Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

Member Notices

• ADAA 16th AGM Notice - added 12 September 2011
  
  Notice is hereby given that the sixteenth Annual General Meeting of the Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd is to be held on 3rd October 2011 at the conclusion of judging and prior to commencement of presentations at the ADAA Grand Prix to be held at AELEC Equestrian Centre, 503 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth, NSW, 2340.
  
  > Download the Notice of AGM (PDF)
• South East Qld Notice - Kennel Cough - added 16 July 2011
  
  South East Qld members are advised that the Board has been notified of a dog (puppy) diagnosed with kennel cough on 11 July 2011. This puppy attended the BADC competition the previous weekend, puppy kindy, herding and also an ANKC competition, therefore the source is unknown. At this stage we have not been advised of any other dogs with symptoms (nor are any other dogs in the same household showing symptoms) however if you were at the BADC comp we recommend that you be vigilant.
  
  Members are strongly encouraged to make themselves familiar with both ADAA's Contagious Diseases Policy
  http://www.adaa.com.au/_policies/POL-MEM-031-Canine-Contagious-Diseases-Policy.pdf
  and Frequently Asked Questions
  http://www.adaa.com.au/_policies/POL-POL-002-ADAA-FAQs-for-Members-080905.pdf
  
  Despite its name, dogs don't have to be in kennels to contract Kennel Cough. It can be picked up any time they are contact with an infected dog (before and after it is showing symptoms itself) and/or its secretions. As we get closer to the Grand Prix, we ask members to report any incidents (whether or not you are entered in the Grand Prix) to the ADAA Secretary and Chairman, as that allows other members to decide the risk for their own dog(s) in participating in any activities (including ADAA) and to seek advice from their own veterinary surgeon if uncertain.
  
  With thanks for your assistance
  
  Cathy Slot
  ADAA Chair
• Membership Renewals were due on 30 June 2011 - updated 16 July 2011
  
  Membership renewals were due on 30 June 2011. Remember, only Financial Members of ADAA may enter ADAA competitions and all Owners of dogs entered in ADAA competitions must also be Financial Members. If you are not, not only will you be in breach of ADAA’s Regulations, you will also forfeit all Clear Round and/or Qualifying Certificates earned, so it is definitely in your interests to ensure that your membership is up-to-date. Please check your last membership/renewal advice for your membership expiry date.
• Agility Regulations Release - added 08 January 2010
  
  The Board is pleased to advise that the Agility Regulations 9th Edition have been finalised/released. With this new edition of the Regulations, ADAA continues to not only be a part of the global Agility community but also meet the needs of all of our Members, whether they are new to Agility or “seasoned” hands with experienced dogs. 
  
  Available for download, the 9.0 Edition of the Agility Regulations (PDF 1.25 mb) will be implemented with an effective date of 15 January 2010.  View the Summary of Changes (PDF 44 kb) implemented in Agility Regulations 9th Edition, January 2010.  It is strongly recommended that members read this prior to participating in competitions on or after 15 January 2010.
• Canine Contagious Diseases Policy - FAQ for Members - added 06 January 2010
  
  Members are advised that the Interim Kennel Cough Policy FAQ has been replaced by the Canine Contagious Diseases Policy FAQ.  View all ADAA Policies.
  
  > Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PDF file (143kb)
  > Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PowerPoint file (151kb)
• Canine Contagious Diseases Policy - added 30 August 2009
  
  Members are advised that the Interim Kennel Cough Policy has been replaced by the Canine Contagious Diseases Policy (PDF 37 kb).  View all ADAA Policies.
• FAQ / Kennel Cough - updated 30 August 2009
  
  PLEASE NOTE:  The Interim Kennel Cough Policy has been replaced by the Canine Contagious Diseases Policy (PDF 37 kb).  The below information is retained for reference only.
  
