Attending my first agility trial

[Cleo2014]

I am so incredibly excited! In a couple of weeks I will be taking Cleo to watch my Agility trainers in a trial down in Evansville, IN. Since I have never been to one before, I really need to know the do's and don'ts. I was told it is also a good time to bring Cleo's crate. That I should start working on her crate training while at the trial since there is a difference from being crated at home and at a noisy trial. I will make sure to bring her crate water bowl and treats. Is there anything else I need since I am just a spectator? I will also appreciate any other tips and suggestions.

 

[corbinam]

How exciting! Depending on your dog, you may want to bring something to cover Cleo's crate. I think it helps them block out all the stimuli and rest. Also, not sure if there will be AC, but a nice fan is always helpful to have. If you don't want to identify yourself as an agility addict with the Ryobi fan you can always get a cheap battery-powered one.

Obviously you'll want to bring her collar and a leash as it's really helpful to just walk her around the site to get her used to the sights and smells. The more often she's there she will get more and more comfortable.

Have fun!

 

[Cara Sandler]

Indoor or outdoor? If it's outdoor, make sure you have a way to keep her cool - Spirit has a cooling pad, sun reflecting crate cover, and battery powered fans.

Regardless of whether it is indoor or outdoor, make sure you bring a water dish and water for her, lots of high value treats cut into small pieces to reward good behavior. Drinks/snacks for you (there are sometimes food vendors but they are usually not very good and are VERY expensive). Jacket in case the air conditioning is too cold. Toys without squeakers to play with Cleo. Long line to let her run around out in the area around the trial (she might need a break from the stimulation of the trial). Sheet to cover her crate in case she becomes reactive to people or dogs walking by while she's in her crate.

Enjoy it! Agility trials are a blast!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cara Sandler]

How exciting! Depending on your dog, you may want to bring something to cover Cleo's crate. I think it helps them block out all the stimuli and rest. Also, not sure if there will be AC, but a nice fan is always helpful to have. If you don't want to identify yourself as an agility addict with the Ryobi fan you can always get a cheap battery-powered one.

Obviously you'll want to bring her collar and a leash as it's really helpful to just walk her around the site to get her used to the sights and smells. The more often she's there she will get more and more comfortable.

Have fun!

LOL, so apparently the Ryobi fans are universal!!!!!!!

 

[lgore]

I am so incredibly excited! In a couple of weeks I will be taking Cleo to watch my Agility trainers in a trial down in Evansville, IN. Since I have never been to one before, I really need to know the do's and don'ts. I was told it is also a good time to bring Cleo's crate. That I should start working on her crate training while at the trial since there is a difference from being crated at home and at a noisy trial. I will make sure to bring her crate water bowl and treats. Is there anything else I need since I am just a spectator? I will also appreciate any other tips and suggestions.

How exciting for you!! Bring rabies certificate just to be on the safe side.They don't usally ask for it but better to be safe than sorry.If your dog is a barker bring something to cover the crate.Poop bags bring and do not sit ring side with your dog while other dogs are in the ring especially if your dog is a barker.It is not fair to the dogs in the ring running.I have been at trials where a dog at ringside jumped in the ring while another dog was running.Most of all have fun and learn the ropes.Volunteer for any job leash runner, bar setter.

 

[Silaria]

If it's an outdoor show, you'll want something like an EZ-Up or Cabana style tent so you have some shade. Whether it's an indoor or outdoor show, you'll want some sort of mat under the crate. You can use anything from an old bed sheet to a tarp. I've seen some people use those children's play squares that fit together like puzzle.

I LOVE my Ryobi fans! The battery lasts all day on low; and it moves enough air you really don't need to use a high setting for the dogs.

