How to Run a Snooker Agility Course

Snooker agility courses are an exciting variety on a standard agility course. In a Snooker course, the dog and handler devise a strategy to gather as many points as possible by alternating between “Red” obstacles and obstacles of other colors. The red obstacles are typically hurdles, and the other obstacles are assigned a variety of colors, with a different point value for each color. A dog and handler must do an opening sequence of red-color-red-color-red-color and so on until all the red obstacles and their following colors have been successfully performed. The round continues until the dog or handler makes a mistake or until time runs out, and points are then tabulated. Snooker agility is certainly a game of strategy that offers handlers and dogs alike an exciting time.

Things You'll Need

• Collar
• Lead
• Treats
• Toys
• Crate

Instructions

1. Be sure to arrive at the trial grounds at least two hours in advance to assure you have plenty of time to check in and set up your crate. You can also check in with the ring steward at this time, to get your armband and number. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your entry or the Snooker class, you can ask the ring steward at this time, who should be more than willing to assist you.

2. Let your dog out of his crate and allow him time to stretch and potty before your scheduled ring time. If there are any practice obstacles set up at the trial, you may run him through them now if you choose. Try not to let him sit too long, as a stiff dog may not run the Snooker course well. Keep him happy and encouraged with treats or toys as well. Agility should be fun for both you and your dog.

3. Report to your ring without your dog fifteen minutes or so ahead of your class time. The ring steward will give out the running order at this time, and you will be allowed on the Snooker course to perform your walk through. The walk through is vital on a Snooker course, as this is the time that you will use to devise your strategy for gathering points. Look over the obstacles and decide which ones you want to run to gain points. More difficult obstacles such as weave poles and contact obstacles offer the most points, with hurdles and tunnels offering fewer. Keep in mind the colors for your obstacles, as you will have to run a red obstacle, a colored obstacle, a red obstacle and so on to earn your points for the opening sequence, and the colored obstacles for your closing sequence. These opening and closing sequences must be completed to earn your points, so choose carefully.

4. Retrieve your dog from her kennel and report to the ring when it is your turn. Be sure to enter the ring promptly and remove her collar and lead if necessary. Get her set up at the starting line, and begin your course when the judge gives you the signal to go. Pay close attention to your obstacles and their colors so that you complete the opening sequence in proper order, and make sure that you complete the obstacles in the correct direction. Encourage your dog throughout the course, giving clear signals so that she understands where to go next. Choose your closing sequence wisely, as it offers you a chance to gain a large amount of points at the end of your run. Exit the ring quickly, and gather your collar and lead upon exiting.

5. You can offer your dog a drink and a treat after your run is completed. That is the time to praise and congratulate your dog for a job well done, and to reinforce that he did a good job. Keeping your dog happy and encouraged is vital to a successful agility dog, since it is supposed to be a fun game for both handler and dog. Stay close to the ring, as scores will be tabulated and awards given out after the last handler and dog have competed.

6. Awards are always an exciting time in an agility course. Snooker is certainly a game of skill and strategy, and those skills will be obvious when the awards are handed out. Snooker scores are based on the number of points a dog and handler rack up during their run, with the highest scores being awarded placement. If a dog and handler achieve a designated minimum number of points, they will also be awarded a leg towards their title. Titles normally consist of three or more legs, and a well-trained dog and a creative handler can earn these legs quite easily. Wait for your name to be called and accept any awards you are given promptly. Be sure to thank everyone and be courteous, as being a good sport is always important. With a little luck and a good amount of skill and practice, you and your dog can be well on your way to earning titles on the complex Snooker agility courses.

Tips & Warnings

• Be on time. If you are late, you may not be allowed to show.

• Make sure you follow the judge’s instructions carefully. Some judges are very particular when it comes to how they run their ring.

• Never physically punish or force your dog to perform any obstacle. Agility is supposed to be a fun sport for the dog.

• Do not deviate from your pattern. Trying to change your strategy mid-run can confuse and complicate the course for you and your dog.