and the judge touches the dog's head, body and hindquarters. Moving, sitting or growling is an NQ.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 3 §7-8; ASCA-OB 3.8.

StandardChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The full course with contacts and weaves, called Standard in AKC, USDAA, CPE and UKC, Agility in UKI, and Regular in NADAC and ASCA. In NADAC and ASCA, Standard is the name of a division, not a class.

Source: AKC Regulations, Ch 6 images.akc.org; USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.1 usdaa.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.1 cpe.dog; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.1a ukagilityinternational.com; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.3.1 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.3.1 asca.org. More on this

Start boxChanges by organization

Barn Hunt, Fast CAT · AKC, BHA

In Fast CAT, a marked area up to 10 feet behind the start line where the dog is released. In Barn Hunt, a 4-foot square in the ring that each team starts from; time starts when either of you leaves it.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §2B images.akc.org; Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 8 §2 and Part 9 §2 barnhunt.com.

Start line and finish lineChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, NADAC, UKC, UKI

The lines where timing starts and stops. In AKC they're the planes of the first and last obstacles, and time stops only when the dog finishes in the right direction. UKI puts timing gates before the first and after the last obstacle, and UKC uses a marked line.

Source: AKC Ch 4 §15 images.akc.org; NADAC §9.6; ASCA §9.3.1; UKI §4.17; UKC Ch 9 §18, §20.

Starters

Agility · USDAA

USDAA's first titling level, with simple, shorter courses. Three Qs earn each Starters class title, and all five together earn the Agility Dog (AD).

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 1 §1.2.2, Ch 2 §2.1.1–2.1.2 usdaa.com. More on this

Start-line stay

Handling · all (training term)

The dog holding its position at the start until released, so the handler can lead out. Handlers train it as its own skill.

Source: OneMind Dogs, "How to train a reliable start line stay" oneminddogs.com; Fenzi Dog Sports Academy podcast E328 (Megan Foster) fenzidogsportsacademy.com.

Stationary sign

Rally · AKC, ASCA, WCRL

A rally sign done with the team stopped in place, as opposed to one done while moving. Rulebooks set a minimum and maximum number per course.

Source: AKC-RA Ch 3 §1, Judges' Guidelines Ch 2 §1; ASCA-RA 3.5.2; WCRL Ch 5 to 7.

SteeplechaseChanges by organization

Agility · UKI, USDAA

USDAA's Dog Agility Steeplechase is a fast tournament of jumps plus the A-frame and weaves, one of them done twice, scored on time plus faults with cash prizes. UKI's DASH events use Steeplechase-style rounds too.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 10 §10.2 usdaa.com; UKI DASH Tournaments page ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Step

Barn Hunt · BHA

A climbing aid on a Barn Hunt course that helps dogs get up onto the bales. Every course past Instinct has at least one at ground level, but a foot on a step doesn't count as a climb.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 8 §4 and Part 9 §5 barnhunt.com.

Steward (ring crew)

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKC, UKI

A volunteer who helps run the ring, such as a bar setter who resets knocked bars and changes heights, a leash runner who carries leashes to the exit, or a course builder. AKC recommends 4 to 6 stewards per ring.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §8 images.akc.org; UKI §4.7; CPE §A5.8.8; UKC Ch 21.

Super Q

Agility · USDAA

A Masters Snooker Q that also places in the top group of its height: 1 Super Q spot for every 5 dogs competing, and the run still needs 37 points. The Snooker Master title needs 3 Super Qs among its 5 Qs.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 8 §8.4.3 usdaa.com; Ch 2 §2.1.2 usdaa.com. More on this

T2B points

Agility · AKC

Points from a Time 2 Beat Q: 10 for the fastest clean dog in the height, then 9 down to 1 depending on how close each dog's time is to the winner's (within 10% earns 9). The T2B title needs 100 points and 15 Qs.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 10 §6, §8 images.akc.org. More on this

Table faultChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, USDAA

A fault on the pause table. In AKC agility it's 5 points, marked T, for leaving before the 5-second count ends or for jumping off just as the judge says go. USDAA charges a standard fault for the same mistakes in Starters and Advanced.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(c) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.3, §5.3.1.

