Is it time to introduce a new
piece of equipment to agility?
 There is a
proposal to be discussed at the next Agility Council to introduce a new (actually old) piece of
agility equipment called the Spin Pole. It was used in the
original
course at Crufts 1978 and could make a come back. This is an explanation of what it
is and how it would work.
The objective is
for the dog to pass around the spin pole on the side indicated by the arrow. See examples
below. The dog would be faulted if it passes the imaginary line 90 degrees to the dog’s natural
approach to the pole on the side opposite to which the arrow is pointing. It would be marked as
a refusal if the dog passes the line of the pole on the wrong side.
Description
The Spin Pole would consist of a pole 100mm to 130mm in diameter and 2m to 2.05m high attached
to a circular base 460mm to 480mm in diameter. It is suggested that the pole be welded to the
base. The base should have fixing holes to ensure that the pole will not be knocked over. On
the pole should be a moveable arrow, to indicate which way the dog has to round the pole. The
pole can be wood or plastic, will be light to carry, and reasonably cheap to produce.
 Is
it safe?
There appears to be no reason for the obstacle to cause a danger to the dog. However, there
is a thought that tight turns around a pole may cause problems back problems to large dogs.
What does it do to show the agility of the dog?
It shows the ability to turn in the direction indicated by the handler. It also
shows the dog is under control
What are the advantages?
There has been very few new obstacles in the past few years, and this one will give
judges another opportunity to turn a dog in the direction he/she requires, without having to
use hurdles, tunnels etc.
What are the disadvantages?
Will be difficult for some handlers to
get to the right position to handle the dog, especially those with mobility problems. May be
difficult for starter dogs
Decision
There are pros and cons for this obstacle. It will be nice for judges to have
something new to test a dog and handler. There is also the nagging doubt over some handlers not
being able to get to the obstacle in time to direct the dog. It has also been suggested that it
may be a problem for larger dogs with long backs. No doubt there will be lots of arguments for
and against at meetings, but the decision is yours, so please study it, and let your
representative know your feelings.
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First published 5 May 2009
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