Competitive FAQ

Competitive FAQ's

When I first started going to trials, I was a wreck. The only thing anyone would tell me was that trials brought all sorts of people together. While that was helpful, it didn't settle my nerves a bit. So while I don't have all the answers, I do have a few pointers.

Plan ahead. Find someone you know who's done this trial/match/etc before and ask questions about everything. Pack the night before you leave. Use whatever map site you're familiar with to see the route you're driving. Call a few days ahead of time and confirm hotel reservations. Doing the little things can take the pressure off later.
Have a trial buddy. Even if it's your trainer, it is easier to meet people if you know one other person. Besides, the applause is twice as satisfying if you recognize the voice of the crazy person in the back screaming. If you plan it right, you can also save money on gas and hotels and such.
Mom was right, mind your manners. Remember that even though there are hundreds of thousands of dogs in the United States and Canada, the competitive dog world is a relatively small place. If you have to wonder if what you're about to say is appropriate, it's probably not. You may not hear about it later, but the chances are good someone else will and it won't be funny to them either.
Have a way to contain your dog besides a leash. Whether it be an RV, an X-pen, a crate or a well ventilated truck bed & canopy in the shade... At some point you will find a moment when you can't hold your dogs leash.
Socialize your dog on and off leash. Life is significantly easier if your dog doesn't lunge or bark at every passing dog.
Volunteer whenever possible. Tell the course coordinator or show host a few days before the show that you are new to the sport and would appreciate any opportunity to learn. Watch what people do, learn from every run. If you can get a job next to a judge that likes to talk then for heaven's sake talk to them!
Smile. Have Fun. Make a new friend. Say "thank you" when someone gives you a compliment. This is fun dang it!!

Sanctioners ASCA AKC DockDogs UKC USDAA NADAC AHBA USBCHA Competitive FAQ's Glossary and Sources	Competitive FAQ's When I first started going to trials, I was a wreck. The only thing anyone would tell me was that trials brought all sorts of people together. While that was helpful, it didn't settle my nerves a bit. So while I don't have all the answers, I do have a few pointers. Plan ahead. Find someone you know who's done this trial/match/etc before and ask questions about everything. Pack the night before you leave. Use whatever map site you're familiar with to see the route you're driving. Call a few days ahead of time and confirm hotel reservations. Doing the little things can take the pressure off later. Have a trial buddy. Even if it's your trainer, it is easier to meet people if you know one other person. Besides, the applause is twice as satisfying if you recognize the voice of the crazy person in the back screaming. If you plan it right, you can also save money on gas and hotels and such. Mom was right, mind your manners. Remember that even though there are hundreds of thousands of dogs in the United States and Canada, the competitive dog world is a relatively small place. If you have to wonder if what you're about to say is appropriate, it's probably not. You may not hear about it later, but the chances are good someone else will and it won't be funny to them either. Have a way to contain your dog besides a leash. Whether it be an RV, an X-pen, a crate or a well ventilated truck bed & canopy in the shade... At some point you will find a moment when you can't hold your dogs leash. Socialize your dog on and off leash. Life is significantly easier if your dog doesn't lunge or bark at every passing dog. Volunteer whenever possible. Tell the course coordinator or show host a few days before the show that you are new to the sport and would appreciate any opportunity to learn. Watch what people do, learn from every run. If you can get a job next to a judge that likes to talk then for heaven's sake talk to them! Smile. Have Fun. Make a new friend. Say "thank you" when someone gives you a compliment. This is fun dang it!!
Disclaimer: NWDog is only as good as the information we can gather and are provided. That said, I do the best I can. In addition, know that I am a member of some of the clubs and associations listed on this site. Specifically the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) and Australian Shepherd Club of Washington (ASC of WA). While I do my best to conceal my own bias, I am human. My apologizes. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me: Amy@NWDog.org