Agility jump height for small dogs and weave question.

BTW he is about 2 years and 8 months.

georgie4682

Benny is about 12" high at the shoulder, so how high maximum will he jump in trials and such? 

In AKC he would jump 12" or 8" if he ran in the preferred classes.

As to the weaves, I suggest you look up some past threads, there are some really good training concepts discussed.

 USDAA he would jump 12" Championship or 8" Performance. In CPE, if he is 12" or less, 8" jump height.  If he's taller than 12" (by a judge's measuring) then he'll jump 12".

I'll chime in with the NADAC viewpoint.  :)  It's the same as the rest, though -- Benny would jump 12" in preferred and you could do 8" in skilled.  At your dog's age, I see no reason to not be doing at least 8" in class.  You can keep jumps on the low side when you are working on handling skills, but he is old enough that he should be working up to full height in basic exercises.

For building jumps, you can let your husband know that jump cups are set at 4", 8", 12", 16", 20" and 24" heights.

In regards to the weaves, if you have a set at home the easiest training tool for you would be guide wires.  This would keep your training methods similar to that which you are using in class.  The guide wires will still offer your dog a physical barrier/tool, but will be more open than an x-pen.  I found mine pretty cheap online by doing a Google search.

Thanks everyone!  I'm not really sure why we aren't jumping higher in class...hopefully soon though. 

georgie4682

Thanks everyone!  I'm not really sure why we aren't jumping higher in class...hopefully soon though. 

What is the surface you are training on.  That has a lot to do with what height you jump when training.

At home I'll be out in the yard on grass.

At training, it's some sort of padded flooring, it's very squishy.

georgie4682

At home I'll be out in the yard on grass.

At training, it's some sort of padded flooring, it's very squishy.

I don't see any reason why he can't learn using full height jumps.  He is old enough and it sounds like the surfaces aren't too hard.

One last comment on jump heights....if Benny is anything over 12" (when he gets officially measured by a judge)  he would jump 16" in USDAA championship, or 12" performance.  my JRT, Zip is right at 12" so I have been holding my breath when he gets measured (at least until he turns 3 and can get a permanent card!)

Interesting.  Do they measure to the head or shoulders?

georgie4682

Interesting.  Do they measure to the head or shoulders?

Withers (shoulders)  Don't include the hair.