Jake's Progress

In UK Kennel Club agility there are seven grades. It's traditional to win out of a grade by getting either a first place in an agility class, or with three first places in jumping classes. There are seven grades in all. We started at the very lowest rung - grade 1 - as both Jake and I were new to agility competitions. But you don't have to progress by winning 1st place. Every clear run and the various other 2nd and 3rd (etc) places have gained us points. With his second place in the SKC agility class, Jake got another 19 points to add to his agility record book. That makes over 80 in total - enough for us to move up to grade 2 if we want. (You need to gain 75 points, of which a proportion must be in an agility rather than a jumping class).

I'm so proud that we've reached this point! And it's wonderful to know that we could move to grade 2 if we want. BUT. I've decided to hang on a little longer and see if we can win out of Grade 1. The thing is, we would have more competition in grades 2+ as the dogs and handlers are faster and more experienced. So we would in all probability get fewer high placings (and so fewer points). I'm very happy to be stacking up points towards Jake's bronze agility warrant, for which we need 200 points. My not-so-secret ambition for Jake is for him to have some post-nominals. :-)

I asked our teacher what she thought. She emailed back ... "It's up to you of course, but you would miss out on that 1st place grade 1 trophy that you will never ever get again with Jake or any future dogs. You are so close, and I am absolutely confident that you will get it. However the points system was put in place to allow dogs that are consistent to move up the grades. Its all down to personal choice..."

There are a few shows in our part of Scotland over the autumn and winter - let's see if we can win out by early summer 2009. If we haven't by the May 2009 SKC show, then it might be time to consider moving up to grade 2 on points.

It's interesting coming smack up against my own competitiveness - I don't think my colleagues and friends would have necessarily know this about me. Though my nearest and dearest did of course. Always, always, I have to think - are we both enjoying competing? Cos all these ribbons and points are for me, really. Jake's just happy to run the course with me and to be fussed over afterwards, however it went.

Labels: Agility