Tally-ho

Fast CAT · AKC

The Huntmaster's start call in CAT and Fast CAT, shouted once the lure is already moving. Handlers let go of the dog when they hear the "T".

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §5 and Ch 4 §2B images.akc.org.

Tandem turn

Handling · all (training term)

A rear cross on the flat: the dog is moving the same way as the handler, who steps toward it so it turns away and changes sides.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "Lap Turn, Tandem Turn" app.oneminddogs.com.

Team

Barn Hunt · BHA

A Games class at Barn Hunt Regionals and the National where two dogs, each with its own handler, hunt one course together for 6 rats. One dog must tunnel and the other climb, and when both succeed they get the same score.

Source: Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 6 barnhunt.com.

Team classChanges by organization

Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A non-titling class for 4 dogs (a fifth can be an alternate). In AKC obedience, the 4 work Novice exercises together for a total of 800. In AKC rally and ASCA relay rally, they run the course one after another on a single clock.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 20 §7-8; AKC-RA Ch 6 §2; ASCA-RA 11.2; UKC-OB Ch 27.

Threadle

Handling · all (training term)

A sequence where the dog takes an obstacle, comes back through the gap between it and the next one, and takes that one from its far side, going the same direction both times.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Threadle Sequence" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "Handling threadles and serpentines" oneminddogs.com.

Threadle slice

Handling · all (training term)

A threadle where the dog comes in to the handler's side of the jump and takes it on an angle away from the handler. In a threadle wrap the dog instead turns tight around the wing.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Are You Training Enough Threadle Handler Locations?" agilitynerd.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com.

Three-quarter jump height

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

A lower obedience jump setting for breeds on an approved list, based on three quarters of the dog's height at the withers. AKC and ASCA each keep their own list.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 4 §13, Appendix A; ASCA-OB reference sheet. More on this

Time 2 Beat (T2B)

Agility · AKC

A one-level AKC class mixing Standard and JWW, open to every level. A clean run under the maximum course time is a Q, and the fastest dog in each height sets the time the others are scored against. Repeats are numbered (T2B2).

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 10 images.akc.org. More on this

Timer

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKC, USDAA

The volunteer running the stopwatch or electronic timing, recording each run to 1/100 of a second. CPE's timer also sounds the whistle or horn in games and when a dog may be over maximum time. UKC can use a primary and a backup timekeeper.

Source: AKC Ch 1 §8 images.akc.org; CPE §A5.8.4; UKC Ch 21 §3, §4; USDAA §3.3.1.

Tire (tyre)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, UKI, USDAA

A ring in a frame that the dog jumps through, usually a breakaway tire that splits if hit hard. Breaking it is 5 faults in UKI and USDAA, a bar down in CPE and a failure to perform in AKC. UKI spells it tire and tyre.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (11), Ch 5 §5 images.akc.org; UKI §4.10; USDAA §3.1.4; CPE §A8.1.10; ASCA §9.2.1.

Title of record

Agility, Dock diving · AKC, NADD

The title shown on a dog's official record when a higher title replaces a lower one. NADD uses the phrase for the higher of two titles in a discipline. AKC agility lists only the highest Standard and JWW titles, and MACH replaces lower Regular titles except Premier.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, competitor edition (Distance, Air Retrieve, Hydro Dash) northamericadivingdogs.com; AKC Ch 2 §2 images.akc.org. More on this

Top 20 (Fast CAT rankings)

Fast CAT · AKC

AKC's yearly list of the 20 fastest Fast CAT dogs in each breed, ranked on the average speed of each dog's best 3 runs that calendar year. It updates as results are processed.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 4 §8 images.akc.org; AKC Fast CAT page akc.org.

