Packing, Preparation and Staging - At trials, it is not appropriate to tie your dog out as we do at class. So plan ahead: if you don’t have a crate, x-pen, or suitable car facility for holding your dog, get one. If it is going to be hot, purchase a shade blanket. If it will be wet, bring towels for your dog and foul weather gear for yourself. Bring your own water. It’s a good idea to study the rule book for the sanctioning organization (AHBA, AKC, ASCA, etc.). Most of these organizations have their rules posted on the web.
Care of the Trial Dog - Don’t change his diet the night before or morning of a trial. Check his feet the night before for any debris that may have lodged between his toes. Potty walk him during the trial.
The Trial - If you have questions about the course or procedures in trialing, the time to ask questions is at class. If you don’t understand the answer it’s important to say “I don’t understand.” At the trial you have to ask your questions during the handlers meeting.
Trial Day - The first order of business is to check in with the Trial Secretary and pick up your number and program. If you don’t, the Trial Secretary may inform the judge you are absent. It's good education for you to attend the handler’s meetings for all classes, and watch all runs.
Trialing Manners
– Sideline coaching or interference with the running of a trial is
prohibited. Of course you wouldn’t intentionally do that – but
inadvertently you could.
Format for Brags...
Dog’s call name-dog's formal name complete with their titles already
earned-followed by the new accomplishment, trial where it happened, with
who handling.
example: DOG-Sir DOG UD, HX-earned his WTCH at Anybody’s Trial on
any date with Mr. Handler at any town. (any breed)
Many of you belong to dog clubs that have the tradition of asking for your
brags at sometime during their meeting and passing the hat for your
contribution for the privilege of doing so. Here it is free and your
brags are read by many people other than just club members.
Tess- WTCH Tess HTDIIIs HTADIIIs- earned her HRDIIIs.It's been a long hot summer and many hot hours practicing at the Perris fixture. Now it's "On The Road Again" as Summer comes to a close. Pleasanton Highland Games, T.A.S.K. Ranch in Leona Valley: Tess is trialing with the "big dogs" in the advance divisions. Jerry has an updated accelerated program for Tess and the A-Team continues to WOW 'em! - 2 days = 4 qualifying scores - a HRDIIIs title and 2 more HTCH (AHBA championship) points. The exciting finale at the last trial was checking out Terry Kenny's fabulous 4 week old litter of Border Collie pups.
We are still trying to figure out who fell in love first-----the pup with Jerry or the other way around. Tune in next month for an update! Tess and Jerry will be trialing in Murrieta, Antelope Valley, Lancaster in October and then at Stoner's Ranch in November........Come on out and join the fun. We love to have our home team rooting section and Tess' friends too. Bonnie, Don & Tess
October, 2008 Class Newsletter