What is the AKC Agility Course Test?

The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry level agility event. The goal is to provide a run, low pressure, and supportive venue to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to agility sports. You get to test or show off your dog’s beginner level skills as you and your dog navigate around obstacles in a competition ring.

The whole point of ACT is that it takes place in a comfortable and supportive learning environment. BACM will have folks on hand to guide you through the process, offer your tips and hints to success, and be on hand to cheer for the team of you and your dog. Participants will gain hands-on, guided experience for the sport, ranging from how to fill out an entry form and check in ringside to how to handle your dog in and out of the ring at an event. We will teach you what you need to know successfully participate in the Agility Course Test or to move on to AKC Agility trials with your dog, should you choose to pursue that.

Visit the AKC website for more Agility Course Test information

Have questions about this event?

Use our contact form to reach out to our ACT Chair, Linda Cummings.

AKC Agility Course Test at BACM

Location:
YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS
7753 US HWY 212, ROBERTS, MT, USA

Date:
JANUARY 10, 2026
OPENS at 10 a.m. • FIRST DOG at 11 a.m.

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM

Enter early or on the day of the event. Walk-ins welcome!

Get Ready to ACT!

There are two types of ACT Courses: ACT Standard and ACT Jumpers. Level 1 of these courses is designed for beginning dogs to show basic sequencing and performance skills. Level 2 requires a higher skill level, as shown by an more and different types of obstacles.

The time allowed for each course is 50-70 seconds. For the standard courses, the team must have no missed contacts or dropped bars. No obstacle should be attempted more than three times, and the team should have no more than three wrong courses. For the Jumpers courses, the team must have no more than three attempts at an obstacle or three wrong courses. Run-outs or refusals are not judged in these courses.

If you finish two qualifying scores (“Qs”) in ACT1/ACTJ1, you can compete in ACT2/ACTJ2 on the same day.

Are you and your dog feeling proficient? There is no need to start with Level 1. You can start with ACT2 or ACTJ2 right away. You can mix and match runs, but two successful runs at any type and level are needed for a title. In other words, two successful runs in ACT1 will yield a title. But, a successful run in ACT1 and ACTJ1 will not. These solo qualifying runs will not evaporate. They can be added to later successful runs for an ACT title.

Note to experienced Agility competitors: If you qualify for any ACT titles, you can later enter Novice A classes if you are otherwise eligible.

This is an inforgraphic that explains the two types of ACT Course and the two levels of competion available for each. ACT 1 is a standard course in which a team completes a course of 10-12 obstacles. Allowed obstacles include: A-frame, table, jumps, tunnel. For ACT 2, the team must complete a course of 11-13 obstacles. Allowed obstacles include A-frame, teeter, jumps, spread jumps, tunnel, and weave poles. ACT J1 is a jumpers course in which a team must complete a course of 10-12 obstacles. Allowed obstacles include: bar jumps, panel jumps, tire, and tunnel. ACT J2 offers a course of 11-13 obstacles. The allowed obstacles include: bar jump, weave poles, tunnel, panel jump, spread jumps, and tire. For each title the team must attain two qualifying scores.

Practice and learn in the real environment

What You’ll Do

  • Run in a trial-like environment
  • Learn how to fill out an entry form
  • Find out about checking in at the ring
  • Discover the ins and outs of entering and exiting the ring
  • Get tips on handling your dog while being judged
  • Have your dog measured
  • Learn about helping roles at a trial
  • Earn AKC titles for your dog

Who’s In?

  • Anyone with a dog that is at least 15 months old can enter.
  • Pure-bred and mixed breed dogs are welcome.
  • You can compete with your dog in ACT, provided your dog has not earned any Agility titles.
  • It’s good if your dog mostly knows basic skills. It’s good if he knows his name, how to come when called, and how to wait or stay.
  • Dogs must be registered with the AKC to register their qualifying runs with the AKC, but don’t need to be registered at the time of entry.
    • If you already have registered your dog with the AKC, great!
    • If not, we will help you with the paperwork. We send the application for you with your Agility Course Test (ACT) results.
    • If you just want to take part in the event for the fun of it (no title), no AKC registration is needed. You’ll still get to keep the ribbons your team received.
  • You can continue to compete in ACT1 and ACTJ1 for a long as you like. This is true even after your team has qualified for a title at level 1. Once your dog has a Q at level 2, he no longer is eligible to compete at level 1.
  • You can continue to compete in ACT2 and ACTJ2 until your dog has obtained a title in any AKC class (T2B, Premier, Standard, Jumpers, or FAST).

What Can My Dog Wear While in the Ring?

What collars or harnesses are acceptable?

Your dog can run with or without a collar. If you choose a collar, it must be a flat buckle or rolled leather collar with no attachments or tags hanging down. You may bring your dog to the start line wearing a slip lead, choke collar, martngale, body harness, head halter, or other collar and remove it at the start line. At no time may your dog wear a pinch/prong collar, an electrical collar (dummy or live), or special training collar.

Is a leash permitted?

Yes, handlers can bring their dog to the start line on leash. The leash may have an ID tag and a single pick-up bag attached to it only. You may give your leash to the ring steward at the start line, keep it fully contained in your pocket, or wear it crossbody. Dogs must enter and exit the ring on leash.

Can my dog wear hair tie backs?

Yes, any dog whose hair over its eyes or ears interferes with vision or hearing may have their hair tied back.

Can my dog have artificial coloring?

Yes, within limits. Dogs with artificial coloring that covers no more than 1/3 of their coat may compete. Coloring below the hocks or elbows must not be yellow (as a safety precaution). Coloring must be in good taste, contain no profanity, and not conflict with a sponsor at the trial. The judge has final say on whether the coloring is acceptable.

Can my dog wear anything else in the ring?

No! Your dog may not compete while wearing things like boots, vet wrap, pants, PJ’s, sweaters, or jackets. Dogs who have medical stitches should heal before competing and may not compete while they have medical stitches.

What if I have other questions?

BACM will have people ready and eager to answer your questions at the event.

If you are eager for information, you can see Regulations for Agility Trials and Agility Course Test (ACT), specifically Chapter 4, Sections 9–13, for more details.

CLICK FOR AKC REGULATIONS

What is Agility?

In brief, Agility is a sport that requires a team of a dog and a handler. The challenge is to negotiate an obstacle course within a set amount of time. It is fun for both the human and the dog. It is a good way to bond, and a great way to exercise. Obstacles include an A-frame, a dog walk, a table, a tire, a tunnel, various types of jumps, and weave poles. 

You don’t have to enter competitions to enjoy Agility. You and your dog can take an agility class or two. Or, your team can enjoy practicing with the equipment. These activities also offer many benefits for you, your dog, and your relationship.

Some teams start the sport just for fun, only to catch agility fever and become lifelong competitors!

ACT is Social!

Check out the AKC ACT Program on Facebook.