There are four major organizations in the U.S. that sanction agility trials:   AKC, NADAC, UKC, and USDAA.  Your dog must be registered with an organization before he can compete in its respective trials.

Entry Basics
Call or write for a premium list (called a test schedule by some organizations) as soon as you hear about a trial.  It lists all the information you'll need to know bout the trial and includes entry forms.  you can also pick up premium lists at trials, seminars, and dog training clubs and facilities.

AKC and UKC trials often have entry limits.  If you don't enter early, you might not get in at all.  However, many of these trials also have an official opening date and will not accept an entry until this day.  entries sent in too early are returned.  NADAC trials do not usually have entry limits, although tht varies from region to region of the country.  USDAA trials never limit entries.  

In all cases, the trial secretary must receive your entry before the closing date, which is always listed in the premium.  You should get an official confirmation in the mail a few days before the trial, giving you the last minute details.

After entering a trial, if your circumstances change and you find that you cannot attend, you should notify the trial secretary (whether you're eligible for a refund or not.)  The trial may have a waiting list and your open slot would allow someone else the chance to compete.

Classes to Enter
A titling event is a class you enter hoping to earn a qualifying score.  when you meet the required number of qualifying scores in that class, you earn a title from the sanctioning organization.  Each organization offers several levels of advancement so that you and your dog can work your way up to the top level over time.   AKC trials offer a Standard titling class and usually a Jumpers with Weaves class (JWW).  UKC trials offer only two titling classes for beginners - Agility I and II.  Both NADAC and USDAA offer a full day of events including Standard titling classes, games in which you can earn a title, and games just for fun.

My recommendation is to enter everything a trial offers.  if you're ready to try to compete in Novice, you're also ready for any Novice level game.  If you're going to make the commitment in time, money and effort to get to the trial, go for the day and compete in as many events as you can.  You can learn while doing.  The practice is valuable and the whole day becomes exciting.  In NADAC, the dogs are not given an opportunity to be acquainted with the contact equipment.  Many competitors enter gamblers, usually the first run of the trial, so they can let their dogs become familiar with the contacts even though they may not necessarily "make the gamble".

American Kennel Club (AKC)
Participation in an AKC agility trial is limited to AKC-registered purebred dogs.  Dogs that don't have registration papers but are obviously a purebred dog of one of AKC's recognized breeds can apply for an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege) number.  This allows the dog to compete in AKC agility and obedience trials.  Dog must be at least 12 months old to compete.  Mixed breeds are not eligible.

To compete in AKC agility a dog must be registered with the AKC before you can enter a trial.  if your dog does not have AKC registration papers, but you think your dog might qualify for an ILP registration, call AKC for more information (or check their website AKC.org and an ILP form.

For a copy of the AKC agility rules, call or write AKC.  You can get a single copy for no charge or view it on their website.  The AKC Gazette is the official monthly publication of AKC and lists many of the upcoming AKC agility trials in each issue.  An annual subscription is about $30.00.

For more information contact :

American Kennel Club 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC,  27606-3390

Phone (919)233-9767
Web site:  http://www.akc.org

AKC Competition Basics
All dogs start in Novice class.  Novice A is for dogs and handlers who have never earned an AKC agility title.  Novice B is for dogs who don't have an AKC agility title but are shown by a handler who has earned one with another dog.

In October 2002, AKC inaugurated their Preferred classes.  The jump heights are lower and course times a bit longer.

AKC jump heights:
8" for dogs measuring 10" or less at the withers
12" for dogs measuring 14: or less at the withers
16" for dogs measuring 18" or less at the withers
20" for dogs measuring 22" or less at the withers
24" for dogs measuring more than 22" at the withers

North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
NADAC trials are open to any dog registered purebred or mixed breed.  Dog must be at least 18 months old to compete.  The dog must be registered with NADAC.  There is a $15 one-time registration fee.  If you are a member of NADAC, the registration fee is reduced to $10 per dog.  A summary of rules is included with a registration or found on their web site http://www.nadac.com .

Individual membership is $12 annually.  Members get a complete rule book and a periodic calendar of NADAC trials.

For more information contact:

North American Dog Agility Council
HCR 2 Box 277
St. Maries, ID  83861

Phone: (208) 689-3803
Web Site:  http://www.nadac.com

NADAC Competition Basics
All dogs start in the Novice class.  Novice A is for dogs and handlers who have never earned any agility title from NADAC or any other agility association.  Novice B is for dogs who don't yet have a NADAC title, but are shown by a handler who has already earned an agiltiy title from NADAC or another agility association.