  In order to assist members, the Board with the assistance of Damian Noud, has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document. This document is particularly focussed on ADAA's Interim Kennel Cough Policy however will be regularly updated with other essential member information. The FAQ's has a lot of explanatory information about Kennel Cough, what to look for and understanding the policy. All members are asked to read through the document at your earliest convenience:
  
  > Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PDF file (143kb)
  > Download the ADAA FAQ for Members as a PowerPoint file (151kb)

  We have received the following advice from Lorraine McKay, Vic (with permission to advise ADAA members).
  "Two of our dogs have come down with Kennel Cough on the Tuesday after the ANKC Nationals (Vic). It looks like it was picked up at Hastings trial the week before but it is very contagious a few days before the dogs begins to cough, so for all of you at the Nationals beware!!! watch your dogs carefully!"
  
  Whether you were at the ANKC Nationals or not, it is an opportune time to remind members that Kennel Cough can be transmitted any time there is contact between an infected dogs' saliva/excretions (whether it is coughing at the time or not) and another dog. Usually it is dog-to-dog however if you have been in contact with a dog with Kennel Cough, good hygiene habits are definitely important. Dogs that have been in contact with a dog with kennel cough are not excluded from ADAA events however dogs with kennel cough (and dogs in the same household) are excluded from ADAA events for a minimum of 21 days. ADAA must be advised (i) to assist us to assess/review the effectiveness of our interim kennel cough policy and (ii) so that we can let other members know to enable them to manage any risk to their own dogs.
  
  If you haven't already done so, please also read ADAA's Interim Kennel Cough Policy.

• Competition Incident Reports - added 29 May 2008
  
  Members are reminded that it is their obligation to report incidents of dog aggression, harsh handling or bad sportsmanship that they witness anywhere within the Competition precinct (excluding in the ring) to an officiating Judge. Rule 16.5 In such an event, a Competition Incident Report form is available from the Competition Secretary or Judge. This form must be completed by the Member and signed off by the officiating Judge.
  
  View the Competition Incident Form (PDF 22kb)
• Interim Kennel Cough Policy Notice - updated 30 August 2009
  
  PLEASE NOTE:  The Interim Kennel Cough Policy has been replaced by the Canine Contagious Diseases Policy (PDF 37 kb).  The below information is retained for reference only.
  
  The Board of Directors has undertaken a risk assessment review of ADAA's current contagious diseases restrictions with respect to Kennel Cough. The Board has identified that there are significant factors, outside ADAA's control, that reduce the effectiveness of the current restrictions (including cancellation/postponement of competitions and/or ADAA club training) adhered to by ADAA members for Kennel Cough. Therefore the Board has developed an interim alternate policy for Kennel Cough that is effective immediately.
  
  ADAA's interim Kennel Cough policy is as follows:
  
  - Any dog(s) that have kennel cough are to be quarantined from all ADAA activities (including affiliated group activities) for 21 days from onset of clinical signs. This "quarantining" is to include all dogs within the household/under the same roof.  Note: in a multiple dog household, all dogs in the household will be quarantined for the full 21 day period, provided that no other dogs in the household develop clinical signs. If other dogs do develop signs, the 21 day quarantine count will then restart on the first day of clinical signs for each subsequent dog affected, thus extending the total quarantine period for the whole household.
  
  - A dog is not required to have veterinary diagnosis/certificate/clearance prior to being excluded from activities or returning to ADAA activities, however members should comply with any veterinary/professional advice they receive.
  
  - The ADAA Chairman and Secretary must be advised as soon as possible (and certainly within 24 hours) from onset of clinical signs of Kennel Cough.
  
  - There is no blanket "quarantine" on other dogs that have been in potential contact/near dog(s) that have been identified with Kennel Cough. The "quarantining" is only for dogs that have been identified as having Kennel Cough and other dogs within the household.
  
  - The Board reserves the right to cancel/postpone Competitions/Events, exclude dogs that have been at affiliated group training from ADAA competitions/events and/or request that affiliated group(s) cancel training if, in the opinion of the Board, there is an outbreak that is widespread and/or poses an unacceptable risk to dogs.
  
