Interested in trying FastCAT with your dog? Whether you’re a first-time participant or an experienced competitor, the Doberman Pinscher Club of Southern California welcomes you! We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our FastCAT events.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Please contact us, and we’ll do our best to help.
What is FastCAT?
FastCAT is an AKC timed 100-yard dash in which dogs run individually, chasing a lure down a straight course. It’s a fun way to let your dog run, and it’s exciting to see just how fast they can go!
If you’re new to the sport, these videos are a great place to start:
Can my dog try FastCAT before entering an official competition?
Yes! We offer practice runs, also called fun runs or try-it runs, at our events. They’re a great way to see whether your dog enjoys chasing the lure before committing to official competition.
You don’t need an AKC registration number to participate in a practice run.
How do practice runs work?
Practice runs are available on-site on the day of the event. No advance registration or reservation is required.
- Cost: $10 per run.
- Limit: A maximum of two practice runs per dog per day.
- Registration: No AKC registration is required.
- Scheduling: Practice runs are offered as openings become available in the event schedule.
Practice runs may take place during gaps in the schedule, so availability and timing depend on the day’s entries and progress. They are not guaranteed at a particular time.
Please note that practice runs are generally accommodated around the official trials. If you’re traveling a long distance or taking time off work specifically for a practice run, contact us before attending to confirm the arrangements for that event.
How old does my dog have to be?
For practice runs at our events, dogs must be over one year old, in good health, and not in season or heat if female.
Official competition has its own eligibility requirements. Please consult the event premium and applicable AKC rules before entering.
Does my dog need to be AKC registered?
For practice runs, no. Dogs do not need an AKC registration number to try the course.
For official, timed FastCAT competition, your dog must have an eligible AKC registration or other qualifying AKC number.
Depending on your dog, possible options include:
- AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL): For eligible dogs that are not registered with the AKC’s regular registration program.
- AKC Canine Partners: For eligible mixed-breed dogs.
Both programs have eligibility requirements. Please review the official program information to determine which, if either, is appropriate for your dog.
If you intend to enter official competition, make sure your dog’s eligibility and registration are settled before submitting your entry.
How do I enter an official FastCAT trial?
Official entries must be submitted according to the instructions in the Premium List for the particular event. The premium includes entry deadlines, fees, payment information, mailing or electronic submission instructions, and other important requirements.
Visit our current FastCAT event page and look for the Premium List linked near the bottom of the page.
Please follow the instructions in the premium rather than assuming that entry procedures are the same for every event.
Can I submit my entry online or by email?
Entry procedures depend on the instructions in the event premium. For our Fall 2026 event, entries could be submitted by mail or by email as a photo or PDF of the completed forms, with electronic payment available through the method specified in the premium.
Always check the premium for your particular event for the correct submission method, payment details, deadlines, and fees.
How do I know whether my entry was received?
Our entries are processed manually, so you may not receive an automatic confirmation as soon as your entry is submitted.
If you haven’t heard back and want to confirm that your entry and payment were received, contact the event organizers. We’ll check with the event committee.
How much does it cost?
Practice runs at our events cost $10 per run, with a maximum of two practice runs per dog per day.
Official competition entry fees vary by event and are listed in the Premium List. Please check the premium for current pricing and payment instructions.
What time does FastCAT start, and how long does it run?
Our events have typically started around 9:00 a.m., with a lunch break around noon and afternoon trials continuing until approximately 4:00 p.m.
Exact hours vary by event and trial schedule. Saturday afternoon trials have sometimes run from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Practice runs are fitted into available openings, so we cannot guarantee an exact time for them. If you can attend only during a particular part of the day, please check the event schedule and contact us with any questions before making plans.
Is one day better than another?
The atmosphere and schedule can vary from day to day. Some participants have found Sundays a little more relaxed, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Choose the day that works best for you, and check the event premium for the available trials and entry options.
What should I bring?
For a practice run, we recommend bringing:
- Your dog, ready for a fun and positive experience.
- Proof of rabies vaccination, if available.
- A suitable collar for getting your dog to and from the running area.
- Water for your dog, especially during hot weather.
Dogs running the course must follow the event’s collar and equipment requirements. For our Fall 2026 event, participants were instructed to run dogs with either no collar or a snug flat collar, with dog tags removed.
Please check the current premium and event instructions for the applicable requirements.
Does my dog need to know how to chase a lure?
Not necessarily! That’s part of the fun of trying it out. Some dogs immediately understand the game, while others need a little time or may decide the lure isn’t for them.
A practice run is a good opportunity to find out how your dog responds without the commitment of official competition. Keep the experience positive and let your dog work at their own pace.
Do I need someone to release my dog?
You’ll need someone to hold and release your dog at the starting end of the course while another person catches your dog at the finish.
If you come on your own or don’t have someone available to help, just ask an event volunteer. We can help you find someone to release your dog.
Can I bring a camera and take pictures of my dog?
Yes, you may bring a camera to photograph your own dog, and you’re welcome to share those photos on your dog’s social media accounts.
However, photographers must stay out of the running lane and away from the area immediately alongside it. Please follow directions from event officials about where you may safely stand. These restrictions help keep dogs, handlers, and photographers safe.
Other photography arrangements may vary by event, so please ask the organizers if you’re unsure where you can shoot from.
Will there be an event photographer?
Professional or volunteer photographers may attend our events, but availability varies.
For our Fall 2026 event, Clark’s photographs were made available here:
View FastCAT event photos on SmugMug
Check the event page or our club updates for photo links after future events.
What happens if my dog doesn’t want to run?
That’s okay! Every dog is different, and not every dog takes to FastCAT immediately. Some dogs need a second attempt to understand the game, while others may not be interested at all.
Our practice runs are intended to let you and your dog try the sport in a low-pressure setting. Please follow the guidance of event officials and don’t force your dog to participate if they seem uncomfortable.
Where can I find the details for your next event?
Visit the DPCSC website for our latest event announcements, dates, entry instructions, and Premium Lists.
Visit the DPCSC Fall 2026 FastCAT event page
We hope to see you and your speedy dog at a future FastCAT event!
Event-specific details, including fees, schedules, eligibility, entry procedures, and safety requirements, may change. Always consult the Premium List and instructions for the particular event you plan to attend.