February 2008 Class Newsletter
January has been cold and wet. Have several layers of jackets, a scarf and socks with you. February is traditionally a wet month. We continue to hold class and we probably will end up trialing in these conditions. We should be ready for it, that is if you have come out on the bad weather days!
A reminder that we will not put out the lights on rainy days, so we stop
at dark.
Dog’s call name-dogs formal name complete with the titles it has already earned (before this brag)-followed by the new accomplishment, type of trial, where and when. Then, additional comments if you have any. Then who handled and then the breed of dog.
Example: Dog- Sir Dog UD, HX- earned his WTCH at anybody’s trial at any date, anywhere, with me handling. (any breed)
Many of you know that at dog clubs it is tradition that you donate to the club when making a brag: here it is free! Will you at least provide me with all the information I need.
Perspective...(test
classes vs. trial classes)
The test classes (from my perspective) are there to do several
things. Most importantly, to see if you and your dog can control your
stock over a minor course. We also would like to see that you and the
dog are working together to accomplish that task.
Except for a pause, a stop and a recall, how you give commands or how well the dog listens during your test, is taken into account if it interferes with the controlled movement of the stock, not the dog. The tests are graduated by the distance you and the dog move the stock.
Trials are competition between dog and handler teams, judged by how well they accomplish a specific course and tasks. The amount of teamwork and abilities needed by these teams escalates by the degree of difficulty needed to accomplish the course. The degree of difficulty is increased by allowing or restricting the amount of help the handler is allowed to give the dog and stock to accomplish the course. Points are deducted from your score until you leave the course. Judges cannot give or award you points for something you have done over and above the standard. You must retain enough points to meet the organization qualifying standard. If you do, then you have earned a leg. If you did a better job than most in your class, you are also rewarded a colored ribbon or trophy.
Brags...
Winn- Winnifred Dixie of Alban (10-month female Sheltie) did well at her
first trial, Tri-County ASWA ASCA event at Cal-Poly on January 19 & 20.
On Saturday, Winn got a first place and a qualifying score on started
sheep and 3rd place and a qualifying score on started geese. On
Sunday, Winn got 1st place on geese and we were very surprised when,
at the end of the day, Winn was awarded the Combined High in Trials Award
(non-Aussie dog).
Thanks Jerry- it took luck and everything you ever tried to teach us to
pull it off. Can't wait to do it again!
February's2008 Class Newsletter