  - Withdrawal of a dog from an ADAA activity/event due to onset of clinical signs of Kennel Cough (with or without veterinary certification) will be treated in the same manner as any other illness/disease for the purposes of refunds. Please refer to ADAA's refund policy (PDF) together with the official schedule for the relevant event(s). This includes a dog(s) that a member wishes to withdraw from an event due to their own risk management, provided this advice is received prior to the scheduled commencement of the event or within four days (96 hours) of their receipt of notice of incidence from ADAA, whichever is earlier.
  
  When there is an incidence of Kennel Cough, all members and affiliated group contacts will be advised. It is the owner's responsibility to decide the risk for their own dog(s) in participating in any activities (including ADAA) and to seek advice from their own veterinary surgeon if uncertain. The Board (nor any of ADAA's representatives) does not give veterinary advice and will not accept liability for the owners' decision to participate with their dog.
  
  It is the Board's intention to review the effectiveness/outcomes of this interim Kennel Cough Policy towards the end of 2008.
  
  Please note that the current contagious diseases restrictions will apply to all diseases except Kennel Cough:
  - Any Dog that has had contact with an infectious disease (including being present when a dog with an infectious disease has been at a location at the same time, or in contact with others dogs that have been in contact with a dog with an infectious disease) is excluded from any Competition for 18 days post contact.
  
  Members are reminded that Kennel Cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is spread through nasal secretions and shared drinking water much like the common cold in humans. The disease is characterised by a hacking cough which often sounds as if the dog has something caught in its throat. Kennel Cough is usually not serious and can be easily treated with antibiotics and cough suppressants. It is recommended that if any signs of this disease in a dog are noticed, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted.
  
  The main risk of infection will always be by aerosol and direct contact. Dogs that have been in contact with an infected dog will be the main source of infection to other dogs, and remember that these infected dogs may be pre-clinical, post clinical but still shedding, or asymptomatic shedders of infective agent(s).
   "Aerosol or direct contact is considered the main source of exposure. clinical signs usually develop 3-5 days after initial exposure."
  "Isolation of dog affected with infectious tracheobronchitis from other animals is to be encouraged. Infected dogs may transmit the agent(s) before onset of clinical signs and afterwards until immunity is developed."
  "Shedding of the causative agent(s) of infectious tracheobronchitis in the respiratory secretions of dogs that are asymptomatic undoubtedly accounts for the persistence of this problem in kennels, grooming salons etc"
  
  The above quotes are from the following sources:
  "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine" Stephen Ettinger & Brett Kantriowitz"
  "Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis" Johnny D. Hoskins
  References: Bemis, DA, Bordetella and mycoplasma respiratory infection in dogs. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract 1992;22:1173-1186. Ford RB, Vaden SL, Canine Infections Tracheobronchitis In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious diseases of the dog and cat. Philadelphia: WB Saunders 1990: 443-452.
  
  With thanks for your assistance and due diligence in ensuring that the risk to ADAA members' dogs is minimised.
• ADAA Refund Policy - added 20 February 2008
  
  The ADAA Board of Directors recently obtained advice regarding ADAA’s Refund Policy and has updated the Policy to ensure that its application is clear. Members are advised that no payments will be accepted unless they are accompanied by an acknowledgement that the applicant/member has read and accepted ADAA’s Refund Policy. Therefore would you please ensure that you destroy any old forms as these do not include the acknowledgement and cannot be accepted (so as to avoid any disputes).  All current guidelines and associated forms will be linked on ADAA Policies page and available for download in PDF format.
• Agility Stewards Training Notes and Questionnaire - added 13 January 2008
  
  The "Training Notes for Stewards" booklet (PDF 718 kb) was updated in January 2008 and is available for download.  Learn all about Stewarding for an ADAA Agility Competition. Covers scribing, scorekeeping, timing, calling, running and assisting stewards for the various Tests and Events on offer at an ADAA Competition. Complete the questionnaire at the end of the notes and send to ADAA. If you score 80% or higher you will receive a lovely certificate from ADAA acknowledging your efforts to improve the proficiency of competitions / stewarding.
  
