Future content can now be found at:
https://www.ultimuttds.com/idal
The new address is being used because there are many limitations and challenges in using a WordPress site without purchasing a plan. Since we already have a webhost and domain, the content will now be posted there.
Thank you for understanding!
The following courses are for December 2022 IDAL play. A few different challenges this month. This is a numbered course, scored time plus faults.
For ALL of the course maps (including coordinate maps) and blank rosters, go to https://www.ultimuttds.com/post/december-2022-idal-league-courses
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BLOG1657 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
Please go to the following link for the maps.
I am thrilled to announce that the data is back in the database. It took a little doing, but I think I may have a rhythm for it now.
PLEASE be careful while using it; do not change anything. I am still learning how to make the reports and such work in a way to limit changes.
The database currently has the following data:
I will be adding everything from 2021 next starting from December and working backward to January 2021. So please note that your total LPP will not include 2021 until I have entered them. It is easier to do it this way so that I do note have to go back and delete all the scores.
Course Catalog: The database also includes all of the courses I have entered so far. As I work backward through the historical data, those courses will be added. The entries include the CRCD code.
You can use the link here to see the reports available.
The following courses are for October 2022 IDAL play.
We have some craziness this month! Who are our back-seat drivers? Speed demons? Daredevils? We shall find out. I expect to see some interesting handling on these!
The course for this month is “simple” numbered course. Scored time plus faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1657 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for September 2022 IDAL play.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
The game for this month is called Rekoons. Rekoons is simply Snooker spelled backwards. Sounds simple, but it is confusing so pay attention!
It is played as a two-part game:
1. Numbered Sequence: The numbered sequence must be attempted and is taken in reverse. Each obstacle is also taken in reverse. Start with the landing side of the #7b obstacle, then go to the end of the #7a A-frame and complete it, then #6, and so on, until the dog completes the #2 obstacle. Your course may not have a 7a/7B combo; it may be just #7. Please look at the map to see the correct direction! If the dog faults an obstacle in the numbered sequence, he must be directed to begin the second part – point accumulation.
Note: A dog going on to another obstacle in the opening after having faulted an obstacle, will earn a judge’s whistle, and end the game.
The dog earns the point value of every obstacle performed correctly in the opening for a maximum of 27 points.
2. Point Accumulation: The point accumulation period begins after the dog has completed the #2 obstacle in the opening or after faulting the opening sequence. Points are earned by the completion of a red hurdle and one (and only one) scoring obstacle of the handler’s choice. Each red hurdle can be used only once. Three or four of the red hurdles may be taken. At least three reds must be attempted. The fourth red is available in case another red is faulted or if you want to go for the win. If there are only 3 reds on your course, you take/attempt all three for points.
Point values for each individual obstacle performed without fault are represented by the numbers of the opening sequence. These obstacles are bidirectional in the point accumulation period, including both obstacles of #7. To get 7 points, both 7a and 7B must be taken. Each red jump is worth 1 point.
For example: After completing the #2 tunnel, the handler directs the dog to a red jump which is completed without fault. The team then completes 7a and 7b (in any order) obstacle set. The team earns 7 points + 1 for the red. The dog now completes a different red jump and then completes the #4 jump. The team earns an additional 4+1 points. They continue to another red jump, and so on.
Refusals and runouts are not faulted during point accumulation. A missed contact earns 0 points; go take another red if one remains. Dropped bars take a pointed obstacle out of play.
Point valued obstacle/s can be used more than once; one obstacle can actually be used up to 4 times since there are 4 red jumps on course. Note that you have only 4 opportunities to get points.
During point accumulation a whistle will indicate the end of scoring. Get across the finish line to stop time.
Scoring ends when any of the following occurs:
· A red hurdle is repeated.
· The dog takes more than one scoring obstacle after taking a red hurdle.
· The dog takes a scoring obstacle after faulting the red hurdle. If the dog drops a bar on a red jump, go to another red if another remains. If not, go stop time.
· The whistle sounds.
Dog faults opening but continues running the opening.
