Juniors Scholarship Program
We have some good news to share with our families with kids 12-21 in their household. GASC implemented a sponsorship program in 2006. Applications must be received by mid-October each year for consideration (See details). If you do not have access to the internet, please contact Flo McDaniel (619-537-2462) or Diane Bettis (636-451-3001) to receive a copy by U.S. mail.
For more information, click here.
Obedience - Open to all breeds.
The ASCA obedience program offers competition for all levels of obedience including novice, open and utility classes as well as many various non-regular classes. The purpose of Obedience Trials is to demonstrate the usefulness of the dog as a companion of man, not merely the dog's ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring. The basic objective of Obedience Trials is to produce dogs that have been trained and conditioned always to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. The CD (Companion Dog) title is awarded in the novice class. The CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) is awarded in the open class, and the UD (Utility Dog) is awarded in the utility class.
Agility - Open to all breeds.
In 1995, after five years of development, ASCA incorporated Agility competition into its competitive programs. ASCA Agility is open to all breeds. There are three titling classes: Regular, Jumpers, and Gamblers. The three levels offered are Novice, Open, and Elite. Within the program there are three divisions: Standard, Veterans, and Junior Handlers. An Agility Trial Champion (ATCH) title is a goal these dogs can work toward in all Divisions.
This fun and challenging team work sport offers great competition. Most dogs enjoy the sport of agility. Although it may look easy, it takes a lot of time and training for a dog and handler to become a team.
Rally-O - Open to all breeds.
ASCA Rally is a sport that focuses on the partnership and teamwork that develops between the dog and handler, referred to in these regulations as the "Team." Rally Trials are designed to showcase not only the ability and relationship of the team, but also the camaraderie between exhibitors. Dog and handler teams are required to perform a course consisting of a set of exercises designed by the Judge according to these regulations. All teams are held to the same standard of performance. Courses are to be executed as one continuous performance, moving fluently between stations. While a team is on the course, they should exhibit accuracy, briskness, and smoothness, as well as enthusiasm and enjoyment. Above all, an exhibitor should exhibit good sportsmanship toward both their dog and other exhibitors.
Herding - Open to all breeds.
The purpose of the ASCA Stockdog Program is to preserve and promote the instinct of the Australian Shepherd to be a versatile stockdog, showcasing the natural working ability of the breed through the use of certification programs for challenging trialing disciplines on several classes of stock. ASCA has a stockdog rule book which is updated bi-annually; the rulebook may be ordered from the ASCA business office. ASCA also has a Stockdog Committee to oversee the program and questions can be directed to this Committee with regard to the function and purpose of this Program.
Conformation - Australian Shepherds Only
The ASCA Conformation program is designed to promote the exhibition of ASCA registered purebred Australian Shepherds and award those that conform to the ASCA Breed Standard. This standard of judging was accepted and approved by the membership in 1977.
In the last 5 years, over 100s of ASCA Sanctioned Conformation Shows were held throughout the United States and Internationally.
The Conformation Program has two classifications in which to compete for Championship points. One for Intact dogs and bitches; and another for Altered (spayed/neutered) dogs and bitches. Both Programs utilize the same rules and regulations, with one minor variance: to allow the
competition of spayed/neutered dogs within its own division. ASCA is the first dog registry to actually allow altered dogs/bitches acquire Championships.
For more information on these programs, see the full descriptions on ASCA's site.
For information about competing with a breed other than an Australian Shepherd in any of the performance events, visit ASCA's site.
The above descriptions are taken from ASCA.org