We are so excited to welcome you to the hilariously fun world of Fast CAT! What do you need to know to make your dogs Fast CAT event a success? In this post, I’m going to be sharing the most important tips and information that everyone starting with Fast CAT needs to know.

While each event has specific information that pertains that a single event, for the purpose of this post we will cover events generally and tell you where to find specific information for the event you have registered to attend.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Notable AKC rules

• Prong and E-collars are not allowed on any portion of the AKC test site grounds under any circumstances
• Unacceptable collars during runs are choke, pinch, prong, martingale or e-collars
• Bitches in heat are not allowed to compete in Fast CAT trials
• Handlers cannot run down the course ahead of their dog for a qualifying run
• The dog must have catcher in place in the Catch Area
• Handlers are allowed to call the dog from Catch Area
• Handler cannot recall their dog from the Catch Pen to the Start Line
• Handlers cannot entice their dog with treats or toys as an incentive to run within the timed Fast CAT field, once the dog crosses the timing poles a toy/treat can be used to distract the dog
• The AKC CAT & FAST CAT Official Rulebook can be downloaded by clicking here.

The Premium List

The event Premium List is your go-to guide for all the information you will need to make your specific event a success. You can find the Premium List on the event registration page so please download and read prior to the event.

Need to Know

• Dogs run at owners’ sole risk
• Dogs should be walked prior to running trial to warm up and after to cool down
• Dogs must be on lead or crated unless running at trial
• Outdoor events are rain or shine unless lightning or other hazardous weather is in the immediate area

Required Upon Arriving 

• Check in with your dog at the Registration table
• Have your dog inspected by an AKC Club representative prior to their run
• Line up for Roll Call

What to Bring with You

• Bring a friend with you to help release and/or catch your dog, or make a friend while waiting for your run
• You will need 2 leads, one for the Releaser and one for Catcher
• Adequate hydration and shelter from the elements for you and your dog

Fast CAT Field Layout

Fast CAT Terms

• Bag Hit – Dog catches and attacks the bag during their run. This is encouraged as you want your dog to be motivated by catching the lure. We have plenty that can be replaced so let your dogs have fun.
• Bunny Hop – 50-yard run for dogs less than 12 months old to get them interested in the game.
• Catcher – Handler stands in the Catch Pen to wait for their dog to finish their run. Although it is called the Catch Pen, you are not actually supposed to catch your dog while they are actively chasing the lure/running. Once they stop chasing/running, then catch them.
• Catch Pen – The run out area past the finish line. Handler stands to wait for their dog to finish their run.
• Day Of Entry- A dog who registers to run the same day they arrive at the event.
• Finish Line – The 2nd set of timing poles to stop the timer once the dog crosses them.
• Fun Run – A timed non-qualifying run, no points are accumulated.
• Huntmaster – Staff/Volunteer that prepares the dog for their run.
• Lane/Course – The 100-yard Fast CAT track.
• Lure Operator – Staff/Volunteer that runs the lure down the lane for the dog’s run.
• Lure/Bunny – Set of 2 white, plastic garbage bags tied to the string.
• NQ – Non-qualifying run.
• Pre-Register – A dog that registered their dog online to run prior to the event start date.
• Qualifying Run – A timed run that accumulates points towards an AKC title.
• Releaser – Handler that releases the dog once they hear Tally Ho!
• Start Box – 10-foot run up allowed for the dog to get up to speed before the timer is triggered.
• Start Line – Place your dogs two front paws on the white line closest to you when starting your run.
• Tally Ho! – The Huntmaster’s cue to release your dog to run
• Timer – The electronic timing system consists of an electronic timing box managed by the BKC staff and two timing poles at the Start Line and two at the Finish Line to records your dog’s run duration.
• Timing Poles – Two are located at the Start Line (starts the electronic timer) and two at the Finish Line (stops the electronic timer) to records your dog’s run duration.

Roll Call

Each event will have a specified Roll Call time shown in the Premium List and runs begin 15-30 minutes after Roll Call.

First Come, First Served

Black Knights Coursing does not run in time blocks. We partner with several other event vendors and have found time blocks to conflict with other events in the same show such as Confirmation, Barn Hunt, Agility, etc. We want you to run when it is convenient for you and works with your schedule.

Day Of Entries, Fun Runs & Bunny Hops subject to change

Black Knights Coursing reserves the right to limit or eliminate Day of Test entries, Fun Runs and Bunny Hops each day depending on weather, temperature, and staff/volunteer availability. This does not apply to pre-registration runs submitted online prior to the event.

Wrapping it up

SHOO! That’s a lot of information I know but don’t worry. We are with you every step of the way. If at any point you have any questions please just ask one of the BKC Staff/Volunteers or AKC Host Club members for assistance. We want you and your dogs to have a blast running with us and we are so happy you are here! Be sure and check out our Guide for Incredible Fast CAT Photography for our pro photographers to create awesome images you will cherish for a lifetime.