what is time line for barrels

[Jackie Brasen]

They are being brought in as a entirely new piece.  If they would be replacing anything consistently, it would be U-shaped tunnels.

As for how they are performed.  For now they are being used as Bi-Directional obstacles.   So for the U-shaped tunnel example it would be performed in the exact same way as a tunnel, pick a side and go around it.  If your dog is quick and efficient on his turns he does it faster and gets a better time.  Inefficient and the inverse is true.   

I personally like the idea of the barrels as they will add a very large number of options to a course once they are being used to their full potential.  And for someone who has been doing agility their entire life, some new options are a very welcomed thing

I would gladly give multiple examples of how a barrel is used, but in my experience trying to explain something simplistically through a computer with my words...well it tends to get cluttered  

Next time I am out working with barrels I will shoot some video and get it uploaded for you guys to see some options.

Below is a youtube link of a Regular course with a barrel - this was at a funraiser. I think barrels integrated with 'normal' agility is easier to understand when you see it, even better when you experience it... the dog running this course had seen barrels a total of three times previous to running this course - twice at home the week prior we practiced with much smaller fold up laundry hamper style barrels and once the day of this run there was a barrel in the warm up area. His foundation training did include going around all sorts of objects.

But, the point is the dogs that day didn't really have a problem seeing a barrel on course. As is often the case it is more of a mental thing for the human side of the team. 

[DebbieRodden]

Thanks Chris and thanks Jackie for posting the video.  The barrel is being used exactly how I imagined it would on that course.  Definitely a new skill to teach my dog, we'll have to work on that in the backyard since we don't have them in class at all.

[Lisa Schmit In The Zone Agility]

Deb
Bring one to class and get people hooked on them   Don't say it is a new NADAC obstacle, but just another piece of equipment you are using !!!!

Most of us have used garbage cans for YEARs to send our dogs around.... this is no different

[Jackie Brasen]

Deb
Bring one to class and get people hooked on them   Don't say it is a new NADAC obstacle, but just another piece of equipment you are using !!!!

Most of us have used garbage cans for YEARs to send our dogs around.... this is no different

Exactly Lisa!! around trees, garbage cans, traffic cones, benches... we send out and around from day one. Deb you say this is a skill your dog doesn't have, I wonder though if you have encountered the similar setup that had a hoop that is wrapped? It's pretty much the same thing handling wise and almost the same for the dogs. Actually I think the barrel is an easier wrap for the dog than a hoop is.

Give it a shot, your pups may surprise you at how easy they think it is. & I'm with Lisa, don't call it a new NADAC obstacle. Bring one of the $6 leaf barrels to class and say it is a fancy new training method to help teach the dog and handler how to execute smooth wraps.  or something like that   

[Natasha Osborn]

I say, bring them on!  If you can draw a good path, you can run your dogs around barrels with no problems.  They are fun, safe and another great addition/vision by the powers that be at NADAC.  Give them a try and a chance.  You'll like them.  Remember the stink when hoops were introduced?  No ones complaining now! 
Natasha Osborn

[Lisa Schmit In The Zone Agility]

Oh Natasha I wish it were so..... I still hear complaining about hoops.       In fact my last trial, I had a new person come up to me and say that the hoops were not as bad as all her friends ( that would not come to nadac trial) said they were !  I told her also to make a hoop and bring it to class.    If I was quick thinking (damn I am getting old)  I would have given her a darn hoop !!!       

[DebbieRodden]

I also still hear complaining about the hoops too.  I could bring a barrel to class but my instructor shows NADAC so she probably knows they are coming.  Most of my current classmates however do not do much NADAC with the exception of one of them.  Savannah could probably figure it out after a few tries, I could use a target to at first for her.  Good idea on the leaf barrel, that is exactly what I'm going to get!  I'm trying really hard to get her qualified for Champs next year and if she makes it I'd like to make sure she is comfortable with barrels by then.

Deb and Savannah

[Jackie Brasen]

They have them for $6 at dollar general - they are a bit smaller (shorter & more skinny) than what you'll see at a trial but it's the same concept and seems to work as a good substitute for practice.

I too still hear complaints about hoops. I always offer directions on how to make them cheap and if at the trial point out that they are on the warm up area. It just varies, sometimes we can win them over, sometimes they are the type that live negatively and need to have something to complain about. Unfortunately NADAC is an easy target.


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[Sionnach]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned anywhere (entirely possible it's been mentioned & I just haven't seen it!), and would very much like to know: What are the specs for barrels? IOW, are they required to be a specific size and/or material? 

I'm training my dogs with a solid object, but have been hearing about people using lightweight "pop up" articles, and have also heard that lightweight pop-up ones can MOVE IN THE WIND. That, I'm a bit concerned about since it's liable to spook one of my dogs, and I'm not sure I could create the effect consistently enough in training  even if I tracked down a lightweight barrel.

Even aside from that, I'm planning to try and track down something as close to what will be official for our home training, and would like details of what the obstacle requirements are going to be, especially the circumference.

[Linda - Washington]

Where can we purchase pop-up barrels that are of the correct height/diameter?  What classes will possibly include a barrel as an obstacle? 

Linda H - Washington State

[Dave Worldsbesjrts Dad]

If your dog likes to run fast he and you will love barrels

[Sharon Nelson]

Where can we purchase pop-up barrels that are of the correct height/diameter?  What classes will possibly include a barrel as an obstacle? 

Linda H - Washington State

The barrels can be the soft, pop-up type or they can be rigid.  The barrels can be 18-24" across and 24-36" high.

Sharon

[Linda]

Hello,
Just wondering if we will be seeing barrels in the courses at Champs 2013 in Springfield?