The American Kennel Club has begun offering a new program that makes agility more accessible to newcomers. According to the AKC’s website (https://www.akc.org/events/agility/act-program/), the ACT will be available in two levels. “ACT1 is designed for the beginning level dog to show beginning sequencing and performance skills. ACT2 requires an increased skill level shown by the additional obstacles to be performed.”
The ACT is not designed to be just another AKC agility trial class. While it can be offered as part of a trial, the courses can be set up in smaller areas, like those that are used for training agility. Agility instructors and others will be able to apply to judge the ACT, so it can work well as part of an agility class “graduation.”
The ACT is more than just an evaluation. “Exhibitors will learn to fill out an AKC entry form, check-in at the ring, taking their dog in and out of ring, handling their dog while being judged and other information that will help them when they move on to AKC agility trials with their dog,” states the AKC website.
What if your dog isn’t AKC registered or isn’t eligible for AKC registration? That’s okay; you can still try the ACT. The only caveat is that the dog must be 15 months old or older.
What more information? Check out the rules here: https://images.akc.org/pdf/events/agility/ACT_Regulations.pdf?ga=1.68584409.954646677.1449504870
