Frequently Asked QuestionsThis quick Q&A will hopefully answer most questions that might arise concerning the Triple Crown Disc Dog Championships > and address any concerns not covered on the other pages in this blog.
What Is The Triple Crown? The Triple Crown presents three separate disc dog trials. The three trials are "stand alone" events, which means that they are independant of one another. Each trial runs by its own organization (or club) rules and is not governed by, or affiliated with, the others. Competitors may enter one, two, or all three trials. But as an added bonus for those who choose to compete in all three, we decided to create a Triple Crown Award for the highest overall scoring team. The Triple Crown Award will be presented at the conclusion of the USDDN competition in Ottawa on August 22/09
Is This The Only Skyhoundz Qualifying Event In Canada?
At this time .... Yes. Under Skyhoundz rules and regulations you must compete in the Regional Qualifier in your own region of residence in order to earn a spot at the Worlds. This is the ONLY Canadian Qualifier at this time. However, U.S. competitors are allowed to compete for placements/awards, but are simply not eligable for qualifying spots. So just to clarify .... if there are 4 qualifying spots available and a U.S. competitor(s) wins first and second place, the qualifying spots roll down to 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place Canadian teams.
How Many Qualifying Spots Are There At The Skyhoundz Regional Qualifier?
There are 4 qualifying spots in D/A; 4 qualifying spots in freestyle; 2 qualifying spots in Pairs; and 2 qualifying spots in MicroDog. If you compete in the "Expert" division you ARE competing for a qualifying spot. The only way not to compete for a qualifying spot is to compete in either novice or veterans. To be eligable to compete in Novice you have to have not placed 4th or higher in another qualifier. If you qualify and you choose NOT to attend the World Championships in Chattanooga, your spot does not roll down to the next person in line. The spot is lost completely.
Is There Anywhere Else I Can Go To Qualify For The Skyhoundz Worlds?
Yes. There are 4 Open Qualifiers held in the U.S. Go to www.skyhoundz.com for information on dates/locations
Do I Have To Compete In THIS USDDN Qualifer To Qualify For National Finals?
No. You can compete in any USDDN Qualifer in Canada or the U.S. to earn a qualifying spot for the USDDN Nationals. And you can compete in as many USDDN Qualifiers as you like. For example, if you don't qualify at one trial, you can try again at another trial. The closest U.S. Qualifier to Ontario will be in Conneticut, hosted by the Yankee Flyers Disc Dog Club. However, there are several others to choose from as well.
How Many Qualifying Spots Are There At The USDDN Qualifier?
There are 5 qualifying spots in the Super Open Freestyle division, plus 2 alternate spots. In the Super Pro Toss/Fetch there are 5 qualifying spots plus 2 alternate spots. Nationals competition spots that are not filled by qualifying teams, will be offered to alternate teams.
Do I Need To Do TWO DIFFERENT ROUTINES If Competing In Both Skyhoundz & USDDN?
No. A good freestyle routine will encompass all the necessary elements required by the USDDN. And these elements, although not specified by Skyhoundz, are the same things that will score you well in Skyhoundz. The main difference is going to be the allotted time for your routine (2min for USDDN and 90 seconds for Skyhoundz) and the number of discs that you are allowed to use. In Skyhoundz you are allowed "up to" five discs, while in USDDN you are allowed "up to" ten discs.
Are There Other Differences That I Should Be Aware Of?
Yes.In Skyhoundz there is a MicroDog division for dogs 16" or under at the wither or under 25lbs in weight. If you enter the MicroDog division you MUST use the smaller discs. However, you are not required to enter the MicroDog division. You can enter the regular division and run with the big dogs. And in the regular division you can still use the smaller discs if you so wish. Any size of dog can use any size of disc in the regular divisions in Skyhoundz. Additionally any make/model of plastic disc that is safe for the dog, is allowed in Skyhoundz competition. In the USDDN there is not currently a small dog division. However, dogs that are 15" or smaller at the wither are allowed to use small discs. They are not required to do so because it is not a separate division, but they have the option to do so. Skyhoundz allows all makes and models of plastic discs that are considered safe for the dog. In the USDDN there are some disc restrictions. You are allowed Fastbacks, Hero Discs, Dogstar Discs, and Hyperflite K-10 (aka Competition Standard) Discs. The heavier model discs such as Jawz, Hero Extras, and Euroblends are not allowed in competition. Skyhoundz D/A (aka toss/fetch) is 60 seconds to score as many points as you can. USDDN Super Pro Toss/Fetch gives you 90 seconds to score as many points as possible and only your five best throws count towards your final score. This is just a scoring difference > the game is the same for the competitor ..... just stand and throw
Do I Have To Be An Advanced Player to Participate In These Trials?
No. The Canadian National Disc Dog Championships will offer several competition divisions again this year. Novice A for novice dogs with experienced handlers; Novice B for novice dogs with novice handlers; Open; Veterans; Youth; MicroDog; and Mini MicroDog. Skyhoundz also offers a novice division and a veterans division. And the USDDN will also be offering both novice & qualifying divisions.
If I Choose To Compete in the additional FDDO trial on the August weekend, Will My Dog Be Too Tired To Compete Three Days In A Row?
Only if he/she is really out of shape. Let's face it > even if not competing, you are going to practice everyday before the trial. And most of us practice longer than we are out on the trial field. You are looking at having your dog out on the field for a maximum of five and a half minutes per day (7 if you are competing in Pairs on Monday) spaced out. So 2min here. Maybe a minute an hour later. And a couple of minutes an hour or more later. Those who do demo's know that is MUCH easier than doing three or four demos a day in which the dogs are performing in multiple events in each show. And many of our Ontario competition dogs are involved with these demos & shows and do just fine for days running. Not to mention running multiple flyball races per day over the course of a weekend or multiple agility runs. So this should not be a concern at all. We will have baby pools available all day long for the dogs to cool off in; and the hose will be available all day long as well.
What Should I Bring To The Show Site To Make My Day More Comfortable? Well most of us travel and trial in many dog sports during the summertime & will already have a good idea of what we need to bring. But for the novice's here are some suggestions:
- lawn chairs
- shade tent
- shading sheets for your dog(s) crates
- battery operated fans
- pop/water/snacks for the humans in your group
- crates &/or xpens for your dogs
- drinking water for the dogs (if you don't want them changing water sources)
- snacks for the dogs (to keep their energy up)
- suntan lotion
- frisbee's
- vaulting vests
- cooling beds &/or cooling coats for the dogs
- $$ for shopping
- comfortable shoes
- camera's and video cameras to catch all the action!
