ASDR DASH Program
DASH is a pass/fail event that tests the ability of the dog to run straight on a 100-yard course while following a lure. It is open to any pure- or mixed-breed dog registered with the American Stock Dog Registry. Dogs run alone, show little attention to distractions and must show enthusiasm. Their time will be converted to MPH, earning points based on their speed with consideration for their height handicap. To pass, the dog must complete the course without interruption. A dog relieving itself before it crosses the finish line will result in a fail.
Dogs must be 12 months old to compete in DASH
For the dog’s safety, all dogs competing must not use any assistance apparatus and must not be vision impaired.
Bitches in season may participate but must be run back-to-back at the end of the trial, keeping in mind a rest time for the dog. A 10-minute break in between runs is required but a longer time may be taken in warm/hot conditions. The owner, Judge, or ASDR Official can request more time.
A dog may only be entered once per trial (there may be multiple trials in a single day).
An owner or handler entering any DASH event is doing so at their own risk and assumes all responsibility for any damage to facilities or persons, caused by themselves or their dog(s).
By completing an entry the owner/handler agrees to abide by all rules and regulations.
All events require a Hunt Master. The Hunt Master oversees all releases, ensuring the handler understands safe release and retrieval procedures, will position the lure, and shall ensure that the Lure Operator and Timers are ready prior to the release. The Hunt Master will signal the start of the race at the startline. After ensuring everyone is ready, the Hunt Master will signal to the Lure Operator to move the lure, once the lure is moving, they will then yell “Tally-ho” and the dog can be released. Dogs should not be released until the handler hears the “T” in Tally-ho. If there is a premature start, the Hunt Master will notify the handler and Judge, and a re-run will be issued if the handler chooses. The Hunt Master will also be in charge or replacing the lure as needed.
The Lure Operator is in charge of operating the lure. The Lure Operator starts the lure at the signal from the Hunt Master and will stop the lure gradually after the finish line. The Lure Operator will attempt to position the lure in front of the dog at all times at an acceptable distance (if you prefer a further distance, please let the Hunt Master know prior to your run and understand that the lure machines are not precision instruments). The Lure Operator shall stop the lure on a signal from the Hunt Master or Judge, but shall automatically stop the lure should a dog become entangled in the string or any situation occurs that they deem to be potentially dangerous. More than one Lure Operator may be used during an event. If the judge deems any operator showing preference to particular exhibitors/breeds they may be removed from the position. Any concerns regarding fairness must be brought to the Judge’s attention IMMEDIATELY following the run, and the Judge’s decision is final.
An Inspection for lameness and fitness to participate will be required before each run. Inspections will take place before the dog has any form or wrapping on and jackets must be removed from the dog. Any dog found to be lame or unfit to participate in the opinion of the Inspector shall not be allowed to enter the racing lane and will be given a 10 minute time for re-inspection. A fail at the second inspection will result in a scratch for that run. Dogs that have never been measured by ASDR will need to do so before running. This will be done at the general check-in table and must be complete during check-in hours. Dogs that are physically challenged due to the loss of limbs are eligible to enter and should be treated the same as a four-legged dog. A dog that is exhibiting a state of well-being and no signs of physical discomfort in the opinion of the Inspector and appears to have the ability to safely run should be considered safe to participate.
Junior Handlers are allowed to catch or release dogs, but must be able to keep their dog under control at all times or must be accompanied by an adult that can control the dog.
Dogs may wear any collar during their run except a choke collar. Collars with prongs and electronic training collars are not allowed for any ASDR event. Choker collars may be used to bring the dog to the start line, but must be removed for the run. Any collar left on should be snug to minimize the chances of getting caught on something during the run and it is recommended tags be removed. Tags may also be taped to the collar to minimize the likelihood of getting snagged. The owner or handler assumes responsibility for the dog’s safety in regard to the dog’s collar and paraphernalia. Head halters, harnesses and gentle leaders may be used on the grounds but must not be worn while running the course. Dogs may run muzzled but they must fit appropriately and not have any sharp or hard edges.
Weather is an important safety consideration as the safety of participants and animals are of the utmost importance. Extreme weather such as lightening, strong winds, extreme heat or cold, snow, or heavy rain can create hazardous conditions. In warmer conditions it is recommended that hosts have cooling stations for the dogs, like misting stations or kiddie pools. It is the hosts along with the ASDR officials’ job to determine whether an event needs to be halted, postponed or canceled and when it shall resume. Any refunds due to cancelations or postponements shall be left up to the decision of the show hosts.
Results will be submitted via tablet and it is the handler’s responsibility to ensure they have received their corresponding email BEFORE they leave trial grounds. Any missed email not notified of to the Ring Steward will be considered a scratch and points will not be given.
It is recommended that a test dog be run prior to the event to test that equipment, timers, and grounds are in good working condition and all personnel know their roles. Prior to running the lure for this test run, the Lure Operator will inform exhibitors of the movement by announcing “hold your dogs”.