  Download the "Training Notes for Stewards" booklet (PDF 718 kb)
• Junior Members Participating in an ADAA Competition - added 14 September 2007
  
  Junior members who own a dog entered in an ADAA Competition, or who are handling a dog entered in an ADAA Competition, will need a Parent/Guardian to fill out a permission slip.  This slip is to be submitted along with the dog(s) entries to the club holding the competition.  Download the Junior Parent/Guardian Permission Slip for Competition Participation - 8kb.
• ADAA Policies
  
  ADAA is in the process of developing guidelines and reviewing existing policies. All current guidelines and associated forms will be linked on ADAA Policies page and available for download in PDF format.
• JHOT Registration
  
  Juniors wishing to be eligible for Junior Handler Owned & Trained Certificates need to complete and lodge the JHOT registration form - further information can be found in Section 6 of the 8th Edition of the ADAA Regulations.
• Entering a Competition
  
  In order to enter a Competition the Owner(s) and Handler(s) must be a member of, and all Dogs registered with, ADAA as at the close of entries (excluding late entries). Membership number and Dog registration number must be included on all entries. Please ensure that all Competition entry forms are signed by the owner, especially when the dog is to be handled by another person.
• Agility Judge Training
  
  The information regarding the ADAA Agility Judges' Training Programme has been updated.  Judges who successfully complete the initial programme are recognised as Level 1 judges and are not responsible for designing courses (you can Judge using courses supplied to you by ADAA). The course design process is learnt as part of the progression to a Level 2 judge.  Course design and the art of course nesting is an important component of being an ADAA judge. This skill is developed over time.
• Official ADAA Competition Entry Forms
  
  Official ADAA Competition Entry Forms are now available in Word and Excel formats for download.  The PDF form is still also available.
• ADAA Mobile Phone: 0423 138 914. 
  
  ADAA has a mobile phone for use for general queries etc.
  This is also for use at events in Qld, eg Pet Expo etc.  The mobile should be the first point of reference for all telephone enquiries.
• ADAA Chat and ADAA Email Notices.
  
  Keep in touch with other ADAA Members, and receive ADAA updates by email.  Details are on our Email Services page.
• Improved Ring Efficiencies
  
  Due to the increase in numbers at competitions it has become more important to streamline the process of competitors through the rings.
  
  For each ring, 3 witches hats (or similar) will be set up for the next 3 dogs to stand beside. The next dog to run will be at the start line, collar removed, under control and ready to go. Once that dog leaves everybody moves up one place. A running order board will be placed at the marshalling area. Those already lined up are requested to call out for the next dog that is to precede to the last witches hat. If everyone helps then the process moves efficiently.
  
  If someone is delayed in another ring, then everyone should just move up and that person can slot in whenever possible. Handlers are to announce themselves to the scribe before their run to ensure that their details are entered correctly.
• Conditions of Entry
  
  REMINDER: Viruses/Diseases Policy – any dog who has contact with an infectious disease, eg Kennel Cough, are excluded from any ADAA sanctioned event for 18 days post contact. If a dog on club grounds is established as having an infectious disease, then all dogs on the ground are excluded from ADAA events for 18 days.
• ADAA / SHAG Equipment - NSW
  
  The 2 sets of equipment loaded onto the ADAA trailer in Sydney are available for hire at the cost of $50 per day, plus delivery costs. If entry fees for the competition exceed $4 per event then the hire fee is $150 per day. A Bond of $200 is payable for each hire.
• Competition Secretaries
  
  Important Notice: Competition Schedules are now to be sent whenever possible in electronic version to chairman@adaa.com.au and secretary@adaa.com.au Fees and all paperwork should still be sent to the secretary at the normal office address. See the Clubs Info page for links to forms etc.

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