All obstacles used in NADAC-sanctioned competitions must meet NADAC specifications.
Obstacles must be constructed so as to be safe and reliable when used by the smallest or the largest of dogs expected to train or compete on that equipment. Equipment builders should always have safety as the primary concern when constructing equipment.
Contact obstacles should always provide a non-slip surface that provides good traction for the dogs without being so rough as to damage the dog’s pads. Surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis so that dogs will not slip when performing these obstacles.
Most equipment builders have found that products such as Skid-Free, No-Skid, Skid-Tex, Deck-Tec or other such products will provide a better traction surface than using a large, coarse sand mixture. Most of these products, when mixed heavily with paint, will provide a non-slip surface that also works well when wet.
Rubber surfacing may be used, but MUST be first approved by NADAC.
All contact zones must be have a clear line of demarcation 42” from the bottom of the ramp.
This may be done by painting the lower 42” with yellow paint or applying a minimum of a 1” white line at the 42” point on the contact ramp.
Slats are not allowed on the contact equipment.
The following table lists the heights of each of the contact obstacles, along with the widths and lengths of the ramps of each of those obstacles. Also listed is the length of the yellow contact zone for each obstacle.
|
Ramp Length |
Ramp Width |
Height |
Contact Zone |
A-frame |
8’ or 9’ |
3’ to 4’
|
4’8” for 8’ ramps 5’ for 9’ ramps |
42 inches |
Dog Walk |
11’6” to 12’
|
11.25” to 12” (12” recommended) |
46” to 50” |
42 inches |
Weave poles shall be of rigid construction, no less than 20" from the center of one pole to the center of the next pole and no more than 24" from center to center.
Spring-based weave poles or non-rigid poles are not allowed in NADAC.
The base of the weave poles shall be no more than ¾” in height and no more than 4” in width.
There shall be no rough or protruding edges along the base of the weave poles, nor any bolts or nuts in an area which a dog may step on while weaving. Consideration should be taken for the many sizes of dogs which will be using the weave poles.
The weave poles shall be 41”-48” in height. The width of the poles shall be ¾”-1” in diameter.
The diameter (opening/exit) of the open tunnel shall be approximately 24”. The length shall be no less than 10’ and no more than 20’. Tunnels should be of a 4” pitch. Tunnels not in good repair, those with holes, loose threads, or do not stay open with tunnel holders (i.e. the openings collapse frequently and easily) should not be used because they pose a safety hazard to the dogs.
NADAC recommends saddle bag type tunnel holders be used for all NADAC classes. Twenty pounds of sand or three gallons of water in each bag has proven to be sufficient to hold tunnels in place. Tunnel snugglers, “Omega” holders, or holders with flat plates and straps are acceptable.
Bungee cords or chains are not allowed. Metal “cradle” type tunnel holders are not allowed.
The tire jump shall be comprised of a framework and a two part circular tire. The tire is to be suspended in such a way that if a dog, from the side, the bottom, or the top, hits the tire the bottom portion shall displace. The top portion may or may not displace, but shall not present a hazard to the dog and will not cause the frame to turn over.
The material used for the tire shall be comprised of a plywood/foam sandwich or similar lightweight material so that the tire will retain its circular shape and still be very lightweight and easily displaceable. The tire should not be so heavy as to cause injury to a dog because of its weight.
The heights of the lower inside portion of the tire are adjustable so it can be suspended at the appropriate height (8/12/16/20”). The inside diameter of the tire shall be 20” to 22”.
The tire shall create the visual appearance of a complete circular tire. There is to be an upper framework over the top of the tire to provide support. The side supports shall only be wide enough to suspend the tire, but not so wide as to allow a dog to pass between the frame and the tire.
All jumps are to be 4’ to 5’ wide with uprights a minimum of 32” high and adjustable for the jump heights: 4”, 8”, 12”, 16”, and 20”.
Bars must be easily displaceable, and may be made of wood, plastic or PVC. There shall be a minimum diameter of ¾” for jump bars. Jump supports may be constructed of any solid material.
The same specifications as above apply, with the addition of side wings or other support standards. Wings should be free of sharp or hazardous edges and shall be a minimum of 6” to 12” higher than the highest jump height to be used.
Two bars per jump are required for all winged and non-winged jumps