Eligibility

Foundation Level – Open to dogs and handlers that have not competed in any competitive dog sport. Dogs and handlers may remain at this level unless they qualify Novice or above in UKDS.

Beginner Level - Open to dogs and handlers that have not competed in any competitive dog sport UKDS foundation level excepted. Dogs and handlers may remain at this level unless they qualify Novice or above in UKDS.

The above two levels are designed to encourage participation by those with no experience of dog sport, and should be within the capabilities of any breed.

Smaller dogs will have the clear jump reduced (see Agility section) and no qualification is required to enter these two levels, but it is expected that dogs will be of good temperament and under control.

It is possible that dogs and handlers may never progress beyond this level of competition and this is the reason why two comparatively basic levels are offered so that they may continue to compete within their capabilities.

Novice Level - Open to dogs and/or handlers who have trained in other disciplines e.g. agility, flyball, scentwork, rally, obedience, hoopers. Open to all dogs that have not qualified at Intermediate level or above in UKDS, or equivalent level in another discipline.

Novice is a level intended for dogs and handlers new to UKDS competition, and should be judged as such, with the emphasis on practical happy working partnerships.

Intermediate Level - Open to all dogs that have not qualified at Advanced level or above in UKDS or worked higher in another discipline.

Advanced Level - Open to dogs and handlers that have qualified Intermediate level in UKDS.

Both the Intermediate and Advanced Levels are set at a progressively higher standard to encourage participation by serious dog sport enthusiasts.

Expert Level – Open to Dogs that have qualified Advanced level UKDS.

It is envisaged that this level will prove challenging, exciting and fun for those handlers that have qualified the other levels and are looking for something new to do with their dogs.

At all levels the Clear Jump height will be reduced to 1ft (30cm) for dogs under 15 inches.