Rules and Regulations
| barkour_rules_and_regulations_ver_2.3.pdf |
Download the Rulebook Version 2.3 Effective January 6, 2025
Or read rules below
Or read rules below
Forms:
|
Printable Barkour Exercises Summary (Parkour Track)
| ||
|
Printable Barkour Fitness Track Summary
| ||
|
Barkour Fitness Track Log Excel Spreadsheet
| ||
|
Dog Registration Form
| ||
|
Title Application Form
| ||
Introduction
What actually is parkour? Parkour is seeing one’s environment in a new way, viewing objects not as obstacles to get around, but rather as features to interact with. Typical moves involve over, under, on, across, and through. Human parkour became a distinct discipline in the 1990’s but traces its roots back to martial arts and military obstacle course training. Canine parkour is much newer and modifies many of the moves to make them safer for our four-footed friends. It is fun for both the dog and human halves of the team, and requires no special equipment other than a harness, leash, and human imagination to create physical challenges with the environment.
Training canine parkour skills utilizes many different muscles, including those rarely exercised by traditional dog sports. In fact, the cross-training effects of parkour are the perfect complement to other dog sports such as agility, lure coursing, FAST CAT, Nosework, and even Obedience and Rally. And combining this with endurance training (walking/running) creates a sounder, overall fitter canine athlete that can excel at any sport. Your dog will be in the best shape of their life with Barkour!
How It Works – the Parkour Track:
Each level, from Beginner through four levels of Superb, has ten to twenty parkour exercises per level. Introductory-level exercises may seem very easy but are designed to build strength and confidence to lead up to more difficult ones. Read through the requirements for each level and ask any questions to the Barkour Canine Fitness Facebook group or via email at [email protected]. There is also a printable exercises list for quick reference while you are training. Teach each of the exercises to your dog using positive reinforcement such as luring, shaping, clicker-training, or any combination thereof. When your dog can perform an exercise with one or two verbal commands and no treats, you are ready to video. Make a video recording of you and your dog completing each exercise (these can be done as the dog learns them and not all on the same day) and upload your videos to YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox. Please read the Video Rules section to ensure your videos meet the requirements before submission. After you have completed the videos for all the exercises at that level, you are ready to submit your application and earn your Barkour title. Your dog must be registered with Barkour before we can process your title, but there is no fee for registration and it can be submitted along with your title application.
Training canine parkour skills utilizes many different muscles, including those rarely exercised by traditional dog sports. In fact, the cross-training effects of parkour are the perfect complement to other dog sports such as agility, lure coursing, FAST CAT, Nosework, and even Obedience and Rally. And combining this with endurance training (walking/running) creates a sounder, overall fitter canine athlete that can excel at any sport. Your dog will be in the best shape of their life with Barkour!
How It Works – the Parkour Track:
Each level, from Beginner through four levels of Superb, has ten to twenty parkour exercises per level. Introductory-level exercises may seem very easy but are designed to build strength and confidence to lead up to more difficult ones. Read through the requirements for each level and ask any questions to the Barkour Canine Fitness Facebook group or via email at [email protected]. There is also a printable exercises list for quick reference while you are training. Teach each of the exercises to your dog using positive reinforcement such as luring, shaping, clicker-training, or any combination thereof. When your dog can perform an exercise with one or two verbal commands and no treats, you are ready to video. Make a video recording of you and your dog completing each exercise (these can be done as the dog learns them and not all on the same day) and upload your videos to YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox. Please read the Video Rules section to ensure your videos meet the requirements before submission. After you have completed the videos for all the exercises at that level, you are ready to submit your application and earn your Barkour title. Your dog must be registered with Barkour before we can process your title, but there is no fee for registration and it can be submitted along with your title application.
How It Works – the Fitness Track:
The Fitness Track has the same levels as the Parkour Track, and the two complement each other. This track has required walking/running distances per week that increase with each level to help build your dog’s endurance. There is a printable Fitness Track Summary Sheet for quick reference and a Fitness Track Log Excel spreadsheet to help track your walks/runs. Each distance must be documented using a smart watch, phone, activity tracker, etc. and this proof (screenshots or pictures) submitted with your title application. Read the Fitness Track Walk/Run Rules for additional information. Your dog must be registered with Barkour before we can process your title, but there is no fee for registration and it can be submitted along with your title application.
The Fitness Track has the same levels as the Parkour Track, and the two complement each other. This track has required walking/running distances per week that increase with each level to help build your dog’s endurance. There is a printable Fitness Track Summary Sheet for quick reference and a Fitness Track Log Excel spreadsheet to help track your walks/runs. Each distance must be documented using a smart watch, phone, activity tracker, etc. and this proof (screenshots or pictures) submitted with your title application. Read the Fitness Track Walk/Run Rules for additional information. Your dog must be registered with Barkour before we can process your title, but there is no fee for registration and it can be submitted along with your title application.