4” & 8” have 65 seconds
12”, 16”, & 20” have 60 seconds
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for August 2022 IDAL play.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
This is a Numbered Course which is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
Existing league franchises will be emailed their scorekeeping worksheets set up with their current rosters. If you would like multiple scoresheets, just let me know.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1648 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for July 2022 IDAL play.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
This month we are playing our second game of the season. The game this month is What’s My Line. The design is based on a course run in TDAA in April 2022. The course designer is Melissa Wallace. I modified it for more appropriate distances. Please note that Initiates and Dabblers will run the same course as the more experienced handlers because they may plot a path appropriate for their skill level.
The objective of What’s My Line is to plot your own course through the obstacles making sure to take every obstacle once and only once. All obstacles are bidirectional.
Start/Finish Line: The Start/Finish line is also bidirectional. Handlers may set up their dog on either side of the line and may lead out. The dog must start by taking one of the three jumps along the start line (#s 2, 4, or 8). Time starts when the dog takes their first jump. Dogs do not need to finish by taking one of the jumps along the S/F line. If their path included all three jumps before finishing, the dog simply needs to cross the line to stop time. If after taking all obstacles on course, the dog takes one of the jumps along the S/F line a second time as they cross the finish line, they are not faulted.
Each obstacle is worth 1 point. The numbered cones are ONLY for the judge, scribe, and score table. As the dog runs the course, the judge will call out the number of each obstacle as it is completed.
If an obstacle is faulted, dropped bar or missed down contact, the judge will not call out a number. The team will not get the point and the obstacle is counted as attempted. If a dog commits to the A-Frame with 4 paws and bails before crossing the apex, the dog must complete the A-Frame before moving on. The judge will call fault, or something similar, to indicate that you need to retry the frame. If a dog misses the down contact, and the handler reattempts the frame, the team will lose a point for repeating an obstacle.
Scoring: Each obstacle completed correctly earns one point. Repeated obstacles decrease the score by one for each repeated obstacle, except for the finish line obstacles as noted above. The game is scored points, then time. Time is a tiebreaker. The max points for the courses are 10 for the 40×85 and 11 points for the 60×90 and 50×70.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses.
Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
40×85
50×70
60×90
Existing league franchises will be emailed their scorekeeping worksheets set up with their current rosters. If you would like multiple scoresheets, just let me know.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.Facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1639 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for June 2022 IDAL play.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
This month we are playing a numbered course. The original 60×90 concept is by Shana Goodwin, one of our junior handlers. I modified it to correct distances and entries. I tried to keep her design ideas throughout all the courses. These are more of an AKC Premier style. There are maps for regular players as well as for our less experienced handlers/dogs.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
40×85 Scoresheet
50×70 Scoresheet
60×90 Scoresheet
The mission of the International Dog Agility League is
“… to provide an inexpensive, competitive, games-oriented agility venue for dogs of all sizes without regard to breed or pedigree; to facilitate broad-based league play competition; to facilitate skill development; and provide a shared experience that spans geographic boundaries.”
We want the league to be fun, fair, and friendly. At the beginning of the year, we began making pilot changes to the rules to help attain our mission. We continue to invite input from the field of competitors to keep evolving the league.
I think we are all having fun; agility at its core is “a game we play with our dog in the park,” (Bud Houston, Founder of IDAL). Competition is great; it serves an innate human need but having fun while competing is even better.
Fun is kind of relative though. If someone is a true novice, they may feel discouraged and left out because they do not have some of the advanced skills, or they earn faults, slow times, etc. We want all skill levels to feel welcome, challenged appropriately, and feel that they are contributing to their team’s success. That is why we began to divide out the more novice players and provide slightly easier courses for them. Additionally, those instructors who use the league courses as part of their classes, can make simple modifications to allow everyone to play.
There are certainly barriers to achieving absolute fairness. Some of the reasons are:
In our efforts to make the league as fair as possible, we are seeking ways to address some of those reasons. I may have gotten more gray hair as I researched different sports leagues and their organization, handicapping systems, different calculation possibilities, database portals, ISPs and web hosts…
So, we will continue to adapt our structure and processes. Please be patient and flexible. If you have comments or suggestions, let me know! I will not throw ideas away without giving them some consideration.
I think friendly goes hand in hand with fun. Everyone’s agility journey is different, even with a new dog. Everyone may have a different agility goal. Everyone deserves respect.
I hope folks enjoyed their patches, certificates, and flags. (We will also accept feedback on that.) I sent a few extras for your new members, but I am sure you will need more as you grow. I plan to send out certificates and flags at least twice a year. Unfortunately, it was VERY expensive to send items to Canada and Mexico. If anyone has ideas on that, let me know. One club gave me a US address to someone who regularly visits the other country.
