The Leash Agility Skill Certificate was created by Laurie Ann Bone, President of Agility Cat Canada (ACC). Leash Agility Skill Certificates were first earned by cats and their owners who were attending Cat Agility Training Classes in Port Moody, British Columbia, hosted by ACC, in October 2005.
Briefing
The goal of this skill certificate is to complete a Clean Run on the Basic course while the cat is on a harness (or collar) and leash, in less than 3 minutes.
The first obstacle must be the ladder walk, and three holes are required (some ladders are fixed lengths with the five holes used on the Advanced course, as are weave poles fixed at five). The course continues in a circle using the standard Basic layout.
This agility skill certificate is primarily designed to demonstrate the calm control and comfort of the cat when walking on a leash.
A special disqualification applicable only to the Leash Agility Skill Certificate is towing or lifting the cat using the leash. At all times the leash must be limp, with the cat doing the moving unassisted.
Eligibility
Kittens at least 3 calendar months old or any age adult may earn a Leash Agility Skill Certificate, whether or not the cat has already earned a Crazy 8 Agility Skill Certificate or an Agility Cat title at any level. As with all ICAT ring activities, handlers may be adults or juniors age 10 or over.
Course Design
Leash Agility Skill may be done on these ICAT courses by rearranging the obstacles into the Basic layout. The 6 feet tunnel must be shortened to 3 feet (two strings work well). The half-hoop should be used instead of the full hoop if available. It is suggested Leash Agility Skill obstacles (except weave poles of course) be moved to the edge of the arena, as a helpful aide to guiding the cats. Three ladder holes and three weave poles need to be done, entering the weave from either side is permitted. The bar jump should be set to the lowest height, two bars.
Leash Agility Skill Certificate
Accomplishing a Clean Run on the Basic course while on leash qualifies for a Leash Agility Skill Certificate under ICAT rules. The Clean Run earned on leash may be applied toward earning an Agility Cat title, but not to earning the Crazy 8 Agility Skill Certificate. The AO mails a list after each event of cats and handlers who have earned certificates and completed clean runs on the various courses, and payment from the owner can be mailed then or the owner may do it online. Registration of the cat with ICAT as an Agility Cat is required in order to receive the Leash Agility Skill Certificate award. The owner can do this the same day as earning it. The certificate is mailed to the owner after confirmation of completing the registration and ring requirements.
