ASCA Programs
Obedience - Open to all dogs. The ASCA obedience program offers competition for all levels of obedience including novice, open and utility classes as
well as many various non-regular classes. The purpose of Obedience Trials is to demonstrate the usefulness of the dog as a companion of man, not
merely the dog's ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring. The basic objective of Obedience Trials is to produce dogs that have been
trained and conditioned always to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. The CD (Companion Dog) title is awarded
in the novice class. The CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) is awarded in the open class, and the UD (Utility Dog) is awarded in the utility class.
Agility - Open to all dogs. In 1995, after five years of development, ASCA incorporated Agility competition into its competitive programs. ASCA Agility is
open to all breeds. There are three titling classes: Regular, Jumpers, and Gamblers. The three levels offered are Novice, Open, and Elite. Within the
program there are three divisions: Standard, Veterans, and Junior Handlers. An Agility Trial Champion (ATCH) title is a goal these dogs can work
toward in all Divisions. This fun and challenging team work sport offers great competition. Most dogs enjoy the sport of agility. Although it may look
easy, it takes a lot of time and training for a dog and handler to become a team.
Rally - Open to all dogs. ASCA Rally is a sport that focuses on the partnership and teamwork that develops between the dog and handler. Rally trials
are designed to showcase not only the ability and relationship of the team, but also the camaraderie between exhibitors. Dog and handler teams are
required to perform a course consisting of a set of exercises designed by the Judge according to these regulations. All teams are held to the same
standard of performance. Courses are to be executed as one continuous performance, moving fluently between stations. While a team is on the
course, they should exhibit accuracy, briskness, and smoothness, as well as enthusiasm and enjoyment. Above all, an exhibitor should exhibit good
sportsmanship toward both their dog and other exhibitors. We welcome any breed including mix breeds to enjoy the program.
Herding - Open to all herding breeds. The purpose of the ASCA Stockdog Program is to preserve and promote the instinct of the Australian Shepherd to
be a versatile stockdog, showcasing the natural working ability of the breed through the use of certification programs for challenging trialing disciplines
on several classes of stock. ASCA has a stockdog rule book which is updated bi-annually; the rulebook may be ordered from the ASCA business office.
ASCA also has a Stockdog Committee to oversee the program and questions can be directed to this Committee with regard to the function and
purpose of this Program.
Conformation - Australian Shepherds Only. The ASCA Conformation program is designed to promote the exhibition of ASCA registered purebred
Australian Shepherds and award those that conform to the ASCA Breed Standard. This standard of judging was accepted and approved by the
membership in 1977. In the last 5 years, over 100s of ASCA Sanctioned Conformation Shows were held throughout the United States and
Internationally. The Conformation Program has two classifications in which to compete for Championship points. One for Intact dogs and bitches; and
another for Altered (spayed/neutered) dogs and bitches. Both Programs utilize the same rules and regulations, with one minor variance: to allow the
competition of spayed/neutered dogs within its own division. ASCA is the first dog registry to actually allow altered dogs/bitches acquire
Championships.
For more information on these programs, refer to ASCA's site.
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