I will accept suggestions on how to make the above goals possible. I will also accept any volunteer help!
I will be posting a new draft of the rules that breaks down club/team structure further. The new structure should help less experienced players and will hopefully provide an additional layer of competitiveness within each club. The effort to break down teams is primarily upfront and should not be difficult. I will help you with this if you prefer. We may not be able to fully implement the breakdown for this season, but we can try!!
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https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1634 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for May 2022 IDAL play. This year, we are alternating between standard type courses and games. The league seasons will be 4 months long so that each season will have two numbered courses and two games. Additionally, each season will be a discreet unit. Results will be tallied for the season rather than an entire year; however, end of year results will also be reported.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
This month we are playing a game designed by Melissa Wallace in Grand Bay, Alabama. The May 2022 courses are all similar. They are based on a game that was originally played in TDAA in 2018. This month we get to play “What’s My Line.” This is a popular game in TDAA. It is simple in concept…
The objective is to perform every obstacle on the field as quickly as possible without repeating or omitting any.
You may start and end by crossing either side of the Start/Finish line. All obstacles are bidirectional. Each obstacle is worth 1 point. The numbers on the obstacles are only for the judge and score table. You will hear the judge calling out the number associated with the obstacles after you successfully complete each one.
If an obstacle is performed more than once, the judge calls the number, but the team loses a point. The dog may continue on course.
Performance faults will be indicated by the judge calling “Fault.” No faults will be added to your time. However, a faulted obstacle earns no points and is counted as completed (but zero points). If the faulted obstacle is reattempted, the dog would earn a fault for repeating an obstacle. No refusals on the up contact will be faulted. Continue on the course.
If the handler opts to use food, a toy, or a training aid, please indicate that fault on the roster (that fault will adjust the score).
Time starts and stops when the dog crosses the start/finish line. It would be helpful if you yell “Done” to the timer because they may not have kept track of what obstacles you took.
Scored: Points, then time. Time is a tie breaker.
NOTES: If you do not have a judge (i.e. you run by yourself), the video must be reviewed to ensure that the run is scored correctly. All levels will compete on the same course, but Initiates and Dabblers will be divided into their own teams.
Course Maps
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
Existing league franchises will be emailed their scorekeeping worksheets set up with their current rosters. If you would like multiple scoresheets, just let me know.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1632 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for April 2022 IDAL play. This year, we are alternating between standard type courses and games. The league seasons will be 4 months long so that each season will have two numbered courses and two games. Additionally, each season will be a discreet unit. Results will be tallied for the season rather than an entire year; however, end of year results will also be reported.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Folks are always welcome to try their hand at designing league courses!
The April 2022 courses are all similar. We are playing a designed by Cindy Valdez from Jumpin’ K-9’s in Temecula, California. I am calling it “Hop Into Spring.” Scored Time, plus faults.
There are three sequences on the course. All three sequences must be completed, but they can be completed in any order. Before each sequence, the middle, unnumbered jump must be taken. The middle jump is bidirectional. The numbered obstacles must be taken in the order indicated. Standard course faults apply.
Dogs must start on the table. Handlers are permitted to lead out. Time starts when the first paw hits the ground and stops when the dog hits the table with any part of their body AFTER finishing all three sequences (or the handler gives up). If the dog takes the table at any time before completing all three sequences, it is merely counted as a wrong course. The team can continue to complete all the sequences. Standard course faults apply. Scored Time, Plus Faults.
Here is the cute little bunny Cindy used to create her game:
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet/s below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1626 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for March 2022 IDAL play. This year, we will be alternating between numbered, standard type courses and games. The league seasons will be 4 months long so that each season will have two numbered courses and two games. Additionally, each season will be a discreet unit. Results will be tallied for the season rather than an entire year; however, end of year results will also be reported.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
The March 2022 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, plus faults.
The March 2022 60×90 Masters league is a Numbered Course designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, plus faults.
The March 2022 40×85 league is also a Numbered Course designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 40×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1622 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
At the bottom of this post is a link to an Excel file listing all dogs registered with IDAL and their total LPP earned. The first worksheet is the tally for just the competitors who were active in 2021 sorted by DogID. You can search on DogID or a portion of the dog’s call name.