Top 25%

Agility · AKC

A Premier Q that also places in the top quarter of the dogs who ran in that jump height (rounded; with 2 or 3 dogs, only 1st counts). Premier titles need 5 of them among their 25 Qs.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 11 §6 images.akc.org. More on this

Touch N Go

Agility · NADAC

A NADAC class of contacts, tunnels and hoops that tests contact performance plus direction and discrimination. Novice to Elite courses have 3 contact performances, and Intro has 2.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.4 nadac.com. More on this

Tournament Dog (TD)

Agility · USDAA

A USDAA title for 5 tournament Qs, with at least 1 each in Grand Prix, Steeplechase and Dog Agility Masters. Tournament Master (TM) needs 10, with at least 2 in each, and then earns metal tiers.

Source: USDAA Rules Ch 2 §2.1.3 usdaa.com. More on this

Training in the ringChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC

Correcting or rewarding the dog mid-run. AKC excuses the team. NADAC allows it at every level, scored as an elimination with 60 seconds on course. CPE has you declare it first (DTIR) and scores a no time, and ASCA eliminates but lets you continue until maximum course time.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §6 images.akc.org; NADAC §9.7; CPE §A5.6.1; ASCA §9.1.

Transfer (points or legs)Changes by organization

Agility · ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKI

CPE moves legs from Regular to Enthusiast or Specialist. NADAC can move higher-level points down, ASCA moves points once from Championship to ACE, and UKI starts a new dog at the level it reached elsewhere.

Source: CPE §A7.2 cpe.dog; NADAC Ch 11; ASCA §10.13; UKI §2.4.

Trap obstacle

Agility · UKC

An extra hurdle on a UKC Intermediate or Excellent course that isn't one of the numbered obstacles. Taking it counts as running off course.

Source: UKC Definitions, Ch 10 §3, Ch 12 §4 ukcdogs.com.

Trial secretary

Agility, General · AKC, CPE, UKI

The person who handles entries, confirmations, the catalog and results paperwork. In CPE the secretary also sends out premium lists. UKI's show secretary handles late entries and move-ups.

Source: CPE §A5.8.1 cpe.dog; UKI §4.7; AKC Ch 1 §19, §20.

Triple Q (TQX)Changes by organization

Agility, Rally · AKC, UKC, WCRL

Agility: In AKC agility, a Q in Master Standard, Master JWW and Master FAST on the same day; 10 earn the Triple Q Excellent (TQX), or TQXP in Preferred.

Rally: Qualifying in 3 set rally classes at one trial. AKC counts Advanced B, Excellent B and Master (20 needed for a RACH); WCRL counts Levels 1, 2 and 3 B (for ARCHMX); UKC's RMX counts Rally 2-B, 3-B and Master B. Not AKC agility's TQX.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 9 §9 images.akc.org; AKC Rally Regulations, RACH section images.akc.org; AKC-RA Ch 4 §2; WCRL §8.3 definitions; UKC-RA Ch 13 §8. More on this

Try-it

Dock diving · NADD

A short NADD practice session for newcomers or dogs getting used to the dock and pool. Dogs don't need a NADD number, and nothing is scored.

Source: NADD FAQ, What is a Try-It northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §V and §VII northamericadivingdogs.com.

Tube (rat tube)

Barn Hunt · BHA

The safe, grated container that keeps each Barn Hunt rat out of the dog's reach. A tube holds a live rat (a gerbil where rats are banned), used litter, or nothing. Tipping one past 45 degrees while removing it is an NQ.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 3 (Tube) and Part 13 §3 barnhunt.com.

TunnelChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt · AKC, ASCA, BHA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Agility: An open fabric tube the dog runs through, 10 to 20 feet long in AKC. Entering the wrong end is a wrong course, and backing out is a refusal in UKI and USDAA. AKC has no closed tunnel (chute), and UKC replaced its chute with the barrel.

Barn Hunt: A passage built from bales, 18 inches wide and roofed with boards. The dog must go in one opening and come out another with its whole body. Tunnels get longer with more turns at each level, and gaps that don't meet the spec don't count.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (5) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10; USDAA §3.1.2; UKC Ch 12 (Barrel); Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 8 §3, Part 9 §4, Part 14 barnhunt.com.

Tunnel discrimination

Handling · all (training term)

A discrimination where a tunnel sits under or right beside a contact obstacle, and the dog has to take whichever one the handler cues.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com ("obstacle discrimination"); OneMind Dogs, verbals article oneminddogs.com.