Definitions
Definitions of Parkour Obstacles and Reuse:
Parkour obstacles are everywhere in the environment and as creative as you make it. You are not limited to picnic tables, benches, and playground equipment, although these are common choices. In fact, we limit the use of playground equipment in order to prevent conflict between dogs and children. If children are present, do not use the playground – pack up and take your dog elsewhere for training. If the playground is empty, then you are free to use it unless prohibited by signage, but be prepared to leave if children show up. There are plenty of other areas to train. Additionally, using graveyards is prohibited, and please respect private property.
Definitions:
Natural – found in the environment (not placed for Barkour purposes) and created by nature, examples include stumps, tree trunks, rocks, etc. Landscaping objects (rocks, shrubs, etc.) can count as Natural if they have not been significantly modified. For example, a naturally-shaped rock is a Natural Obstacle even if found on a bed of mulch, but not a rock that has been carved into a specific shape.
Constructed – created or used for dog training purposes, examples include platforms, balance beams, wobble boards, step stools, etc. Dog sport equipment may be used only if disassembled from its original form. For example, one board of the agility dogwalk may be used for a Balance exercise, but not the entire dogwalk.
Urban – found in the environment (not placed for Barkour purposes) but built by humans, examples include benches, playground equipment, picnic tables, etc. Urban obstacles may be made of natural materials but have been significantly modified by humans For example, a rock wall or railroad tie are considered Urban obstacles.
It is possible that an obstacle could fit into more than one category or be nebulous as to which category it belongs. Please email or ask on the Facebook group if you are unsure or have questions.
Since one of the goals of Barkour is to get out with your dog and create new experiences, obstacles cannot be reused by the same dog for a similar exercise at any level. For example, a set of bleachers used for a Novice Balance exercise cannot also be used for an Intermediate Balance, but they could be used for an Intermediate Two Feet On. Additionally, for a second dog, they cannot be reused for the same exercise. For example, a bench used for Four Feet On by your first dog cannot also be used for Four Feet On by your second dog, but could be used for Under by your second dog. *An exception to this rule is the Specialty titles - the same obstacles may be used by more than one dog for the same exercise.
Parkour obstacles are everywhere in the environment and as creative as you make it. You are not limited to picnic tables, benches, and playground equipment, although these are common choices. In fact, we limit the use of playground equipment in order to prevent conflict between dogs and children. If children are present, do not use the playground – pack up and take your dog elsewhere for training. If the playground is empty, then you are free to use it unless prohibited by signage, but be prepared to leave if children show up. There are plenty of other areas to train. Additionally, using graveyards is prohibited, and please respect private property.
Definitions:
Natural – found in the environment (not placed for Barkour purposes) and created by nature, examples include stumps, tree trunks, rocks, etc. Landscaping objects (rocks, shrubs, etc.) can count as Natural if they have not been significantly modified. For example, a naturally-shaped rock is a Natural Obstacle even if found on a bed of mulch, but not a rock that has been carved into a specific shape.
Constructed – created or used for dog training purposes, examples include platforms, balance beams, wobble boards, step stools, etc. Dog sport equipment may be used only if disassembled from its original form. For example, one board of the agility dogwalk may be used for a Balance exercise, but not the entire dogwalk.
Urban – found in the environment (not placed for Barkour purposes) but built by humans, examples include benches, playground equipment, picnic tables, etc. Urban obstacles may be made of natural materials but have been significantly modified by humans For example, a rock wall or railroad tie are considered Urban obstacles.
It is possible that an obstacle could fit into more than one category or be nebulous as to which category it belongs. Please email or ask on the Facebook group if you are unsure or have questions.
Since one of the goals of Barkour is to get out with your dog and create new experiences, obstacles cannot be reused by the same dog for a similar exercise at any level. For example, a set of bleachers used for a Novice Balance exercise cannot also be used for an Intermediate Balance, but they could be used for an Intermediate Two Feet On. Additionally, for a second dog, they cannot be reused for the same exercise. For example, a bench used for Four Feet On by your first dog cannot also be used for Four Feet On by your second dog, but could be used for Under by your second dog. *An exception to this rule is the Specialty titles - the same obstacles may be used by more than one dog for the same exercise.
Registration and Titles
Registration:
Registration is free but is required so you can apply for titles. Fill out the Dog Registration Form and email it to us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can print and fill out the registration form and mail it to Barkour Canine Fitness, c/o Regina R. Allen DVM, 427 Wess Rd., Mineral Point, PA 15942. There is no membership or registration for handlers, and the dog’s registration is good for life, including through ownership transfers.