At this time, it is not sorted by club, I am working on that, but I wanted to get something out to you as soon as I could. As a part of this project, I will be identifying any titles earned in 2021 and getting those out ASAP. I have received the item that will be distributed to the team captains to hand out to all active players in 2021. I think it came out pretty good! As soon as I get the LPP sorted by club, I will be sending the item out.
Please see the picture. The send is to the barrel only. The first time is a 90 degree turn. The second time is a 180. The line going to the tunnel allows the handler flexibility if they get stuck.
The following courses are for February 2022 IDAL play. This year, we will be alternating between numbered, standard type courses and games. The league seasons will be 4 months long so that each season will have two numbered courses and two games. Additionally, each season will be a discreet unit. Results will be tallied for the season rather than an entire year; however, end of year results will also be reported.
Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
Less experienced handlers may have a send around the barrel at six feet rather than thirteen feet. Please make an annotation on the map if a handler uses the shorter distance.
The February 2022 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is Cowboy Dog designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, plus faults.
The February 2022 60×90 Masters league is Cowboy Dog designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, plus faults.
The February 2022 40×85 league is also Cowboy Dog designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 40×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 40×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1620 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for January 2022 IDAL play. We are starting the new year off with some simple, crazy numbered courses. This year the league seasons will be 4 months long, and each season will be a discreet unit. Results will be tallied for the season rather than an entire year; however, end of year results will also be reported. Additionally, each season will include two standard based courses and two games. Folks reported that they enjoyed the games and would like to have them included.
Due to the size constraints of each ring, not all the standard equipment can be used each month. I will try to rotate equipment so that we can get time on all of them. Instructors, if you have some specific skills, scenarios, and/or obstacles you want to work when using the IDAL courses in class, please let me know. I will try my best to get them included. If anyone would like to request a specific game to play, let me know.
NOTE that each league includes a Novice/Open type course. Team Captains should assign their members to that category as appropriate. This assignment should be based on their current level of competition or performance. It is not required that anyone start at that level, even new members. Please read the instructions for the new fault schedule, as this level has some oddities.
If you would like to design courses for the league or learn how to design courses, give me a shout. I will add you to our group. All courses are welcome. I will work with anyone to help you design a successful course be it numbered or a game.
The January 2022 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course designed by Melissa Wallace. Scored Time, minus faults.
The January 2022 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The January 2022 40×85 league is also a numbered course designed by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 40×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1616 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
January courses and rosters should be out later today.
I have received feedback from many of the team captains and players based on the query I sent out a short while back. Based on that feedback and some other ideas, I have been editing the rules. Those will be out sometime this week. Changes include modifications to the fault schedule, season length, titles, levels, clarification to some of the equipment that is described, clarification on a couple of existing faults, addition of a junior handler category, etc. Most are very small changes.
Novice and Open level handlers will get a little assistance for their scores and success. Clubs with fewer than 5 dogs will also be getting a little help as they compete against larger teams.
LPP calculation remains the same. Team LPP calculation remains the same, but each season will be a discreet unit rather than running for the entire year.
In the hopes of getting some more of our teams back in the game, we have a New Year’s gift. For the first 3 months of this year, all run fees are WAIVED as are new dog registrations. All registrations paid in December will be refunded. Funds paid by individuals will be directly refunded. Funds paid by host clubs will be refunded upon request OR held as a credit on future run fees and registrations when they start back up in April.
Until further notice, junior handlers will not need to pay registration fees or run fees. Juniors are defined as under 17 years of age. Their status as a junior ends on the day after their 18th birthday. If sufficient junior handlers are in the leagues, there may be a mini-league for them, but they will run on the same league courses as everyone else.
I will be working with the team captains on some ideas for handling the videos. I want your life to easier in this respect.
I am excited about some awards that I will be sending out when I get them in hand. I hope you will like them. Certificates will also be coming. As I have mentioned previously, the database had some errors that are not unexpected given how long it has been in use. I will be using this data for certificates, and I will carryover all LPP earned as indicated in the previous database to the new one.
That is all I have for now. I look forward to an exciting new year. As always, ANYONE can submit courses for review to be used in the league. This includes games. Judges from other organizations (I know we have some TDAA judges competing) are definitely welcome to submit. Obviously, TDAA courses would need to be modified, and some elements of approved maps for other organizations should be modified so as not to be considered plagiarized.