TunnelersChanges by organization

Agility · NADAC, UKC, UKI

NADAC's Tunnelers is a titling class made only of tunnels. UKC runs the same idea as Dynamic Tunnels, with Novice and Elite titles. In UKI, tunnelers is only run as a special class that doesn't count toward progress.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.5 nadac.com; UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 18 ukcdogs.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.4 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Two on two off (2o2o)

Handling · all (training term)

A stopped contact where the dog halts at the bottom of the plank with its back feet on the board and front feet on the ground, then waits for the release.

Source: Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; OneMind Dogs, "3 steps to consistent contacts" oneminddogs.com; Frontiers in Veterinary Science, teeter contact study frontiersin.org.

UACH (United Agility Champion)

Agility · UKC

UKC's first championship, started after the BA and IA titles: 100 championship points, with at least 40 from Beginner B and 40 from Intermediate B. It opens the Excellent class.

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 11 §4–5 ukcdogs.com. More on this

UACHX (United Agility Champion Excellent)

Agility · UKC

The UKC title after the UACH: 5 Excellent Agility Qs of 195 or more, each at a different trial.

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 11 §6 ukcdogs.com. More on this

UGRACH (United Grand Agility Champion)

Agility · UKC

UKC's top agility title, earned after the UACHX with 5 combined wins at different trials. Every 5 more adds a number (UGRACH2).

Source: UKC Official Agility Rulebook, Ch 11 §7–8 ukcdogs.com. More on this

UKC hurdles (bush, log, rail fence, high, long)

Agility · UKC

UKC's own set of jumps. The bush hurdle is a planter of real or fake plants and the log hurdle a pyramid of PVC pipes. The rail fence hurdle, high hurdle and long hurdle, which differs from the obedience broad jump, round out the set.

Source: UKC Ch 10 §3, Ch 22 ukcdogs.com. More on this

UKC obedience championships (UOCH, GOCH, UUDX)Changes by organization

Obedience · UKC

After the UUD, UKC's UOCH needs 100 points from qualifying scores in Open B and Utility B plus 5 trials qualifying in both with 370+ combined. GOCH (as the rulebook prints it) takes 15 more such trials; UUDX takes 10 double-qualifying trials.

Source: UKC-OB Ch 20 §1-3. More on this

UKC rally championships (UROC, UROG, URX, RMX, RMC, RMG)Changes by organization

Rally · UKC

UROC takes 100 points from 91+ scores in Rally 2-B and 3-B; UROG takes 15 trials qualifying in both with 192+ combined. URX and RMX count 10 same-trial double or triple Qs. RMC and RMG add Master B. ASCA's RMX is a different title.

Source: UKC-RA Ch 13 §7-12; ASCA-RA 6.1.2. More on this

UKC rally titles (URO1, URO2, URO3, ROM)

Rally · UKC

UKC's rally levels are Rally 1, 2, 3 and Master. Each title takes 3 qualifying scores of 70+ at 3 different trials, with every obstacle completed, earned in order: URO1, URO2, URO3, then ROM (United Rally Master).

Source: UKC-RA Ch 11 §1, Ch 13 §2-5. More on this

UKI level points

Agility · UKI

The points that move a UKI dog up: a clear round earns 4, and placing earns up to 6 or 12 depending on class size. Faulted runs earn nothing, and the count restarts at 0 on each new level.

Source: UKI Rules and Regulations 12th ed., §2.0, §2.1a ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

UKI US Open

Agility · UKI

UKI's biggest yearly event, held each November in Jacksonville, Florida, with agility, jumping, Speedstakes and games classes. Anyone can enter; Qs and wins earned in the season count toward byes into later rounds.

Source: UKI US Open page ukagilityinternational.com; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.3 ukagilityinternational.com. More on this

Unsighted

Fast CAT · AKC

When a coursing dog loses sight of the lure. If the lure operator let the lure get too far ahead or let the dog catch it, a CAT judge can call a no course and give a rerun.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §11 and Glossary (Unsighted, Overrun) images.akc.org.

