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What is SprintDog™?
SprintDog™ is one of the newest dog sports recognised by Dogs Australia, officially launching in 2024. It's one of the easiest and most accessible sports to get started in, making it the perfect introduction to the world dog sports for both dogs and handlers!
Based on FastCAT in the US, SprintDog™ is a timed 100m sprint, where the dogs chase a couple of white plastic bags on a string. If they're not interested in chasing the lure, they can simply run without it. Dogs do two runs per trial (200m all up) and must complete each run within 60 seconds. There are timing gates at both ends of the sprint zone, as well as backup timers just in case and the dog's speed in kilometres per hour, averaged over the two runs is used to determine how many points they receive. To make it fairer for the smaller dogs, dogs under 30cm tall at the shoulder are given a 1.5x handicap, and dogs over 30cm but under 45cm are given a 1.25x handicap meaning their speed in kilometres is multiplied by their handicap to get their final score. The sport is non-competitive so dogs never compete against one another, and instead the aim (as stated in the rules) is for dogs to have FUN! |
Quick Facts
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Training level required: ☆ (very easy)
Training type: try out day / recall training Equipment cost: $ (inexpensive) |
Overseeing body: Dogs Australia
Minimum age for competition: 12 months Breed restrictions: None! Open to all breeds |
What equipment do I need?SprintDog™ is one of the most affordable dog sports to get started in, as most people already have everything they need! Dogs must run either wearing a flat collar with no dangling tags or "naked" (without a collar), so all you'll need is either a standard flat collar and two clip leads OR if they run naked, two slip leads. You'll also need a number holder for both the catcher and the releaser, and many catchers choose to take a treat pouch or a favourite toy to reward the dog at the end. Outside of the ring, you will also need a crate or similar to keep your dog secure.
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How much training is needed?Very little! One of the biggest attractions of SprintDog™ is that most dogs require minimal training before they're ready to trial.
For dogs that naturally love to chase the lure, training is usually as simple as getting them used to being released at the start and caught at the finish. If your dog isn't interested in chasing the lure, or is a little unsure of it, a reliable long-distance recall is often all that's needed, as dogs are welcome to run without the lure. While there is no formal SprintDog™ training, many clubs hold Try Out Days throughout the year. These sessions are a great way to introduce your dog to the sport and help them become familiar with the start box, the trial environment, and everything they'll see and hear as they run in a trial. |
Titles
SprintDog™ titles are earned by accumulating points over multiple trials. The number of points awarded at each trial is based on the dog's average speed in kilometres per hour multiplied by their handicap.
Only the highest title a dog has earned is displayed as part of their registered name. For example, once a dog earns their SPRD title, their earlier N.SPRD title is no longer shown. The titles in order are:
Only the highest title a dog has earned is displayed as part of their registered name. For example, once a dog earns their SPRD title, their earlier N.SPRD title is no longer shown. The titles in order are:
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The first level of competition
Your first trialSprintDog™ trials are incredibly popular, so entries are usually filled either by ballot or on a first come, first served basis. The trial schedule will explain how entries are allocated, along with the opening and closing dates and, where applicable, when the ballot will be conducted.
At your first trial, your dog will need to be measured unless they are clearly over 45 cm at the shoulder. Once your dog has a height card, you can check in and collect your two matching competitor numbers - one for the releaser and one for the catcher. When the dog's number is called, both the releaser and catcher should be ready. The releaser will take the dog to the start box, while the catcher heads to the catching pen with the lead they'll use to secure the dog at the end of the run and a toy or a pouch with treats they may wish to reward the dog with. When instructed by the officials, the releaser will enter the start box, set the dog up on their preferred side of the string (never on or over it) and remove the dog's lead, throwing it clear of the string and the dog. Once the catcher is in position and the Sprint Marshall has confirmed the releaser is ready, they'll call, "Do not release your dog before the T in Tally Ho." and if a lure is being used, will signal the Lure Operator to send the lure down the sprint zone. When the Sprint Marshall calls "Tally Ho!", the releaser lets the dog go. After the dog crosses the finish line, the catcher simply clips or slips the lead back on, rewards the dog, and leaves the catching pen. |
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