Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Registration
  • How much does it cost to register my dog? A one-time lifetime dog registration fee is $30. This includes assignment of a registration number.
  • Can all dogs participate? Yes. Dogs must be at least 9 months old. Tripods, blind, and deaf dogs are also welcome as long as they meet health requirements.
  • Do I need to register my dog for each event? No, once registered, your dog can participate in any NAWA-sanctioned event.
  • How do I register my dog? Fill out the registration form on the NAWA website and pay the registration fee.
  • Can I register my dog at an event? Yes, you can register your dog on-site at any NAWA-sanctioned event.
  • What if I lose my dog's registration number? Contact NAWA support to retrieve your dog's registration number.
  • Can I change my dog's registered name? Yes, but there is a $10 fee for name changes. Contact NAWA support to process the change.
  • Can I join if I was banned from another organization? Prior bans must be disclosed. Cases are reviewed individually by NAWA.
Eligibility & Safety
  • Are there age restrictions for dogs? Yes. Dogs under 1 year may earn Certified and Advanced only, and may not pull more than Advanced (Rails 12×, Wheels 9×, Snow 5×). After the first birthday there is no title cap. Dogs over 12 need veterinary clearance.
  • What disqualifies a dog from competition? Signs of illness, injury, being in season, or on performance-enhancing substances will disqualify a dog.
  • Are muzzles or training collars allowed? Yes, but muzzles must allow drinking and breathing, and training collars must be removed before a pull starts.
Event Participation
  • How do I enter a competition? NAWA registers dogs (PayPal). Judges and administrators add event entries on the day. Clubs may run their own entry if they want. Check the event listing for any club-run entry details.
  • How is my dog's weight class determined? Dogs must weigh in (witnessed by a judge) during the posted time. Weight is recorded to the nearest pound.
  • What are the weight classes? Ranges include: 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 125 lbs, and Unlimited (126+ lbs).
Rules & Penalties
  • What is considered a foul? Touching the dog, timing out, unhooking, excessive foul language, or pulling into the pull are all fouls.
  • Can I coach my dog during a pull? Verbal or physical cues are allowed only at the start. No one may stand at the end of the chute except official media.
  • What happens if I'm late submitting results or fees? A $20/week late fee applies. After 30 business days, results may be void and club status impacted.
Titles & Points
  • How do certificates get emailed? After a session is finalized, the judge uses the “Send title/milestone certificates” button. Certificates are not sent automatically on every score save.
  • What is the snow champion code? Snow champion is SWCH (not SSCH).
  • How do dogs earn points? Class placements (5/3/1 from Certified onward) are recorded when a session is finalized. Victory and bonus points start after Elite on that surface.
  • What are milestone achievements? Pulling achievements like 50x or 10,000 lbs earn milestone certificates, emailed when a judge sends certificates after finalize.
  • Can a dog under 1 year earn titles? Yes — Certified and Advanced only. Expert, Master, and Elite are awarded after the first birthday.
  • What's the difference between titles like CRP, XRP, ERP? These refer to Certified, Expert, and Elite titles. Each surface (Rails, Wheels, Snow) has its own levels. Champion titles are RSCH, WSCH, and SWCH.
Junior Handlers
  • Can kids compete? Yes! Ages 5–18 may enter junior classes and still earn full titles and points for their dog.
  • Are there scholarships? Yes. $1 per pull goes into a fund. Seniors can submit essays to compete for the annual scholarship.