Other Species:
Other species (cats, rats, miniature horses, etc.) are welcome to register and earn titles as long as they are capable of meeting the titling requirements. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Titles and Title Certificates:
Barkour Canine Fitness awards the following titles for the Parkour Track:
Barkour Beginner – BARK-B
Barkour Novice – BARK-N
Barkour Intermediate – BARK-I
Barkour Advanced – BARK-A
Barkour Excellent – BARK-E
Barkour Superb Bronze – BARK-SB
Barkour Superb Silver – BARK-SS
Barkour Superb Gold – BARK-SG
Barkour Superb Platinum – BARK-SP
Natural Challenge Designation – -N
Urban Challenge Designation – -U
First for Breed Designation – *
Barkour Canine Fitness awards the following titles for the Fitness Track:
Fitness Beginner – FIT-B
Fitness Novice – FIT-N
Fitness Intermediate – FIT-I
Fitness Advanced – FIT-A
Fitness Excellent – FIT-E
Fitness Superb Bronze – FIT-SB
Fitness Superb Silver – FIT-SS
Fitness Superb Gold – FIT-SG
Fitness Superb Platinum – FIT-SP
Backpacker Challenge Designation – -B
First for Breed Designation – *
Upon meeting and submitting the title requirements, your dog will be awarded a title certificate and title charm (see photo). A List of Titleholders will be maintained on the Barkour Canine Fitness Website. Title submissions will generally be processed and title certificates sent out within two weeks of submission, but please allow extra time around holidays. Certificates are sent by email and title charms will be mailed.
Registration is free but is required so you can apply for titles. Fill out the Dog Registration Form and email it to us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can print and fill out the registration form and mail it to Barkour Canine Fitness, c/o Regina R. Allen DVM, 427 Wess Rd., Mineral Point, PA 15942. There is no membership or registration for handlers, and the dog’s registration is good for life, including through ownership transfers.
Other Species:
Other species (cats, rats, miniature horses, etc.) are welcome to register and earn titles as long as they are capable of meeting the titling requirements. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Titles and Title Certificates:
Barkour Canine Fitness awards the following titles for the Parkour Track:
Barkour Beginner – BARK-B
Barkour Novice – BARK-N
Barkour Intermediate – BARK-I
Barkour Advanced – BARK-A
Barkour Excellent – BARK-E
Barkour Superb Bronze – BARK-SB
Barkour Superb Silver – BARK-SS
Barkour Superb Gold – BARK-SG
Barkour Superb Platinum – BARK-SP
Natural Challenge Designation – -N
Urban Challenge Designation – -U
First for Breed Designation – *
Barkour Canine Fitness awards the following titles for the Fitness Track:
Fitness Beginner – FIT-B
Fitness Novice – FIT-N
Fitness Intermediate – FIT-I
Fitness Advanced – FIT-A
Fitness Excellent – FIT-E
Fitness Superb Bronze – FIT-SB
Fitness Superb Silver – FIT-SS
Fitness Superb Gold – FIT-SG
Fitness Superb Platinum – FIT-SP
Backpacker Challenge Designation – -B
First for Breed Designation – *
Upon meeting and submitting the title requirements, your dog will be awarded a title certificate and title charm (see photo). A List of Titleholders will be maintained on the Barkour Canine Fitness Website. Title submissions will generally be processed and title certificates sent out within two weeks of submission, but please allow extra time around holidays. Certificates are sent by email and title charms will be mailed.
|
Example of a title charm. It will have your dog's Barkour title on it.
|
General Rules for the Parkour Track
Safety:
Safety is paramount in this sport as the exercises have the potential to cause injury if not done correctly. Please take the time to read the rules and requirements before starting the Barkour program. Train each exercise at an appropriate pace for your dog and don’t be in a rush – sloppy work will result in an NQ (non-qualifying) and require you to resubmit the exercise(s). The goal of each exercise is for the dog to perform them safely and confidently on their own. At no time should a dog be lifted onto an obstacle – they must ascend under their own power via jumping, climbing, etc. This sport is completely optional for the dog and pressure or compulsion from the human half of the team is strictly forbidden.
Assistance:
Assistance is defined as “the action of helping with a job or task.” In Barkour, the goal of assistance is to transfer some of the impact of obstacle dismount to the human half of the team to prevent excessive or repeated concussive forces to the dog’s front half. This is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and tripod dogs who are missing a front leg. Assistance is important for injury (both acute and chronic) prevention and to ensure your dog a long fitness career. Assistance is also why we require a harness instead of just a collar for exercises preformed above the ground – the harness handle is used to support the dog and transfer some of their weight to the human half of the team, thus lessening impact.
When necessary, assist the dog down from the obstacle by either holding up the harness handle to reduce impact or by lifting the dog completely to the ground. When assistance is required, it is listed with the exercise. However, when in doubt, assist! Failure to follow assistance rules as written for any exercise will result in an NQ and the need to re-do the exercise.