BLOG1614 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks should be directed to Melissa Wallace at pagc.live@gmail.com.All payments for the IDAL should be directed to this page: https://www.ultimuttds.com/payment-processing. Bud Houston’s Book of Games is available at https://www.ultimuttds.com/product-page/houston-s-book-of-agility-games. Any donations given to support the effort to keep it updated will go to Bud.
The following courses are for December 2021 IDAL play. This month we have more new courses. This set is based on a course concept by Kayla Hartlage. Kayla was kind enough to send in a 60×90 Jumpers course that had some Premiere style elements. Kayla designed her course on paper and sent it in to me. I kept most of her challenges in there but obviously had to adjust for distances and such. THANKS, KAYLA!
If you would like to design courses for the league or learn how to design courses, give me a shout. I will add you to our group.
The December 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, based on a design by Kayla Hartlage. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
The December 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course based on the design of Kayla Hartlage. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The December 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course based on a design by Kayla Hartlage. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1610 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
As we approach the New Year, I want to get some input from all of you on the trajectory we should take in the League.
1) We have all levels of competitors. How do we allow them to compete successfully and contribute more fully to their team? Do we have separate courses/leagues for them? Do we handicap scores in some way?
2) Do we decrease the number of courses/leagues? Or change the course dimensions to reflect the current clubs?
3) Do we want to have a separate league for games and one (or more) for standard/jumpers type courses? Or alternate from month to month?
4) Do we want a separate Teacup league for the smaller dogs? Small dogs would not be required to run these courses. It would just be an option for those clubs who have TDAA equipment. (We probably will anyway since I host TDAA trials and could use the courses for serial trials.)
5) Should we apply a handicap to dogs of different heights? (We do this in TDAA tournaments)
6) Should we divide the year up somewhat differently since a few clubs switch leagues during the year due to weather? This switch puts them at a disadvantage for yearly placements.
7) Are there any obstacles we do not want to use in the different leagues or substitutions that can be made if a club does not have a particular obstacle? I do not plan on using the table in any league course unless it is for a game to start or stop time. There is too much variability in how we count that 5 seconds, and times are too close to allow that much variability.
You can comment below, email, or PM me your thoughts. pagc.live@gmail.com
The following courses are for October 2021 IDAL play. This month we have some more new courses. The 60×90 course concept was designed by Melissa Wallace for competition in TDAA just last month. Obviously, the course has been spaced out for the larger dogs. Interestingly, TDAA has started allowing dogs from 20” to 22” to play as long as the club uses full size equipment. However, the spacing remains tighter than what you have in this month’s league courses. How will the big dogs do? I am curious to find out.
I modified the 60×90 to nest somewhat with the 36×85 and 50×70 course sizes. I am looking forward to running these two courses. I already ran the 60×90 à la TDAA style.
If you would like to design courses for the league or learn how to design courses, give me a shout. I will add you to our group.
The October 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, based on a design by Melissa Wallace. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
The October 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The October 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course based on a design by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1602 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for September 2021 IDAL play. This month we are running new courses again. The course concept was designed by Ashley Ragland for competition in TDAA back in 2015. I modified the original concept to fit the equipment size and distances required for League play. I removed the teeter, chute, and tire and changed up the numbering some. Then I scaled the concept for 36×85 and 50×70 course sizes.
The courses are nested based on the A-Frame and central tunnel. A less traditional challenge, but interesting things are showing up in courses nowadays as judges get creative. Backside tunnels were a thing, maybe they will see a comeback. The courses look fun. I hope to set them up in my building with TDAA distances depending on the heat!
If you would like to design courses for the league or learn how to design courses, give me a shout. I will add you to our group.
The September 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, based on a design by Ashley Ragland. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
The September 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Ashley Ragland and Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The September 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course based on a design by Ashley Ragland. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1598 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for August 2021 IDAL play. This month we are running new courses. The course layout was designed by Mike Hughson with the 60×90 being entirely his concept. One team asked for a contact for this month, so I chose this design from his three submissions to the FB Course Design Group. I modified his concept only by removing the dogwalk and teeter and flipping the location of a tunnel to get a square approach to the A-frame. I finessed distances since he sketched his courses while away from his computer. I then modified the design to get the 50×70 and 36×85 courses. The courses are nested based on the tunnel in the bottom right corner of the map. This should make things easier for clubs wanting to run more than one league. The courses look fun and challenging. I will have to set them up in my building with TDAA distances. With a heat index of 114, there is no way I can play outside.
