Preparing for the Anglian Dog Works 4th Birthday Agility Show

While this guide focuses on the Anglian Dog Works 4th Birthday Agility Show but it follows the same format you’ll see at most public agility competitions, so it’s a useful reference fir the future too,

Before the Event

Running Orders

After the entry deadline, you’ll be sent your running orders. This will tell you:

• Which classes you're in

• Your dog's position in the running order

• What height category your dog is running in (our classes will be mixed heights)

Note: 1 entry = 1 run per class. 

How to read it:

• Round brackets = number of dogs in your dog's height category

• Square brackets = your dog’s place in the queue for that class

Example: [12] means your dog is 12th to run in that class.

What to Bring

Here are a few things worth packing to keep the day running smoothly for both of you:

• Camping chairs – somewhere to sit between runs

• Crate, mat or ground stake – handy if your dog needs downtime

• Car setup – secure crate, vet bed, shade or reflective covers

• Treats – allowed in some classes if they’re non-crumbly and enclosed in a secure toy

• Toy – only for use in specific classes

• Water – for both of you

• Lunch – bring food and snacks

• Show paperwork – especially your running orders

Weather considerations:

• Hot day – shade, cool mats, cooling coats

• Wet day – drying coat, towels

Your dog may need to be in your vehicle at times (e.g. while you're walking the course), so plan with that in mind.

On the Day

Briefing and Course Walking

The day starts with a briefing, where you’ll be told when each course is ready to walk.

Walking the course is done without your dog. This is to avoid leaving scent on the course that could distract other dogs. While you walk, your dog should be either secured in your vehicle, in a crate, or held by someone else.

Queuing and Running

You'll queue in the order shown on your running orders. If your dog is listed as [12], they’re 12th in line.

A few tips:

• Keep space between dogs in the queue

• You can queue without your dog if someone is with you—have them bring your dog to you when it’s nearly your turn (e.g. 2-3 dogs before you)

• Use the time to do a quick warm-up—some loose turns, spins, or sit-to-stand transitions work well

Entering the Ring

Wait until the ring party calls your name. This helps ensure timing and paperwork are ready.

• Hand your lead to the person collecting, or drop it on the ground if your dog isn’t keen on strangers

• Leads go into a bucket near the ring exit which you can collect from when you finish

Rules and Ring Etiquette

At most shows, dogs must wear a flat collar only—no tags, harnesses, or trackers, as they could catch on the equipment. This will not be enforced at the ADW fun show, but it’s worth being aware of for others.

Toys and treats:

• Not usually allowed in the ring

• Class 1 & 3 – Treats enclosed in a secure toy (like a lotus ball), or no treat with a favourite toy is allowed

• Class 2 – No treats or toys allowed

Treats must be non-crumbly (e.g. a small bit of sausage or kibble) and secured properly to avoid distraction for dogs running after you.

Faults and Eliminations

Eliminations:

• Dog toilets in the ring

• Completing the wrong course

If your dog toilets during the run:

• Stop straight away

• This makes it easier for the ring party to spot and clean

• Your run will be forfeited

Faults:

Faults = 5 seconds added to your time. A clear run will always place higher than a faulted run, so it’s better to focus on accuracy than speed.

Common faults include:

• Pole knocked down

• Running past or refusing an obstacle

• Handler or dog touching equipment

• Dog running past a weave pole

Jump Heights

Dogs are grouped by size for jump height. You can view the full breakdown on the Jump Height Guidelines page.

Lower Height Option (LHO) are allowed in some shows, for example a medium dog running small, or a senior dog running micro. 

Timing and Judging

• Timer starts when your dog crosses the first obstacle

• Timer ends at the last obstacle

• Judging starts at the same time

Make sure your dog has had a chance to toilet before queuing to avoid eliminations.

Final Notes

Looking forward to seeing you and your dog at the Anglian Dog Works 4th Birthday Agility Show. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to get in touch.

This blog focuses on the ADW event, but the format mirrors standard public shows—so whether you're new to agility or entering multiple shows this season, this guide will help you feel more prepared.