Spotting:
Spotting is as important as assistance in injury prevention. The goal of spotting is to be able to catch or assist your dog to the ground if they lose their footing to prevent an awkward fall. It is required when four feet are on any obstacle above elbow height. This involves staying close to and observing your dog while performing the exercise, ready to provide help down if needed. Failure to properly spot will result in an NQ and the need to re-do the exercise.
Surfaces:
Before having your dog attempt any obstacle, be sure to evaluate the obstacle, landing (ground) surface, and surrounding area for any potential hazards. Watch for protruding nails, sharp corners, etc. that could cause injury to your dog’s feet when they attempt the obstacle. Wet or slippery surfaces can cause dogs to lose their balance and fall, even with proper spotting. Ground exercises (Under, Around, etc.) can be done on wet days, but save your obstacle work for dry days. Always check landing surfaces for broken glass, sharp rocks, etc. and avoid using obstacles with these hazards around them. Additionally, make sure the surrounding area permits dogs and is far enough away from roads, pedestrian traffic, off-leash dog areas, etc. to keep your dog safe.
Ground Surfaces:
Definitions:
Hard surface – concrete, blacktop, gravel, and similar
Soft surface – grass, dirt, mulch, matting, carpet, and similar
Harness and Leash:
All Barkour exercises, unless otherwise specified, must be performed on a harness, preferably with a handle, and a four to six-foot leash. Flexi leads are not acceptable. Harnesses must fit the dog correctly and snugly. Exceptions include exercises performed on the ground and are noted with each. The dog may wear a buckle collar or work naked, but training collars are not permitted. However, the walk/run requirements for the Fitness Track may be completed with the dog wearing equipment of your choice. Please follow all leash laws and pick up after your dog, along with respecting private property.
Safety is paramount in this sport as the exercises have the potential to cause injury if not done correctly. Please take the time to read the rules and requirements before starting the Barkour program. Train each exercise at an appropriate pace for your dog and don’t be in a rush – sloppy work will result in an NQ (non-qualifying) and require you to resubmit the exercise(s). The goal of each exercise is for the dog to perform them safely and confidently on their own. At no time should a dog be lifted onto an obstacle – they must ascend under their own power via jumping, climbing, etc. This sport is completely optional for the dog and pressure or compulsion from the human half of the team is strictly forbidden.
Assistance:
Assistance is defined as “the action of helping with a job or task.” In Barkour, the goal of assistance is to transfer some of the impact of obstacle dismount to the human half of the team to prevent excessive or repeated concussive forces to the dog’s front half. This is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and tripod dogs who are missing a front leg. Assistance is important for injury (both acute and chronic) prevention and to ensure your dog a long fitness career. Assistance is also why we require a harness instead of just a collar for exercises preformed above the ground – the harness handle is used to support the dog and transfer some of their weight to the human half of the team, thus lessening impact.
When necessary, assist the dog down from the obstacle by either holding up the harness handle to reduce impact or by lifting the dog completely to the ground. When assistance is required, it is listed with the exercise. However, when in doubt, assist! Failure to follow assistance rules as written for any exercise will result in an NQ and the need to re-do the exercise.
Spotting:
Spotting is as important as assistance in injury prevention. The goal of spotting is to be able to catch or assist your dog to the ground if they lose their footing to prevent an awkward fall. It is required when four feet are on any obstacle above elbow height. This involves staying close to and observing your dog while performing the exercise, ready to provide help down if needed. Failure to properly spot will result in an NQ and the need to re-do the exercise.
Surfaces:
Before having your dog attempt any obstacle, be sure to evaluate the obstacle, landing (ground) surface, and surrounding area for any potential hazards. Watch for protruding nails, sharp corners, etc. that could cause injury to your dog’s feet when they attempt the obstacle. Wet or slippery surfaces can cause dogs to lose their balance and fall, even with proper spotting. Ground exercises (Under, Around, etc.) can be done on wet days, but save your obstacle work for dry days. Always check landing surfaces for broken glass, sharp rocks, etc. and avoid using obstacles with these hazards around them. Additionally, make sure the surrounding area permits dogs and is far enough away from roads, pedestrian traffic, off-leash dog areas, etc. to keep your dog safe.
Ground Surfaces:
Definitions:
Hard surface – concrete, blacktop, gravel, and similar
Soft surface – grass, dirt, mulch, matting, carpet, and similar
Harness and Leash:
All Barkour exercises, unless otherwise specified, must be performed on a harness, preferably with a handle, and a four to six-foot leash. Flexi leads are not acceptable. Harnesses must fit the dog correctly and snugly. Exceptions include exercises performed on the ground and are noted with each. The dog may wear a buckle collar or work naked, but training collars are not permitted. However, the walk/run requirements for the Fitness Track may be completed with the dog wearing equipment of your choice. Please follow all leash laws and pick up after your dog, along with respecting private property.
