Spotlight On: AAC Gamblers

The Agility Association of Canada (AAC) is the largest agility association in Canada. AAC offers a range of agility levels and events for different skill levels.

The AAC is a member of the International Federation of Cynological Sports (IFCS), and works closely with other agility organizations around the world to promote the sport and ensure consistency in rules and standards.

This post focuses on the Gamblers Class: obstacles used, levels, and possible titles.

The objective of AAC Gamblers is to "demonstrate the handler's strategy and the dog's ability to work at a distance from the handler."

GENERAL RULES

Gamblers is split into two portions: opening period and closing period.

The objective of the opening period is to accumulate as many points as possible by completing each obstacle up to two times within the allotted time (40 seconds). The opening may contain "mini gambles" that can be completed at a distance for extra points.

During the closing period contains the "gamble" which must be completed at a distance within the allowed time. The time for the closing varies and is set by the judge. Veteran category and junior handlers get 20% more time to the regular / special category. Additional 2 seconds is added for Regular and Special mini division dogs.

To qualify:

• Earn minimum number of points in the opening period

Level	Category: Regular & Special	Category: Veteran & Junior Handler
Starters	20 points	16 points
Advanced	20 points	16 points
Masters	28 points	22 points

• Perform final gamble sequence with no faults and within the time allowed

POTENTIAL OBSTACLES AND POINTS

Point Value	Obstacles	Number on Course
1	Single jumps	unlimited
2	Spread jumps, tunnels, tire, chute, 6 weave poles, wall jump	unlimited
3	Contact obstacles	Required, two or three
4	"Judge's obstacle of choice"	Optional, one only
5	12 consecutive weave poles OR the dog walk	Required, one only

Final gamble obstacles CANNOT be performed in order during the opening period.

LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

LEVEL	GAMBLE DISTANCE	MINI GAMBLE	FINAL GAMBLE	PRE REQ
​Starters	10-14 ft	6 weave poles or 1 contact obstacle may be used but max of 3-5 ft from gamble line (in only one out of two) The weaves or contact obstacle must be placed parallel to the mini-gamble line	3-4 obstacles No weave poles or contact obstacles. 3 Obstacles: at least 18 seconds 4 Obstacles: at least 20 seconds	N/A
​Advanced	14 - 18 ft	Weave poles and contacts may be used.	3-4 obstacles Weave poles and contacts may be used. No less than 18 seconds	2 Q's under 2 different judges
​Masters	18 - 20 ft	Weave poles and contacts may be used.	3-5 obstacles Weave poles and contacts may be used. No less than 15 seconds	3 Q's under 2 different judges

POSSIBLE TITLES

TITLE	​PRE REQ	# OF Q's	​# OF JUDGES
​Agility Dog of Canada (ADC)	N/A	​3	2
​Advanced Agility Dog of Canada (AADC)	​ADC	​3	​2
​Masters Gamblers Dog of Canada (MGDC)	3 Advanced Gamblers Q's under 2 different judges	4	2