Agility Spotlight Vol 1 #2. March/April 1996 - Jump Into Agility

"Getting Started – On the Road"
Katie Greer

You have steadfastly trained with your dog, and you are ready to fill out your first entry form, mail it, and hit the Agility Show Road. Now what?

I’m a list maker, and have included at the end of this article the list I’ve developed while on the agility trial road. Many items are seasonal, and others vary according to the show conditions – indoors or outdoors. It is a list for all agility purposes. I start out by crossing out the things I will not need when I get ready to pack for a particular show. Whenever I find that I am lacking in anything at a show I update my list for the next time. You will be much happier during your agility show weekend if all your personal needs, as well as the needs of your dog, have been met.

First of all, proofread the entry form you have filled out. Be sure that you have entered your registration number properly, and that you have marked all of the appropriate classes. Add up the entry fees to see that you send the appropriate amount in your check. Don’t forget to sign the entry form (a signature space is provided on the 2^nd page of the form).

Read the premium carefully to see what the show conditions will be. Look over the guidelines for exhibitors. Watch the weather reports for the locale you are traveling to in order to decide just what "stuff" you will actually need. In some areas you may find that you will need a little bit of everything. Warm clothes for the morning, and lighter clothes for the afternoon. Also under show conditions you will find a description of the running surface you will encounter. Appropriate shoes are very important while running. Rubber cleats on shoes, such as ball players use, are extremely helpful in maintaining good footing in dirt or grass surfaces, especially if it is at all damp.

Make your motel reservation, and be sure to make a note of your confirmation number and/or the name of the person who took the reservation. Confirm your reservation before you leave home. Mistakes do happen from time to time.

You’ll need an atlas or at least a state map. Review it, and decide on the best route to take. Make sure this map is in your vehicle when you leave.

If you have not received confirmation of your entry before you leave call the show secretary and double check.

In some states proof of rabies vaccination is required. Copies of the actual certificate kept in your glove box will be close at hand in case it is requested. Rabies tags are not considered proof of vaccination.

Your dog should be current on other vaccinations before being exposed to the variety of dogs at a show. I also include Bordatella (Kennel Cough) even though it is not required. While it has not been a concern at most agility events I have attended, there are dog show venues in which it has been a problem and your dog could be exposed. It is inexpensive and well worth the price for the added protection of your canine athlete.

Of you are unfamiliar with the area to which you are traveling, take food and drink for yourself and your dog. It is a good idea to take water from home, or bottled water, when traveling outside your region. Different drinking water can cause diarrhea.

Attend to your dog’s grooming needs before you head out. Nails are important! Be sure they are trimmed, as well as the hair between your dog’s pads. Banging nails against A-frame slats during descent is unpleasant if they are too long. The pads of the dog’s paws will have less traction if they are covered in fur.

If you are going to be in an area where fleas are a problem be sure you have adequate protection against them. Many agility events are held in livestock barns. Spray the dog during the show to make sure you don’t bring these pests home with you.

Plan to arrive the night before the event in time to get adequate sleep. You will be much more relaxed and happier on show day if you are well rested.

Before you settle into your hotel room for the night, either put in a wake up call with the front desk or set your alarm on a travel alarm clock. Sometimes both is required! You want to be up and ready to arrive at the show site well before the scheduled events. It will help you and your dog if you have some time to explore and become familiar with the site.

Check-in time varies according to the different organizations. Make yourself familiar with the procedure before you leave. Some shows offer early registration on the evening before the show. Take advantage of this whenever it is offered. It will give you an opportunity to locate the show site and eliminate one worry you may have the next morning. Alternately, plan to arrive early enough on the morning of the show to allow for time to find the show site, set up your area, and investigate the ring area prior to the scheduled check-in time. Your dog will thank you for it, and you will find that you are more relaxed as well.

When you receive your check-in packet check the catalog to see that you and your dog are entered in the classes you intended. If you find any discrepancies politely ask to see the show secretary.

Most dogs benefit from being kept quiet for periods throughout the day while at a trial. Avoid taking the dog around with you all day. Give the dog ample opportunities to eliminate. It helps particularly when you are preparing to go into the ring, if the dog has been trained to do this on command.

Take time to watch the other classes, and learn from them. Observe handling styles, obstacle discriminations, and handling opportunities. Visit with other handlers and make a mental note of their observations through out the day.

When it is time for your class to run you will be called for a judge’s briefing. Exhibitors should obtain and read the rules and regulations for the sanctioning organization before they send off the entry. If you find that you are unclear on any aspect of the briefing hold up your hand and ask.

You will then be given the opportunity to walk the course, without your dog. The first time through memorize the pattern. There are several things that help handlers remember where they are going. Imagine the various loops and turns that make up the segments of the course. Notice the color, or build, of various jumps to help you remember the sequence.

Next walk it from a dog’s point of view. What do you see as you "jump" over #3, or "come out" of the tunnel? What obstacle lies in their path as they descend the dog walk or negotiate the weave poles?

Then run through the course imagining your dog running along with you. Get a feel for running the course as you do so. Many like to continue walking the course for as long as they are allowed, some feel they can over do it. You will develop a feel for what is enough as you gain experience.

It is usually best to run the course as it was walked. Some handlers are able to change their strategy before they run, but it takes experience to do this.

During your pre-run preparation stay calm, remain positive, and work your dog as though you were at your training class. Give the dog a chance to potty, and explore a bit. A few throws of a favorite toy helps get the dog geared up to go. Then, a little fast heeling, a few recalls, maybe a quick down or two, and a little work on the warm up jump should have you and your furry partner ready to go. You’ve done your best and win or loose you are here to enjoy the weekend, so have fun. You’ll still be going home with your best friend.

A gate steward will call you to the gate. You can follow the dogs running order in the catalog, or in the area it is posted, to alert you to when to begin moving to the gate. Keep your dog’s attention. You are a team, don’t ignore the dog. Watch those ahead of you and review your strategy.

The timer is the person who will let you know when you may begin your run. Locate that person while you are waiting in line.

Once you are up to the line, take a deep breath and trust your dog to perform as trained. Then handle the dog has you have done in practice. Over handling is a common ailment of green handlers who worry now that "this" course counts. Try to remain relaxed, and focus on the task at hand, envision the work performed during training.

The course is all yours…go have fun!

Copy your score when it is posted. It is a good idea to have a list of your qualifying runs in case of an error. Fill out the card attached to the ribbon or rosette you receive for future reference.

© Katie Greer No portion of the article may be copied or reused in any format without expressed written permission.

The On the Road! packing list and the First Aid Kit are here for everyone to copy and share for personal use!