January 2024
Displaceable High Jump – Obedience and Rally
The Board VOTED to modify the Obedience Regulations Chapter 1, Section 34 and the Rally Regulations Chapter 1, Section 36 to change the design and construction of the high jump to allow displaceable panels. In order to not cause an undue burden on event giving clubs, this transition must be completed by July 1, 2025. Clubs may use a high jump with displaceable panels before then, if they should choose to do so.
The revised regulation language is below, inserts will be provided once published.
Obedience Regulations, Chapter 1, Section 34. Jumps, Equipment, and Judge’s Report. The superintendent and the officials of the club holding the obedience trial are responsible for providing rings and equipment that meet the requirements of these regulations. The club will provide jumps that are 5 feet wide. The judge must check both the ring and equipment before starting to judge.
For the safety and welfare of the dogs and exhibitors, the AKC is transitioning to high jump panels that are displaceable. To not cause an undue burden on event giving clubs, this transition must be completed by July 2025.
High Jump: The high jump will be designed and built so that the panels may be displaced without affecting the uprights. The jump will be 5 feet wide and constructed to be set at a height of 4 inches and adjustable at 2-inch increments from 8 inches to 36 inches. The uprights of the high jump will be 4 feet high. The jump will include four 8-inch panels, one 4-inch panel and one 2-inch panel. The jump will be a flat white. The height of each panel will be indicated in black 2-inch numbers.
Rally Regulations, Chapter 1, Section 36. Rally Signs, Equipment, and Jumps. Any jump, or combination of jumps (broad, high or bar) may be used, the jumps may be 4 to 5 feet wide. Various colors and decorations are allowed on the uprights; however, nothing may be hanging from the jumps or interfere with the jumping of the dog.
For the safety and welfare of the dogs and exhibitors, the AKC is transitioning to high jump panels that are displaceable. In order to not cause an undue burden on event giving clubs, this transition must be completed by July 2025.
High Jump: The high jump will be designed and built so that the panels may be displaced without affecting the uprights. The jump will be 4 to 5 feet wide and constructed to be set at a height of 4 inches. The uprights of the high jump will be 4 feet high. The jump will include two 8-inch panels, one 4-inch panel. The height of each panel will be indicated in black 2-inch numbers.
Jumps – Convert Existing Uprights to Displaceable
October 12, 2023
Canine Respiratory Infections Disease Information
May 2023
Pilot Program for Three-Legged (Tripod) Dogs in Non-Jumping Rally and Obedience ClassesAn 18-month pilot program, allowing tripod dogs to participate in the non-jumping obedience and rally classes, was approved by the AKC Board of Directors, beginning July 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2024. The sport specific regulation language in Chapter 1, Section 17 will be amended to read: Dogs disfigured as the result of accident, injury, or illness are eligible to compete provided the disfigurement does not interfere with functional movement. A dog that shows no signs of physical discomfort is to be considered fit to compete. The judge must excuse a dog as “unfit to compete” if the dog demonstrates sickness, discomfort, or pain while performing.
Here is the link to the regulation insert: http://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/RO2999.pdf
May 2023
Obedience & Rally Event Site Approval Process
Obedience & Rally Trial Manual
Site RequirementsIt is the responsibility of the event-giving club to provide a site that will accommodate the ring requirements as specified in the sport specific regulations. This includes minimum/maximum ring sizes and general ring conditions. (See 4-32)In addition, the building must be ADA compliant, provide sufficient parking and restrooms for the number of anticipated exhibitors. The club must be aware of inclement weather conditions, and ensure water is available on site and provide appropriate safe crating areas for the dogs.Performance rings should be as free as possible of any obstructions such as columns and/or poles. If there are any unusual conditions, it is strongly recommended this information be published in the premium list.(See 10-74 – Updated 5/2023)
February 13, 2023
Management of Dogs Attempting to Leave the Ring While Being Judged – Obedience and Rally
The Board VOTED to modify the Obedience & Rally Regulations to provide instructions to judges and stewards on how to manage a dog that leaves its handler and attempts to leave the ring while competing.
A judge will instruct the stewards not to reach for or grab a dog to stop it, but if the dog is not responding to its handler’s commands, the judge may advise the stewards to attempt to block the dog from leaving if it is safe to do so. The dog will then be released from the ring.
January 2023
AKC Regional Competitions – National Obedience ChampionshipThe Board VOTED to approve a recommendation to modify the Obedience Regulations to allow the redistribution of states to host a regional qualifying event for the National Obedience Championship (NOC) in two specific regions. This modification aims to increase the availability of clubs to host qualifying events in Regions 2 and 10. The change in Obedience Regulations will move New York from Region 1 to Region 2 and to move Minnesota from Region 6 to Region 10.