Welcome DCA competitors! We have an exciting and BUSY week planned. To help manage all of the events, we will be using the free app “Agility Gate”.

So you need to know when to walk your dog before their run? Is your conformation class going in the ring? Maybe grab some lunch and not worry about missing your run? At busy dog shows, getting your dog to the line in an efficient manner becomes more and more difficult. That’s where Agility Gate can help! We will be using the Agility Gate software for the DCA Events at the NEC this year. The Agility Gate software will be updated real-time at each venue to try and keep on top of the running order so you know when you need to be at the venue your dog(s) is competing. Especially for those performance events happening on the same day and possibly running at the same time.

Times have changed and shows need to adapt. We all want to play with our dogs at trials, but we need to make sure we do it as safely as possible. Shows have new protocols in place to keep people safe and distant, but how do you keep people from swarming the gate to check themselves in or see when they are supposed to run? That’s where Agility Gate can help!

Why Agility Gate? Rather than crowd around the gate sheets and be stressed about when to get your dog where, why not check-in your dog on your phone and see how far out you are from heading into the ring especially if you are crated away from the ring. It’s great for physically distancing at the gate during the virus pandemic, but also for those dogs who don’t need to get to the gate too soon.

Agility Gate will be used to run all the events. The app allows you to check-in, scratch from your run, or note a conflict.

Run orders are LIVE on the app during the event!

This amazing app will let you know who is currently competing, who is up next, and how many dogs are up before you. You can keep track in REAL TIME while in your car or finishing up another event!

Will there only be the app?

Not at all, our wonderful volunteer gate stewards will continue to call out names just like in the past, but the app will allow you to check in on the run order and see how the event is progressing.

What if I need to change the run order?

If you have multiple dogs entered and need your runs split up, talk to the steward with the iPad. They will move your dogs and the changed running order will be immediately available for everyone to see!

What if I don’t have a smartphone or tablet?

No worries! There will be a volunteer at each event with an iPad. You can check-in, pull your dog, or change run order with them.

What if the app isn’t working for me?

There will be volunteers running each event, just like in past years. They can help you manage your run order and ensure you’re ready to go!

How do I work it?

Download the app from the iOS/Android store. We will be sending out an email to each competitor with the gate code. You open the application on your phone, find the event, log in with the code. To check in, conflict or scratch, touch your dog’s name and swipe left. This means from the right side of the screen to the left side of the screen. The run orders/groups will be live on the app the morning of the event. Check yourself in or scratch yourself or even mark yourself as having a conflict and see the gate update in real-time. Hopefully, this will help you and your dog perform their best at DCA! Most importantly, GOOD LUCK to all handlers and dogs competing!”

If you have any questions please let me know. Super excited!
Laurie Isaacson