Frequently Asked Questions

General

When can we start training? Where do we begin?

General training can't start too soon. A wide variety of experiences as well as learning basics and beyond is a very important beginning for any dog, especially a dog destined for a job. Work on a brilliant understanding of basics cue such as sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay and COME - under any circumstance. Start these lessons in your living room/back yard and progress to doing these lessons near a playground with kids, in the park by the ducks etc.

When your puppy is a little older you can start basic agility training. (No jumping or weaves though until puppy is much older, so as not to adversely affect proper growth.) There is a ton of ground work that can be done in the meantime. When you're ready there are links on our website to some folk who offer classes The age for starting a dog in agility varies depending on instructor. Generally, 6 months is acceptable. Dogs should have a good understanding of sit, stay and come. These skills are also worked on during agility training as they are an important part of the game.

My dog is a little older - is it too late for us to start?

As long as your dog is healthy and active, he or she can learn to do agility at any age.

Does my dog need to be registered to participate in trials?

It depends on the association you're trialling with.

NADAC

Most of the Hot Diggity Dog Agility Club members trial in NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council). It is open to all breeds and mixed breeds. The dog has to be a minimum of 18 months in order to trial. There is a one time $25 fee to register your dog. Your dog must be registered with NADAC to compete in NADAC trials.

CKC

CKC is open to purebred dogs, as well as mixed and unrecognized breeds with a CCN (canine companion number).

Our Club

Do I need to compete in trials to be a member?

Absolutely not! While many of our members do participate in trials, there is no requirement to do so.

Can I drop in and watch a practice/class/trial?

Practice

We encourage anyone who is considering joining our club to watch a practice, so that you know what you're in for! We ask that you email first ([email protected]) to let us know that you are interested. This way, we can email or text you if that week's practice is cancelled or moved.

Here are a few things to know about watching a practice:

  • Please do not bring your dog! We have to restrict the dogs in the arena to club dogs only, for insurance and rental agreement reasons.
  • Bring a folding chair if you like, to sit on.
  • You are welcome to arrive and leave at your own convenience; you are not expected to stick around for the entire 2 hour practice.
  • The arena is deep sand - you'll want shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty.
  • Ask questions! We are a friendly bunch and we love to talk about our dogs!

Classes

At this time, our club does not offer classes. Some of our members do (please check the links page for more info); you will need to contact those instructors directly and inquire about whether you can watch their classes.

Trials

Absolutely - come and watch all or part of a trial! We hold a Spring trial and a Autumn trial each year, and we welcome spectators. There is no fee to watch either of our trials.

When and how often are the club meetings?

The meeting location varies, but it's always in the Red Deer area. We meet on the second Wednesday in the months of September, October, November, December and March, April, May, June from 7pm. to 9 pm. Our Annual General Meeting is held each November.

How much does it cost to become a member?

Adult Membership

Our annual membership fee is $100.

Club membership runs from January 1 to December 31.

MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR 2021 ARE WAIVED