If you would like to design courses for the league or learn how to design courses, give me a shout. I will add you to our group.
In addition to PAWS4FUN, Clicker Pets in Mexico is now rejoining us. I am so happy to see our international teams starting to come back.
The August 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, designed by Mike Hughson and Melissa Wallace. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
The August 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Mike Hughson. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The August 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course designed by Mike Hughson and Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses on advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Existing league franchises will be emailed their scorekeeping worksheets set up with their current rosters. If you would like multiple scoresheets, just let me know.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1594 IDAL
Questions, comments, snide remarks, and feedback go to Melissa Wallace, IDAL Secretary, at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The following courses are for July 2021 IDAL play. This month we are running a few new courses after taking a long break in new designs because COVID-19 restricted play. The courses were initially inspired by the letter “E” from Nancy Gyse’s book Alphabet Drills, published in 2011 by Clean Run. I set up the letter for my beginner and intermediate students using different numbering based on each student’s skill. Interestingly, as I looked up the publication date for this blog, I flipped to the letter “E” and saw that she had also changed the exercise by adding a tunnel. You know what they say about brilliant minds!
PLEASE note that the courses are anchored at the bottom left of the ring rather than at the center baseline. I did this so that clubs running the 36×85 can simply add the weave poles, if they have room, to run the other leagues.
This is also the first month of the summer season. I hope our Northern folks get to have some fun! PAWS4FUN is rejoining us from Ontario, Canada. Welcome back! Anyone else coming back?
The July 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, designed by Melissa Wallace. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
The July 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The July 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course designed by Melissa Wallace. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1590 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks to Melissa Wallace pagc.live@gmail.com IDAL Secretary.
The following is a preview of the June 2021 courses and games for IDAL league play. This will hopefully be the last month of historical courses for a while. This is also the last month for the Spring season. Who is going to come out on top?
The June 2021 50×70 Fast & Fun league game is a Numbered Course, designed by Wayne Van Deusen. This game was first run in the NDAL in December of 2017. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults. Follow the numbers, keep the bars up, and hit the yellow.
for AQ4U’s Fast & Furryous in Brooks, Kentucky. Blade, a Border Collie handled by Brian Wakefield, finished this course with zero faults in 23.61 seconds. View the video at
The June 2021 60×90 Masters league is also a numbered course designed by Wayne Van Deusen. It was originally run in the IDAL in December 2017. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The standing Top Dog on this course, recorded in December 2017, was from United Colors of Agility, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Gemma, a Border Collie handled by Susan Dawson, finished this course with zero faults in 25.73 seconds.
The June 2021 36×85 Fast & Fun league is a numbered course designed by Wayne Van Deusen. It was originally run in the IDAL in December 2017. A Numbered Course is scored Time, Plus Faults.
The standing Top Dog on this course, recorded in December 2017, represented Wicked West Australians out of Banjup Western Australia: Jay, a Border Collie handled by Sylvia Hamilton, finished this course with zero faults in an incredible 20.71 seconds:
New clubs and individuals are always welcome to join us and play these courses. Download the scorekeeping worksheet below. Contact the League Secretary to help with the details at pagc.live@gmail.com.
The 50×70 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
The 60×90 Masters League focuses advanced handling challenges.
The 36×85 Fast & Fun League is intended to allow the dog to work at full extension with modest handling challenges.
Existing league franchises will be emailed their scorekeeping worksheets set up with their current rosters upon request.
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TopDogAgilityPlayers/
Read our blog:
https://topdogagilityplayers.wordpress.com/
BLOG1585 IDAL
Questions comments & impassioned speeches to Melissa Wallace pagc.live@gmail.com IDAL Secretary.
The month of October featured a numbered course with a bit of a distance challenge presented through handler restrictions. Numbered courses are scored time plus faults. As always, there were some close times.
Top Dog Overall: Trebuchet and Geoff Teare, 0 faults, 20.55 seconds
2nd Place Dog: Kyria and Kathy Greenway, 0 faults, 20.97 seconds
3rd Place Dog: Navi and Ali Kuschel, 0 faults, 21.81 seconds
Top Dogs for Each Club:
Jumpin’ K-9’s: Mutya and Felipe Zanartu. 0 faults, 24.10 sec.