A start box will be clearly marked on the ground (10 feet behind the start line). Dogs can be released from anywhere within this box as long as they are behind the start line and have at least their 2 front feet inside of the box. Prior to the start the lure will be at rest and once it starts to move the dog can be released. Releasing the dog as the lure passes the dog is not allowed.
A safe run out must be provided by the host. A minimum of 30 yards are required, but 50 yards are suggested. A catcher is required at the end of the run to catch the dog. Dogs should be under control and able to be caught in a timely manner. Should a dog run back down the course to the start line, the releaser may catch the dog, but they may not recall the dog back to them with the intention of not using their catcher.
The time to complete the 100-yard dash will be recorded to the nearest 1/100th of a second (0.01s). The preferred method of timing uses break-the-beam electronic timers, but in the case of a failure, two stopwatches can be used as a backup. If stopwatches are used, there shall be two timers positioned at the finish line, an individual shall signal the start at the start line with an arm drop the moment the nose of the dog crosses the start line, indicating timers to start. The times from the two stopwatches shall be averaged to determine the recorded time. The time shall end when any portion of the dog crosses the finish line.
Both drag or continuous loop systems are allowed. When using a continuous look system the “return” string and lure must be set outside the running course. The return string must be on the opposite side of the lane from the exit gate and located where it will minimize spectator interference. Spectators must remain at least 10 feet back from the edges of the running lane and are not allowed to interfere physically or vocally with any run (no calling, whistling, cheering, running, etc.). Interference will result in run Failure and potential removal from the test grounds per the judgement of the Judge and/or Trial Hosts. The lure operator and the lure equipment for either system shall be safely positioned in an area that does not interfere with the retrieval of the dog at the end of the run. A backup machine is required for the event in the case that one lure machine should fail. For hosts using drag lures, retrieval devices to return the lure to the start line must be located at least 30 yards from the finish line and must be on the side of the course.
The lure will consist of a white plastic bag /s or a squawker. A squawker is defined as a type of lure that may or may not make noise. Hosts using a squawker instead of a plastic bag should be aware that it may prematurely break the beam of the timer.
The course is the area from the back of the start box to the end of the run-out. It is recommended that the course be on a natural surface covered by grass. Soft sand or dirt are also acceptable for the course with the understanding that times on these courses may be slower. The course must be essentially flat and straight. A tape measure must be used to create course distance; no form of measuring wheel may be used. Any potential hazards must be removed from the course. The entire course must be enclosed with fence. The fence must be at least 4 foot high and made of a substance as to prevent dogs from accessing or escaping the course.
Handlers are not permitted to travel down the 100-yard course during or just prior to the dog’s run. Releasers are to simply release the dog in the start box and may not run with the dog. Catchers are allowed to run within the catchment area as their dog is running the course but may not cross the finish line. Either releaser or catcher crossing the start or finish line will disqualify the run and will NOT result in a re-run. Toys, treats, or other enticing items shall not be used during the dogs run, but can be used to catch the dog after they have crossed the finish line. Any situation that is brought into question regarding this rule will be decided by the ASDR official and will most likely result in a disqualification. Calling the dog is allowed at the finish line.
After the course has been complete the time is recorded and then will be converted to MPH. The following formula will be used:
204.545/dog’s time=MPH rounded to the nearest hundredth.
For example – for a dog with a time of 9.12 seconds, their MPH is 204.545/9.12= 22.43.
A handicap system is applied to a dog’s MPH to determine the number of points earned. The handicap system will be based on the height at the wither’s measured by an ASDR official.
18” or greater = 1.0
14”-17.99” = 1.5
13.99” and below = 2.0
To get your total number of points multiply your MPH by your dogs multiplier.
For example a 15” mini aussie would have a handicap of 1.5 thus the number of points earned will be – 22.43 MPH x 1.5 =33.645.
Titles are earned based on the accumulating points in the following orders and amounts:
Level 1 – 100 points
Level 2 – 300 points
Elite – 500 points
Bronze Elite – 750 points
Silver Elite - 1000 points
Gold Elite – 1500 points
Grand Elite – 2000 points
Supreme Grand Champion – 2500 points
Supreme Grand Champion Elite – 3000 points
Supreme Grand Champion Copper – 3500 points
Supreme Grand Champion Titanium – 4000 Points
Supreme Grand Champion Bronze – 4500 Points
Supreme Grand Champion Silver – 5000 Points
Supreme Grand Champion Gold – 6000 Points
Supreme Grand Champion Platinum – 7500 Points
Points can be earned at events held through other clubs (such as AKC clubs) and will go by other names (like FastCat). When attending an outside event all rules by that venue will supersede any ASDR rules including but not limited to bitches in season rules. To submit points you must submit proof of times ran via email to showsecretary@americanstockdog.org at title intervals and will require a $25 titling fee along with completing the titling form. To earn Grand Elite Champion or any supreme level dogs must earn at least 20 points at an ASDR hosted event. Titles earned at ASDR hosted events will have no titling fee.