Dog parkour is only as safe as YOU make it!

 

Dog parkour is intended to be an accessible sport to both dogs and humans. Dog of all ages and breeds (or mixes!) are welcome. Dogs with disabilities of any kind are able to participate as long as they can do so safely. In order to demonstrate the spirit of parkour and promote the ideals of exploration, handlers may no longer repeat the same behavior with the same obstacle in submissions with different dogs. Each time a specific behavior is performed with the same handler, it MUST be with a different obstacle. This applies to ALL titles.

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Safety:

Not following any of these rules will automatically result in a non-passing score. We reserve the right to give a dog a non-passing score if a dog seems overly fearful or stressed, or if we feel that there is a safety risk at any time.

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• Must be wearing harness with leash (if using) clipped to back. Harness width straps must be appropriate for the size of dog (minimum 1 inch straps for all but the smallest dogs). We've liked the harnesses you can find through Ruffwear and Hurtta. If there is a leash, it has to be on a harness and handled in a safe manner at all time. If the dog is off leash, it has to both be in a safe area and performing a behavior that doesn't require spotting due to being at low height or a simple maneuver with low risk. The harness may be removed for obstacles that are done at ground level (under, through, etc).

• Demonstrate proper spotting technique. Should be able to catch or lower dog to safety if needed. If you would like more assistance with spotting, check out our Spotting Webinar.

• If off leash, must be in safe area. Proper spotting must occur at all times.

• If on leash, the leash should be 4-6 ft (1-2 meters) in length, no flexi leashes. Long lines are highly discouraged as they easily get caught and harshly stop a dog in the midst of a movement. This has the potential to be quite dangerous both physically and mentally for dogs. Long lines may be used for sends occurring in busy areas, but must be appropriately and carefully managed to avoid dangers to people and dogs.

• Shoulder height rule is ALWAYS in effect. No dog should jump down to hard surfaces (concrete, rock, asphalt, etc) from anything higher than their shoulder height for any reason. If jumping down to soft surfaces (dirt, rubber, etc) this may be increased to twice shoulder height or no more than 42” (1.1 meters). When in doubt, opt for safety! Dogs may be carried or lowered down if this can be done so safely and comfortably. If they can’t be carried, an alternate route down must be found. Dogs under the age of 18 months (Training level only) should not jump down from anything higher than their stopper pad. Dogs must be shown getting on and off obstacles.

• Dogs must perform all obstacles independently and with confidence. All behaviors must be intentionally cued. Handlers may touch their dog at any time in order to ensure safety, but they may not lift or pick up a dog and put them on an obstacle. The only time picking up a dog is allowed is to safely remove a dog from an obstacle.

• No prong collars, choke/slip collars, shock collars, slip leads or head halters. Properly fit limited slip and martingale style collars are acceptable. Judges must be able to tell what type of collar a dog is wearing in all videos, this means that items such as bandanas or collar covers are not allowed.

• Demonstrate appropriate inspection of obstacles for safety and only ask dogs to interact with safe obstacles. Watch out for slippery obstacles or unsafe surfaces.

• Dogs must be seen getting safely and confidently onto and off of obstacles (this is from ground level to ground level)

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Obstacles:

• Playgrounds may be used if playground rules permit, but remember they are the kids playgrounds first. If a kid approaches, move your training elsewhere. If a kid is already on the playground, move your training elsewhere. At no time should a dog be doing parkour on a playground with kids present. This is for the safety of both the kids and the dogs and to show respect for the environments that give us the ability to train this sport. Respect for the environment must be demonstrated at all times.

• Agility equipment may be used sparingly, but we highly encourage you to use and find other obstacles. If agility equipment is used the use must be minimal and it must be used in a novel or non-traditional manner.

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Titles:

• Treats may be used in any level, but cannot be used as a lure. Corrections may not be used at any time. Multiple cues may be given, but if a handler has to give more than 2 cues, more training is needed and a non passing score will be given.

• Videos should only include one unedited repetition of the behavior and should be 30 seconds or less in length unless otherwise noted. It is IMPERATIVE that we see how a dog gets onto and off of an obstacle.

• Videotaping may occur on separate days at separate locations.

• All dogs must be 18 months of age or older unless participating in Training Level. The Training Level is an optional level designed for dogs new to the sport, young dogs, old dogs, and dogs with physical limitations. All dogs must complete their Novice title before moving on to Intermediate.

• The same video may not be used twice for a submission, and the same obstacle may not be used twice for the same behavior (for example, 2 ft on a specific bench may not be used as part of creativity and then again as 2 ft on).

• Videos must have their original audio.

• Each time a specific behavior is performed with the same handler, it MUST be with a different obstacle. This applies to ALL titles.

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Obstacle Modification and Exceptions:

• Senior dogs (defined as dogs in the last 1/3 of expected lifespan for breed or size of dog), dogs with medical disability (veterinary note may be required) may request exemption from one obstacle and modification of one obstacle. International Dog Parkour Association must approve all accommodations before titles are submitted.