UtilityChanges by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

The top traditional obedience level, for dogs with a CDX. AKC and ASCA use the signal exercise, 2 scent articles, a directed retrieve, a moving stand and directed jumping; UKC swaps in consecutive recalls and 2 directed retrieves. Three Qs earn the UD (UKC: UUD).

Source: AKC-OB Ch 5 §3, §5; ASCA-OB 5.4-5.5; UKC-OB Ch 17 §3-4.

Utility Dog Excellent (UDX)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

Ten trials where the dog qualifies in Open B and in Utility B at that one trial, counted after the UD. AKC numbers repeats (UDX2 at 20). UKC calls it UUDX. ASCA has UDX via CDX Open B and UDX-O via ODX Open B.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 6 §1-2; ASCA-OB 6.1-6.3; UKC-OB Ch 20 §3.

Verbal cues

Handling · all (training term)

Words a handler uses on course: obstacle names, directions like "out" or "go", and turn words like "check" or "wrap". Each handler picks their own words, and most use them alongside body cues.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Cues" agilitynerd.com; OneMind Dogs verbals article oneminddogs.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com.

Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) and VCCH

General, Obedience · AKC

AKC titles for dogs that title in obedience, agility and tracking at matching levels, from VCD1 (CD, novice agility titles, TD or TDU) up to VCD4. VCCH needs an OTCH, a MACH or PACH, and a CT.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 10 §1-2.

Versatility (VER)Changes by organization

Obedience · AKC, ASCA, UKC

A class of 6 exercises, 2 each from Novice, Open and Utility, picked from set combinations. In AKC and ASCA, 3 Qs earn the VER title. UKC's Versatility is a non-licensed class with no title.

Source: AKC-OB Ch 19 §1-4; ASCA-OB 11.2; UKC-OB Ch 21 §2, Ch 24.

VeteransChanges by organization

Agility, Dock diving, Fast CAT, Obedience, Rally · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, NADD, UKC, UKI, USDAA, WCRL

Agility: Options for older dogs. UKI and USDAA run Veterans classes for dogs 8 and up. NADAC's Veteran Dog division opens at 7 and is required after 9, ASCA's opens at 7, and CPE's Veterans height at 6. AKC has none; Preferred is open to any dog.

Obedience and rally: AKC's Veterans obedience class is non-titling, for titled dogs 7 and up; ASCA's is Seniors, and UKC's is a non-licensed class for any dog 7+. WCRL rally's Veteran class earns titles, with the minimum age set by the dog's weight.

Fast CAT and dock diving: In CAT, a dog over 7, whose owner may choose a course two-thirds the usual length. In NADD, a class for dogs 8 and older, offered only at Regionals and Nationals.

Source: UKI §3.4b ukagilityinternational.com; USDAA §1.3, §1.4; NADAC §5.3.2; ASCA §3.3.2; CPE Table A3; AKC Ch 8; UKI Rules 12th ed., §3.4b ukagilityinternational.com; USDAA Rules Ch 11 §11.2 usdaa.com; CPE Agility Rulebook, A4.2 cpe.dog; NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §5.3.2 nadac.com; ASCA Agility Program Rules, §3.3.2 asca.org; AKC Regulations, Ch 2 §1 images.akc.org; AKC-OB Ch 20 §6; ASCA-OB 4.1, 12.4; UKC-OB Ch 21 §2, Ch 22 §1; WCRL §2.1, §8.1; AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 3 §3 images.akc.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XII A3 northamericadivingdogs.com. More on this

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW)

Dock diving · NADD

Ending an Air Retrieve turn on purpose before the dog has used up its misses. The score still counts for titles but not for qualifier invites or Regionals and Nationals placings, and after 3 in a season any more score zero.

Source: NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XIV S northamericadivingdogs.com; NADD FAQ, What does Voluntary Withdrawal mean northamericadivingdogs.com.

Walk-throughChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, CPE, NADAC, UKC

Walking the course without your dog before the class to plan your handling. AKC limits it to handlers entered in that class. CPE walk-throughs run 5 to 10 minutes, NADAC allows 5 minutes plus 2 minutes of prep, and UKC about 5.

