It doesn't happen every day, but when it does, it always causes a stir. Two dogs run the same class, finish with the same score, and clock the exact same time down to the hundredth of a second. So who wins?
Ties Are More Common Than You Think
Electronic timers measure to the hundredth of a second, so exact ties are rare in standard classes where time is the main differentiator. But in points-based classes like Gamblers or Snooker, ties happen more often because multiple dogs can earn the same point total. When two dogs also happen to finish in the same time, you have a true tie.
In time-plus-faults classes, ties can happen when two dogs have the same number of faults and their run times plus penalties add up to the same total. With large entry numbers, the odds of a tie go up.
Shared Placements
In most everyday situations, ties are simply left alone. Both dogs share the same placement number, and the next dog after them skips a spot. If two dogs tie for 2nd place, the next dog gets 4th. No one gets bumped, and both tied dogs receive the same ribbon or award for that placement.
This keeps things fair and simple. Neither handler has to feel like their dog was arbitrarily placed below the other.
When Runoffs Happen
Sometimes a tie needs to be broken. This usually comes up when something specific is at stake — a special award, a finals spot, or a championship title where only one dog can advance.
A runoff is essentially a do-over. The tied dogs come back and run the course again (or a shortened version), and the results of that second run determine who takes the higher placement. Runoffs are exciting for spectators and nerve-wracking for handlers.
How a runoff typically works:
- The judge announces a runoff is needed
- Both handlers are notified and given time to prepare
- Dogs run the course (or a portion of it) one at a time
- The dog with the better score or faster clean run wins the tiebreaker
- If both dogs tie again, additional runs may follow
Organization-Specific Rules
Different agility organizations handle ties in their own way, so it helps to know the rules for whatever organization you're competing under.
Some organizations only require runoffs at national events or when a qualifying spot is on the line. At regular weekend trials, ties are usually just shared placements with no runoff needed.
Other organizations have specific tiebreaker criteria written into their rulebooks. For example, some will use the dog's time on a specific section of the course, or they might give the edge to the dog with fewer faults even if the overall score is the same.
When Ties Are Just Left as Ties
At most local and regional trials, ties are simply recorded as shared placements and everyone moves on. There's no drama, no runoff, and both handlers take home the same ribbon. This is by far the most common outcome.
Handlers generally prefer it this way. Agility is already a long day, and asking dogs to run an extra round just to break a tie for third place feels unnecessary. The unwritten rule is that ties only matter when something meaningful is on the line.
How to Check for Ties in Results
When you look at a results sheet, ties are easy to spot. Look for repeated placement numbers. If you see two dogs listed as 1st with the next dog at 3rd, that's a tie. If three dogs share 2nd place, the next dog would be listed at 5th.
Barkloop detects ties automatically during scoring and assigns shared placements correctly every time. When a runoff is needed, the software flags it so trial secretaries can coordinate with the judge — no guesswork required.