Dog Training and Agility Tips

Agility Trials for the Dog Show Newbie (Part II)

Last time we talked about how to enter your first agility trial - hopefully you got into a trial or two. This month, some advice about what to do when you go!

1) Before the trial:

You will get a confirmation of your entry from the trial secretary. Read it carefully – it will contain important information including:

• What time you need to arrive. Very important - if you are new to agility you will probably need to arrive early to check in and have your dog measured. It’s better to arrive too early than too late. Requirements regarding measuring vary by sanctioning organization so read those rulebooks.
• Your dog’s information and classes you entered. Look this over carefully, especially making sure your dog’s registration number is correct, and notify the trial secretary immediately if there are any errors.
• Directions, area hotels which accept dogs and campgrounds. If plan to be staying overnight, make reservations well in advance.
• There may be “armband” labels with your dog’s assigned number for each day, you’ll wear them when you run your dog.
• The order the classes will run and when the first walkthrough starts. If there are times shown for later classes, these are estimates only – unlike in obedience competitions, the clubs are not required to stick to these times!

2) Packing the car – essential things to bring:

• General: Food/water/snacks for you and your dog. Most trials have a food vendor, but don’t count on it. You’ll need a crate for your dog (unless you can leave them loose in your vehicle) - something to chew (like Macho Stix ) will help keep them occupied. A folding chair for you, First aid supplies. Money for snacks, photos, shopping (vendors) emergencies. I always bring a spare key to my car. Don’t forget your confirmation, armbands, and the directions.
• Hot weather: Unless you are fortunate enough to have an RV, bring battery powered fans, cool mats for your dog (my favorite is the Canine Cooler ), sprayer bottle, extra water, sunscreen, sports beverages. You will also want something like an "EZ up" or screenhouse shelter so you can set up on the trial grounds. Space blankets, shadecloth, clamps to attach them are a must.
• Cold weather: Extra layers of clothing, blankets, gloves, hat. If your dog isn’t a heavy-coated breed, a coat for your dog and warm bedding to put in their crate.
• Rainy weather: A rain suit with waterproof jacket and pants (breathable fabrics like GoreTex are the best), extra shoes, and socks (so you have a dry pair later), towels. Make sure the shoes you plan to run in have plenty of traction – wet grass and mud are slippery! Some people like soccer cleats, personally I find them hard on my knees and you can hurt your dog if they get a paw underfoot.

3) You’re there! Now get ready ...

• Get dog checked in and measured, potty dog/self
• Check workers schedule
• Find a convenient spot and set up. If your dog is a barker, don’t set up right near the rings. If your dog is territorial, don’t set up in a heavily-trafficed area. Having to walk past barking lunging dogs (even if they’re confined) is traumatic for some dogs!
• Get course maps and running order if they're available.
• If not running or scheduled to work the first class (you DID volunteer to help , right?), settle your dog in their crate, get your chair and sit ringside to watch for a while. You can learn a lot by watching.

4) Get set ...

• While they’re setting the course for your class, potty your dog.
• Come back for the briefing and walk-thru. If you're unclear about any rules or procedures, the briefing is your opportunity to ask the judge questions.
• Be ready near the gate with your dog several dogs before it is time to run. Do not let your dog bother the other dogs and if your dog has issues with other dogs keep them an appropriate place.
• Warm up your dog – warm up jump, mental – food, toys. Note that it is very rude to be giving your dog hotdogs or be playing a noisy game of tug right near the ring. In some organizations it’s illegal to have food or toys within a certain proximity of the ring.
• In a nutshell, be where you have to be when you have to be there, and be considerate of other exhibitors!

5) Go!!

• Get on the start line and be ready to run at the time you were told to do so in the briefing.
• Unless the judge has said otherwise, you should be ready to run (not setting up, not struggling to remove your dog’s collar) as soon as the dog before you leaves the course. If you are at a USDAA or NADAC trial make sure you remove the collar before your dog runs.
• Look to the timer to tell you when it is OK to go and start your run promptly.

6) Winding down ...

• Leash your dog and get them under control before you leave the ring.
• Get your dog their treats or toy and walk them around a while cool them down before re-crating them.

7) How did you do?

• If the club is using multi-part scribe sheets, get a copy of your scribe sheet to see how you did - they are usually in a box behind the scribe and timer.
• If things went well, congratulations - well done! Scores and ribbons will be available sometime after the class ends. If you placed or qualified don't forget to get your ribbon! Write down course yardage, sct, your time and score, judge’s name, trial date, club name and class/height for your records.
• Things didn't go perfectly? Don’t get upset and most of all don’t let your dog think you’re upset! There is always another trial. Just make a note of the problem area and mistakes that were made as things to practice for next time.

At the end of the day, go home and celebrate with your amazing dog!