A new agility game...
 Snakes
and Ladders, a new dog game based on the popular board game of the same name, is being
introduced into the UK Agility Performance Program. Starting in 2010, Snakes & Ladders will be
included as one of the Games to collect level points from in order to progress through the
Performance Levels in. Some UKA competitors have experienced it already! Iris Richards
reports.
Snakes & Ladders looks
exciting to run. Having watched this course being run a couple of times this year at a few of
the UKA shows, I will definitely attempt it next year. I must admit to being a little
uncertain of my own control of my dog, which is why I haven't had the courage to try it
yet. But I will.
An interesting
course was set both times I watched this new game. All sizes of dogs took part. It was great to
see dogs and handlers having the opportunity to run together over a well spread out course.
All dogs - from Beginners to Champ - coped well with the courses.
As I said, being too
nervous to try it out myself, I helped on the ring, and was able to watch everyone else
running. Afterwards, competitors generally agreed that they would like to try this course again
as it proved to be a fun challenge for both dog and handler.
The idea of the game is to complete all
Snakes and Ladders successfully along with as many jumps as possible in the allotted course
time. In some ways, it is similar to Gamblers as you can choose your own
route. The winner is the person who successfully completes the most obstacles, which
must include all Snakes and Ladders, in the fastest time.
 The
course consists of between 17 -20 obstacles. Two contacts and a 12 pole weave make up the
Ladders part of the course, and can only be taken in the UP direction. Four tunnels make up the
Snakes, and can only be taken in the DOWN direction. This makes for some interesting handling
as the competitors have to run strategically in order for them to ensure that their dog doesn't
take the contacts or tunnels the wrong way. The course also contains a number of jumps which
can be taken from any direction and only once for points.
One
could say that this game is a type of 'take your own line' with rules. To gain a qualifying
score, all Snakes and Ladders must be completed successfully along with at least six jumps -
and all in the allotted course time. It is necessary to decide your own route around the
course, and as we all do, watching from the outside can make you change your mind; but it is
brilliant for showing off individuals' handling styles, and gives dogs and handlers a good
opportunity to run.
It was fun to see dogs
complete all the Snakes and Ladders in the correct directions, and the fast flowing handling
was brilliant.
There may be a few
competitors unwilling to try this new game at first, but once you have watched a class, I am
sure you will want to give it a try. The beauty of UKA is that you can walk a course, and then
decide if you wish to enter this class on the day, provided the show has not reached capping
limit.
UKA are always trying
to enhance the organisation, and this game gives you another opportunity to work your dog, and
test your handling skills. Everyone likes to excel at agility, and have some fun. Once this
game has been tried, I think you will definitely find that it challenges your mind in a fun way
and your dog's ability, too. Give it a try next year! I will see you at the ring!
You can check out a
copy of the full rules of the games from the new 2010 UKA Rules and Regulations on the UKA Web
page:
www.ukagility.com
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