Jumping C Crew: Kyria and Kathy Greenway, 0 faults, 20.97 seconds
K9 Powersports: Trebuchet and Geoff Teare, 0 faults, 20.55 seconds
POTC Thunder Pawz: Decker and Amanda Birkett, 0 faults, 23.95 sec.
Cloud 9: Navi and Ali Kuschel, 0 faults, 21.81 seconds
A number of more experienced teams ran the Initiate/Dabbler course which is absolutely fine. It actually increases the LPP that the Initiates and Dabblers receive for the course. Below I have reported the top I/D dogs (based on the records I have of their previous competition level). The I/D dogs are highlighted in yellow. I have also provided a pdf file of the overall results for your viewing pleasure.
Top Dog Overall: Lily and Mike Biehl. 0 faults, 21.27 sec.
Second Place Dog: Milo and Talena Campbell. 0 faults, 22.78 sec.
Third Place Dog: Koda and Rebecca Siminou. 0 faults, 23.77 sec.
No Video.
BLOG1664 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks should be directed to Melissa Wallace at pagc.live@gmail.com.All payments for the IDAL should be directed to this page: https://www.ultimuttds.com/payment-processing. Bud Houston’s Book of Games is available for download at https://www.ultimuttds.com/product-page/houston-s-book-of-agility-games. All donations from the sale will go to Bud Houston.
This month we ran a numbered course scored time plus faults. This month was a test of distance handling. There were some tight times.
Follow the links below to view individual performances by dogs and their handlers.
Top Dog Overall: Peak and Christina Wakefield, 0 faults, 22.64 sec.
2nd Place Dog: Jasper and Shana Goodwin, 0 faults, 23.47 sec.
3rd Place Dog: Edge and Christina Wakefield, 0 faults, 23.66 sec.
All Breed Training Club of Akron: Savvy and Cindy Fink, 0 faults, 27.07sec.
AQ4U: Peak and Christina Wakefield, 0 faults, 22.64 sec.
Jumping C Crew: Alaska and Liz Clements, 0 faults,23.9 seconds
K9cation: Jasper and Shana Goodwin, 0 faults, 23.47 sec.
Lakeside Agility Club: Camilla and Linda Hendy, 0 faults, 36.61 sec.
PAWS4FUN: Snow and Lynn McGlashan,0 faults, 28.79 sec.
Top Dog Overall: Camilla and Linda Hendy, 0 faults, 24.37 sec.
Second Place Dog: ZaZ and Linda Hendy, 0 faults, 25.64 sec.
Third Place Dog: Amie and Nohemi Ramos, 0 faults, 29.95 sec.
BLOG1663 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks should be directed to Melissa Wallace at pagc.live@gmail.com.All payments for the IDAL should be directed to this page: https://www.ultimuttds.com/payment-processing. Bud Houston’s Book of Games is available for download at https://www.ultimuttds.com/product-page/houston-s-book-of-agility-games. All donations from the sale will go to Bud Houston.
The courses for October were numbered courses. They were a test of distance handling. Eddie wanted to make sure Janice knew that the yellow contacts were poison!
Top Dog: Lola and Heather Esdon, 0 faults in 35.8seconds
2nd Place Dog: Al and Janice Burns, 0 faults in 44.9 seconds
3rd Place Dog: Eddie and Janice Burns, 0 faults in 47.24 seconds
BLOG1662 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks should be directed to Melissa Wallace at pagc.live@gmail.com.All payments for the IDAL should be directed to this page: https://www.ultimuttds.com/payment-processing. Bud Houston’s Book of Games is available for download at https://www.ultimuttds.com/product-page/houston-s-book-of-agility-games. All donations from the sale will go to Bud Houston.
This month we ran a game called Rekoons. This is one of those games that can blow your mind as a designer as well as a competitor. Why, you ask? Because Rekoons is Snooker backwards. The concept seems easy, but when you start really thinking about it, you get confused.
So, if we are running Snooker backwards, that means that the numbered sequence is run before the point accumulation period. Got it. But then, you run the numbered sequence in reverse. Okay, but do you run the sequence landing side to takeoff side? How did the judge number it? When you get to the point accumulation period, do you take a red first or a numbered obstacle first? See, it starts to get confusing…
There were some close times this month.
