If you are new to agility and looking for a class that lets you experience competition without the high stakes, AKC Time 2 Beat (T2B) is an excellent place to start. It is fun, inclusive, and designed to give every team a positive experience in the ring.
What Is Time 2 Beat?
Time 2 Beat is an AKC agility class where the goal is simple: complete the course cleanly and beat the posted time. There are no level restrictions — dogs at any stage of their agility journey can enter. Whether you are running your very first trial or you are a seasoned competitor, T2B welcomes everyone.
How It Works
The course is a numbered sequence of obstacles, similar to a standard or jumpers course. Before the class begins, a benchmark time is established. Your job is to run the course without faults and finish under that time.
If you complete the course cleanly and beat the time, you earn a qualifying score. That's it — no complicated point calculations, no gamble sequences, no opening-and-closing structure. Just run clean and run fast enough.
Open to All Levels
One of the best things about T2B is that it does not require your dog to be at a specific level. In many AKC classes, you need to progress through Novice, Open, and Excellent before reaching the top tier. T2B skips all of that — every dog runs the same course at the same level of difficulty.
This makes T2B a wonderful option for teams that want to compete without worrying about level requirements. You can enter T2B at your very first trial.
Why Beginners Love T2B
- Low pressure: The format is straightforward. No complex strategies to learn before you step to the start line.
- Great practice: T2B gives you real ring time on a real course, which is invaluable for building your dog's confidence and your handling skills.
- Immediate feedback: You either beat the time or you don't. There is no ambiguity in the result, which makes it easy to track your progress.
- Title opportunity: Even though it is relaxed, T2B qualifying runs count toward a T2B title. You can earn real recognition while having fun.
Tips for Your First T2B Run
Focus on Clean Over Fast
A clean run at a moderate pace will almost always score better than a fast run with faults. Knocked bars and missed contacts add time penalties that can push you over the benchmark. Keep it smooth and accurate.
Walk the Course Carefully
Even though T2B feels relaxed, the course still has turns and sequences that can trip you up. Walk it as thoroughly as you would any other class. Plan your handling moves and know where your crosses will be.
Enjoy the Experience
T2B is meant to be fun. Your dog feeds off your energy, so if you are relaxed and happy at the start line, your dog will be too. Celebrate your run regardless of the result — every time in the ring is a learning opportunity.
Barkloop makes running T2B at your trial effortless. Enter the benchmark time, record each dog's run, and let Barkloop determine qualifying scores and placements automatically. Simple scoring for a simple, fun class. Try Barkloop at your next AKC event.