Source: AKC Ch 4 §8 images.akc.org; CPE §A5.1; NADAC §9.2; UKC Ch 9 §9.

Wall jump

Agility · AKC, CPE, UKI, USDAA

A jump that looks like a solid wall, with loose pieces on top that fall if hit. In AKC all 4 tops must stay on, and UKI gives 5 faults for a dropped brick or pillar. USDAA also allows an arched version, the aqueduct.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (15) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10; USDAA Ch 5 (Specialty Jumps); CPE §A8.1.9.

Warm-up jumpChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, NADAC, UKC, UKI

A practice jump outside the ring. AKC allows one per warm-up area and UKI must provide one per ring, at a minute per dog at most. NADAC's warm-up area is optional, with one jump or hoop, and UKC clubs may set up a warm-up ring.

Source: AKC Ch 4 §8 images.akc.org; UKI §4.8; NADAC §9.3; UKC Ch 9 §5.

WCRL level championships (RL1X, RL2X, RL3X, RLVX)

Rally · WCRL

After a level title, a team keeps showing in that level's B class: 10 more Qs earn RL1X, RL2X or RL3X, and 5 earn RLVX. Each further set adds a number, like RL1X2.

Source: WCRL §8.2.

WCRL levels and titles (RLI, RL1, RL2, RL3, RLV)Changes by organization

Rally · WCRL

WCRL (Cynosport) rally runs Intro, Level 1 (on leash), Levels 2 and 3 (off leash, with jumps) and Veteran. Each level title takes 3 Qs of 170+ under 2 judges in the A class; Intro has no A or B and one judge is enough.

Source: WCRL §2.1, §8.1 (and footnote 8.2).

Weave entryChanges by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKI, USDAA

How a dog starts the weave poles: between poles 1 and 2, with pole 1 on its left. A wrong entry is a refusal in AKC (except in Novice), UKI and USDAA. CPE doesn't start judging the weaves until the entry is right.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (6), Ch 5 §4(a) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10; USDAA §3.1.3; CPE §A8.1.11; NADAC §4.2.3.

Weave poles

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

A row of upright poles, 24 inches apart, that the dog weaves through from one end to the other. Sets usually have 6 or 12 poles, and UKC also uses 9. AKC and NADAC give 3 tries before the dog has to go on.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (6) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.3; NADAC §4.2.3, §10.1.4; UKC Ch 10 §3.

Weavers

Agility · NADAC

A NADAC class of weave poles, tunnels and hoops that tests weave entries from many angles at speed. The number of weave sets grows by level, from one set of 6 in Intro to three sets of 12 in Elite.

Source: NADAC Exhibitor's Handbook, §6.1.6 nadac.com. More on this

Wicket

Barn Hunt, Dock diving, Fast CAT · AKC, BHA, NADD

The measuring tool whose crossbar is lowered onto the top of the withers to check a dog's height. It decides the Fast CAT handicap, a NADD Lap dog's class, and a Barn Hunt dog's height division.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 2 §7 and Glossary (Wicket) images.akc.org; NADD Official Rules and Regulations, §XII A2d northamericadivingdogs.com; Barn Hunt Judge Rulebook, Part 10 §4 barnhunt.com.

Wild Card classes

Obedience · AKC, ASCA

Non-titling versions of Novice, Open and Utility where praise during exercises is welcome. The handler names one exercise as a "wild card" that scores full points however it goes (in ASCA, it can be skipped).

Source: AKC-OB Ch 20 §2-4; ASCA-OB 12.5.

WildcardChanges by organization

Agility, Barn Hunt · BHA, CPE, USDAA

Agility: CPE's Wildcard has 3 spots where the handler picks a 1-point or 2-point obstacle, needing the right mix for the level. USDAA's 5-Q Wild Card is a set of 5 core titling Qs that stands in for a tournament Q toward Cynosport entry.

Barn Hunt: An extra place in the last day of the Barn Hunt Grand National for a fast dog that missed the top 60, like the fastest single run in each height on day 1 or day 2.

Source: CPE Agility Rulebook, A6.3 cpe.dog; USDAA 2027 Tournament Regulations usdaa.com; Barn Hunt National Competition Rules, Part 4 (Wildcards) barnhunt.com.

