Finnish Working Dog Association – Statement regarding jump hurdle in working dog trials

The hurdle presented in the IGP regulations for utility dog trials of the FCI to be enforced on 1 January 2019 has caused lively debate among dog sports enthusiasts in Finland. A concern about the safety of the hurdle has been brought up in the debate.

Finnish Working Dog Association (SPKL) is an active player in the decision-making process of the FCI regarding the regulations. In the first commenting round related to the IGP process, SPKL presented as its opinion that the hurdle type made from fabric which is currently in use should be kept also in the new regulations. SPKL repeated this opinion on the construction of the hurdle (hurdle with a fabric body, no swinging or loose parts) also in the second commenting round. However, the Utility Dog Commission of the FCI decided on a hurdle type consisting of a fixed bottom part (80 cm) and a pendulum type top part (20 cm) which will not become detached on impact.

The new IGP regulations specify a three-year transition period for the use of the new hurdle type. During this transition period, its use is only mandatory in IGP championship and qualification competitions. The Utility Dog Commission will no doubt consider both proposals made during the transition period for the development of the hurdle construction, and any safety problems detected in its use. The Commission has already informed SPKL that due to the confusion which appears to exist regarding the construction of the hurdle, the matter will be addressed in the next meeting of the Commission in September 2018.

The Board of Finnish Working Dog Association has decided to present the new international IGP regulations of the FCI to be enforced on 1 January 2019 to the Finnish Kennel Club for adoption in Finland. Accordingly, the obedience part of also our national working trial disciplines will be carried out in compliance with the international regulations of the FCI. Should the Utility Dog Commission of the FCI in its meeting in September decide on a hurdle type that involves obvious safety issues (such as the non-detachable pivoted top part referred to in the regulations at present), the use of the hurdle during the three-year transition period will in Finland only be allowed in IGP qualification trials. SPKL will during the transition period assess, based on the international experience gained of the new hurdle type, whether there is a need to consider any changes in the Finnish trial system.

For more information about this matter, please contact the Chair/Deputy Chair of the Board of Finnish Working Dog Association.