SDA

B. EQUIPMENT FOR OB 1.

 

A.  Agility Jump Height table:

 

	Height at withers	Hurdle height
Div. 1	Up to and including 14”	12” to 16”
Div. 2	Over 14” up to and including 22”	22” to 26”
Div. 3	Over 22”	32” to 36”

 

 

B. Agility Obstacle Equipment Requirements. Equipment requirements concerning obstacles in advanced obedience and protection titles are the following: The trial judge for the event will be responsible for inspecting all equipment prior to conducting the trial. The following equipment must be available: A-Frame, Window Hurdle, Rail Fence Hurdle, and a Solid Vertical Hurdle. Equipment currently being used for Agility Trials, Obedience Trials or  Schutzhund type events is acceptable as long as they comply with the requirements as outlined below.

 

C. Window Hurdle.

 

1. Framework. The framework for the window hurdle may be constructed with varying materials, however, the top rail or material should contain a protective cover to help in preventing any injury, ie.,  suggested material includes foam rubber, brush material or carpet etc.

 

2. Panel. Overall dimensions of the panel should be approximately 42”- 48” wide and 7- 8 feet tall with an opening 18” to 30” wide and 30” high. Provisions to adjust the bottom of the opening to 12 to 16”, 22 to 26”, and 32 to 36” for jump height Divisions 1, 2, and 3, respectively, must be provided. The panel with the opening may be made of wood or heavy cloth such as denim or canvas. When made of cloth, a 4-inch sleeve may be sewn along each of the vertical sides so that the cloth can be held in place by slipping the sleeve over the uprights. In this case, changes in heights may be made by pushing the cloth panel up or down over the uprights.

 

D.  A-Frame.

1. This obstacle consists of two panels (ramps) connected together at one end and positioned to form a structure that simulates an A-Frame. The A-Frame apex should have a protective cover to prevent the dog’s feet from being caught or pinched. Carpet or some form of rubber matting is suggested.

 

2. Height. The height at the apex should not exceed 60 inches; a range of 49 to 60 is acceptable.  The apex for the 6’8” panel is set 49”-50” vertically above ground, while the 8’ panel is set at 52”-60” vertically above ground.

 

3. Panels. The panels may each measure 6’8” or 8’ in length and 30” to 49” in width. They may be constructed from wood or a wood like substance attached to a metal or wooden framework rigid enough to withstand the impact of large dogs jumping part way up on to the panels. The panels are connected along one end by hinges. An insert must cover any gap between the two panels at the apex. A chain or other brace is attached approximately halfway up on the inside of each panel to secure the proper angle to the panels when set up for use.

 

4. Slats. Slats are approximately 3/8” to 1” thick and ¾ – 1½” wide and cut to extend the width of the panels. The slats are attached 12” apart with a 2” tolerance. Slats must be rounded or beveled so as to not be sharp.

 

E. High (Vertical or solid) Hurdle. This hurdle is similar to the High Jump used in traditional Obedience. Construction: This obstacle may be constructed of PVC or wooden boards. The obstacle can be made of varying material and the overall dimensions should be approximately 42” to 48” wide and with the availability to adjust heights for three height categories of the following: 12 to 16”, 22 to 26” and 32 to36”. The structure should appear to be a solid structure. In addition, the top surface area should contain a surface that provides some form of protection for the dog, if struck during the routine. PVC option: Framework consisting of a pair of uprights on each side with support legs as needed may be made of 1” PVC to support stacked 3 to 4” PVC sections as a vertical wall. The bottom section of 4” pipe must be notched to fit over the bottom support pipe of the framework on both ends, so that the pipe rests on the ground.

 

           F. Rail Fence Hurdle:

1. This hurdle has several cross rails held between two uprights. Spaces between the rails give the appearance of a rail fence. The structure should be approximately between 42“ to 48” wide and have a height availability to adjust the top rail to any of the following heights: 12 to 16”, 22 to 26” and 32- 36” inches. The rail hurdle may be constructed out of varying material; however, the top rail should have a protective material that helps in preventing an injury, if struck, during the jump by the dog.

 

2. Construction. Several cross rails made of PVC pipe or narrow wooden boards are held between two uprights. It is preferred that the rails may be displaceable, however, non-displaceable is allowed. PVC pipe rails may be held by inserting them through holes drilled through the uprights or by means of cupped supports attached to the inside of the uprights. The cupped supports should be shallow enough to allow for the easy displacement of the pipe rails.

3. Hurdle Heights: The number of rails may vary, but there must be a minimum of one for the 12 to 16” hurdle, two for the 22 to 26” and three for the 32 to 36” hurdle. If small diameter pipes are used as the rails, 2, 4, and 6 rails may be used for the three heights.