Amara’s FastCAT Adventure Begins: March 2025

In early March 2025, our young Doberman sensation Amara embarked on her FastCAT journey. FastCAT (Fast Coursing Ability Test) is an AKC-sanctioned sprint where dogs chase a lure over a 100-yard straight course, earning points based on speed and distance. Amara’s debut kicked off in Columbus, IN—followed by Lebanon, IN; Wilmington, OH at the Roberts Centre; and finally Brookville, OH. Each venue offered unique challenges: varied footing (grass, turf, packed dirt), fluctuating temperatures, and the buzz of fellow competitors and spectators. Yet Amara tackled every start line with laser focus, ears pricked and tail wagging, ready to chase that lure down the track.

Mastering Speed: Achieving 500+ Points for the D-CAT Title

To earn the D-CAT title, a dog must accumulate at least 500 points, where points for each run equal the course distance (100 yards) divided by the dog’s official time (in seconds). Amara not only met but exceeded this benchmark in just four shows. Her fastest run—covering 100 yards in under 8½ seconds—awarded her nearly 12 points in a single sprint. Consistent sub-9-second runs across multiple venues demonstrated her explosive power, precise timing, and the rigorous conditioning work we’ve done: interval sprint drills, lure-retrieval “peekaboo” training, and focused warm-up routines emphasizing muscle activation and joint health.

Broader Horizons: Earning the Coursing Ability (CA) Title

Beyond the straight-line dash, Amara excelled in the AKC’s coursing field trials—simulated hunt tests that assess a dog’s instinct, agility, and willingness to pursue a moving lure over varied terrain. To earn her CA title, she navigated winding courses, sudden directional changes, and obstacles like brush piles with poise. Field trial judges scored her on enthusiasm, follow, and eye (how well she tracked the lure), and Amara aced each criterion. This dual achievement—speed in FastCAT plus strategy in field trials—highlights her balanced athleticism and natural coursing instincts.

Breeding Insights: DoubleTake Dobermans’ Legacy

Amara is the product of generations of careful selection at DoubleTake Dobermans. Her dam, Vera Del Nasi (DoubleTake), and sire, Link Von Jett, were chosen not only for conformation but for health clearances (cardiac, hip and elbow scores), stable temperament, and proven performance in sport events. We track each puppy’s growth metrics, drive assays (standardized play and prey-drive tests), and socialization milestones. Amara’s vibrant energy, strong bone structure, and calm under pressure reflect those meticulous breeding decisions.

The Role of AKC Titling in Working Breed Development

In working breeds like the Doberman, AKC titles serve as objective benchmarks for breeders and owners. A FastCAT title quantifies raw speed and acceleration; a CA title confirms focus, trainability, and field savvy. When selecting future breeding pairs, these titles help us pinpoint individuals with the ideal balance of temperament and physical prowess. Over time, this data-driven approach refines our bloodlines—producing dogs that excel in sport, protection work, and as loyal family companions.

Amara’s Temperament: Focus, Drive, and Courage Under Pressure

At each event, Amara’s calm enthusiasm is unmistakable. She waits patiently in the staging area, responding to whistle cues, then rockets off the line the instant the flag drops. Even when distractions arise—other dogs barking, unfamiliar equipment, or cheering crowds—she remains locked on the lure. Between runs, she cools down with stretching exercises and gentle leash walks, never losing her eagerness for the next start signal. Her natural confidence and ability to reset mentally between heats speak volumes about her work ethic and steady nerves.

Community and Camaraderie: The Joy of FastCAT

FastCAT days are as much about community as competition. From shared shade tents to spur-of-the-moment training demos, we’ve forged friendships with fellow Doberman enthusiasts, lure-operators, and event volunteers. Swapping grooming tips, discussing conditioning techniques, and cheering every dog across the finish line—these moments make each trial unforgettable. Amara thrives on that supportive energy, drawing strength from the collective excitement.

Looking Forward: Next Goals for Amara

With her D-CAT and CA titles proudly in hand, Amara’s future is bright. Next on our roadmap: the FastCAT AX & MX titles (additional distance categories), plus agility trials to further hone her coordination and handler communication. We’ll continue her strength-building regimen—resistance tugs, hill sprints, and core-stability exercises—while keeping sessions fun and varied. As she grows into her full potential, we eagerly anticipate even more milestones and the continuing legacy of excellence at DoubleTake Dobermans.