Another suggestion - volunteer to help in the ring, you don't need to be a registered competitor to do this. If you volunteer to set bars, you will have one of the best seats in the house to watch the dogs run. Try to volunteer for both the Excellent/Masters and Novice rings (assuming this is an AKC show) if possible. In Novice, you are watching dogs and handlers close to your own level. At Excellent/Masters you are watching more experienced teams. You can lean A LOT just by watching. Obviously this is only possible if you are able to leave Cleo alone while crated.

Most importantly, be courteous to those running. Most places don't allow food within ten feet of the ring. Try to avoid making loud noises or quick sudden movements that could distract a dog. (I NQ'd a Jumpers With Weaves run because someone was folding a metal crate just allowed it to drop in on itself startling Edan out of the weaves.)

I LOVE when agility students make time to come out to trials to watch, ask questions, and even help out.

 

[Cleo2014]

This is an AKC event and will be held at the Metro Sports Center. So it will be inside. I do have a crate cover and water dish that I can hook onto the inside of her crate. Of course a leash and collar is required. I always have treats, a collapsible bowl/water, waste bags, and her rabies certificate on me when she is around. I will make sure to have a few toys with me as well. My trainers are going to save me a spot where they are going to be crating their dogs. I can also bring a small blanket to put under her crate. Parking and admission is free. My trainers just sent my the running orders and the welcome flyer for the trial. The flyer states:

"All dogs present at the site must be on lead or confined to crates or x-pens when not being judged, except when in the exercise area or designated warm-up area. A designated exercise area will be provided. Clean up supplies will be available. You are responsible for picking up after your dog."

"Metro Sports Center does not allow food to be brought into the Center; only treats and water for your dog will be permitted. Metro offers a full Concessions Stand that serves fresh hot food, and a full assortment of cold drinks is also available."

Looks like I will be packing a cooler and heading out to my car for lunch. Haha

Also, not sure if there will be AC, but a nice fan is always helpful to have. If you don't want to identify yourself as an agility addict with the Ryobi fan you can always get a cheap battery-powered one.

You all are instigators!!! LOL! Looks like I need to be checking that out soon.

 

[seashel]

LOL, over here we would be mentioning the importance of wet weather gear rather than fans and cool mats!!

Very good advice about helping on the ring too, that is something universal to agility anywhere. I've learned SO much from watching other competitors running - not just those at the top either. You also get to know loads of people this way as well as an added bonus. I've got a camera which allows me to record video and replay in slow motion. It's a fantastic tool as there is so much you miss watching in real time and very useful to replay back and see the different and subtle handling being used. If I get time I try and put some of the clips onto Coach's Eye - very useful! (I should add I don't film while helping out!)

I'm sure you'll enjoy your day, it's a great idea to acclimatise to the environment of a show without the added stress of competing. Something I wish I had done.

 

[Cleo2014]

I already went. I just have not updated.... shame on me. Lol

The trial was great! I learned a lot. I watched what each handler did and and what they were doing with their hands as far a directing their dog. I also watched the judge. I now know what the hand signals for an akc trial mean. I also learned how you get a qualifications or non-qualification. I learned a little about how you gain points too. I didn't get to help. There was a tone of people already helping. So for someone who has no idea what they are doing, I foundon't it best to not get in the way. I joined my local club so this fall I will be helping on in the rings for the entire trial so I will eventually be learning it all. So overall, soaked in so much information that it was way worth going to.

Cleo did very well while there. She was calm and didn't bother anyone. We sat in the stands for a bit together and watched everyones runs. She also stayed in her crate for a bit and enjoyed falling asleep with all the crazy going around. I was very pleased at how well she did. She was exhausted and fell asleep on the ride home in the sitting position. Lol

 

[Hanne]

Cleo did very well while there. She was calm and didn't bother anyone. We sat in the stands for a bit together and watched everyones runs. She also stayed in her crate for a bit and enjoyed falling asleep with all the crazy going around. I was very pleased at how well she did. She was exhausted and fell asleep on the ride home in the sitting position. Lol

Cleo you are such a good girl - not without reason that your mother is proud of you.