Main Strategies
There were two main strategies for this game during point accumulation. The blue path was chosen by this month’s Top Dog. Several other dogs ran the pink path. Both strategies took red #1, but after the tunnel the pink handlers went to the pink #2 jump while the blue went to blue #2. From a simple yardage standpoint, the blue path should be more efficient.
If you look at the video below, you can see the runs on screen together. Kepler is faster, but Jazz made up for it with a slightly more efficient path. Kepler reaches the last obstacle in the numbered sequence while Jazz is taking the second to last obstacle. Kepler exits the first tunnel before Jazz, but Jazz enters the second tunnel slightly before Kepler. Jazz takes the third red before Kepler. Kepler had a little miscue coming out of the second tunnel from the rear cross. Jazz enters the final tunnel two strides ahead of Kepler. They come out of the last tunnel in a photo finish. Kepler is the faster dog, but path efficiency and choice of cues for indicating a side change allowed Jazz to be ahead.
Briefing
Rekoons is played as a two-part game:
1. Numbered Sequence: The numbered sequence must be attempted and is taken in reverse. Each obstacle is also taken in reverse. Start with the landing side of the #7b obstacle, then go to the end of the #7a A-frame and complete it, then #6, and so on, until the dog completes the #2 obstacle. Your course may not have a 7a/7B combo; it may be just #7. Please look at the map to see the correct direction! If the dog faults an obstacle in the numbered sequence, he must be directed to begin the second part – point accumulation.
Note: A dog going on to another obstacle in the opening after having faulted an obstacle, will earn a judge’s whistle, and end the game.
The dog earns the point value of every obstacle performed correctly in the opening for a maximum of 27 points.
2. Point Accumulation: The point accumulation period begins after the dog has completed the #2 obstacle in the opening or after faulting the opening sequence. Points are earned by the completion of a red hurdle and one (and only one) scoring obstacle of the handler’s choice. Each red hurdle can be used only once. Three or four of the red hurdles may be taken. At least three reds must be attempted. The fourth red is available in case another red is faulted or if you want to go for the win. If there are only 3 reds on your course, you take/attempt all three for points.
Point values for each individual obstacle performed without fault are represented by the numbers of the opening sequence. These obstacles are bidirectional in the point accumulation period, including both obstacles of #7. To get 7 points, both 7a and 7B must be taken. Each red jump is worth 1 point.
For example: After completing the #2 tunnel, the handler directs the dog to a red jump which is completed without fault. The team then completes 7a and 7b (in any order) obstacle set. The team earns 7 points + 1 for the red. The dog now completes a different red jump and then completes the #4 jump. The team earns an additional 4+1 points. They continue to another red jump, and so on.
Refusals and runouts are not faulted during point accumulation. A missed contact earns 0 points; go take another red if one remains. Dropped bars take a pointed obstacle out of play.
Point valued obstacle/s can be used more than once; one obstacle can actually be used up to 4 times since there are 4 red jumps on course. Note that you have only 4 opportunities to get points.
During point accumulation a whistle will indicate the end of scoring. Get across the finish line to stop time.
Scoring ends when any of the following occurs:
· A red hurdle is repeated.
· The dog takes more than one scoring obstacle after taking a red hurdle.
· The dog takes a scoring obstacle after faulting the red hurdle. If the dog drops a bar on a red jump, go to another red if another remains. If not, go stop time.
· The whistle sounds.
Dog faults opening but continues running the opening.
4” & 8” have 65 seconds
12”, 16”, & 20” have 60 seconds
The dogs highlighted in yellow are Initiate/Dabbler teams.
Top Dog: Jazz Brown and Deborah Brown, 51 points in 28.36 seconds
2nd Place Dog: Kepler and Shiela Smail, 51 points in 28.96
3rd Place Dog: Ridley and Shiela Smail, 51 points in 29.62 seconds
BLOG1659 IDAL
Questions comments & snide remarks should be directed to Melissa Wallace at pagc.live@gmail.com.All payments for the IDAL should be directed to this page: https://www.ultimuttds.com/payment-processing. Bud Houston’s Book of Games is available for download at https://www.ultimuttds.com/product-page/houston-s-book-of-agility-games. All donations from the sale will go to Bud Houston.
International Dog Agility League 