Wing

Agility · AKC, CPE, USDAA

A side panel on a jump, fixed to the upright or standing beside it. Wings mark the jump and keep the handler a step away from the dog. AKC allows wings 16 to 36 inches wide; USDAA wings are 12 to 16 inches and required on every spread.

Source: AKC Ch 3 §3 (13) images.akc.org; USDAA §3.1.4, Ch 5; CPE §A8.1.8.

Withers

Agility, General · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The highest point of a dog's back, between the shoulder blades. Every agility organization measures height there to set a dog's jump height.

Source: UKC Definitions (Withers) ukcdogs.com; AKC Ch 2 §4; UKI §2.3; USDAA §3.1.4. More on this

World Team Bye Event (WTBE)

Agility · AKC

An ISC event that AKC's agility director has approved to offer automatic entry to the AKC/USA World Team Tryouts. Its course maps aren't posted until building starts.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 14 §4, §9 images.akc.org. More on this

Wrap

Handling · all (training term)

The dog jumping a bar and then turning tight around the wing to come back the way it came, about 180 degrees. "Wrap" is also a common verbal cue for that turn.

Source: AgilityNerd, "Jump Wrap/Wrap" agilitynerd.com; Bud Houston glossary budhouston.wordpress.com; Agility U worksheet agility-u.com.

Wrong call

Barn Hunt · BHA

Calling "Rat!" on a litter tube, an empty tube or no tube at all. In regular classes it's an NQ, though the judge shows your dog a rat before you leave. In Crazy 8s the first costs 20 points and the second is an NQ.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 10 §2 and Part 15 §1 barnhunt.com.

Wrong course (off course)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

Taking an obstacle out of order or the wrong way. AKC takes 5 points and allows one only in Novice and Open Standard. CPE charges 5 faults, NADAC and ASCA 10, UKC 3 points, and UKI eliminates. USDAA charges 5 in Starters, 20 in Advanced and eliminates in Masters.

Source: AKC Ch 5 §4(b) images.akc.org; UKI §4.10a, §4.11; USDAA §3.2.6, §5.3.1; CPE §A6; NADAC §10.1.2; ASCA §9.2.2; UKC Ch 12 §4.

Yards per second (YPS)Changes by organization

Agility · AKC, ASCA, CPE, NADAC, UKC, UKI, USDAA

The speed used to set standard course time: the course length in yards divided by YPS gives the SCT. Faster rates mean less time. AKC Master Standard uses 3.1 for 20-inch dogs, CPE 2.15 to 2.65 by level, and NADAC also uses YPS for its run index.

Source: AKC Ch 6 §5 images.akc.org; UKI Appendix A-2; USDAA §5.3.2; CPE Table A9; NADAC Ch 7, Ch 8; ASCA §5.5; UKC Ch 13 §1. More on this

100-yard dash

Fast CAT · AKC

The straight, 100-yard run every Fast CAT dog does alone behind a lure. The timer measures it to the hundredth of a second, and that time becomes the dog's speed and points.

Source: AKC CAT and Fast CAT Regulations, Ch 1 §1 and Ch 4 §2D images.akc.org. More on this

24 inch Choice (24C)

Agility · AKC

An AKC Regular jump height for dogs 22 inches or under at the withers whose owners choose to have them jump 24 inches. ISC classes don't offer it.

Source: AKC Regulations for Agility Trials and ACT, Ch 2 §4 and Ch 14 §8 images.akc.org. More on this

"Clear" call

Barn Hunt · BHA

What a Master handler tells the judge once they think the dog has found every rat. Any clear word works, like "Clear" or "Finished". Since Master has 1 to 5 rats, calling clear too early fails the run.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §6 and Part 14 §8 barnhunt.com.

"Rat!" call

Barn Hunt · BHA

How a Barn Hunt handler tells the judge the dog has found a live rat tube. It has to be a statement, not a question, though another clear word or a raised hand works too. The dog doesn't have to touch the tube.

Source: Barn Hunt Competitor Rulebook, Part 9 §6 barnhunt.com.