What do I do at the Trial?: GO!

When you are on deck (next), go to the entrance and wait. Watch the dog that is running.

Sometimes you are instructed (by the judge or the gatekeeper) to go on the course when the previous dog is at a certain point.  If you have concerns about this be sure to discuss them with the judge or
gatekeeper ahead of time.  Get ready to run. It’s a good idea not to take off your dog’s collar until the previous dog is finished.

When the previous dog finishes, take off your dog's collar with the leash attached.  Toss it behind you. Wait to start.  You can still hold your dog at this point, but be careful to be gentle as you can be disqualified for handling your dog roughly.

The timer and judge will indicate then they are ready for you to run. This might be a sound, a flag, or just a nod.  This does not mean you must start right then, but you should start in a timely fashion. You do not need to wait for this signal to take off your dog’s collar, however.

BREATHE!  Run your dog. Have a good time, don’t stress yourself out or your dog.  Remember, this is for fun!

 While you were running, your dog’s collar and leash were med to the exit by the leash runner.  When you finish, get the leash and collar, and put them on your dog.

Leave the ring and immediately praise your dog!

Go back to your set-up area and give your dog some water.

Watch some more agility. Make some new friends.

The current event will end.

The next course will be built, or may already be ready in another ring.

Be prepared for the judge's briefing or walk-though for the ne course to be called .  Frequently, you will be told to walk the course before the judge’s briefing.

At some point recognition will be given to dogs that have qualified and dogs that have placed.  Regardless of how you did, go to the ceremonies and cheer on everyone else. You may be surprised that your less-than-perfect run will win a placement ribbon and a dog treat. You can take your dog to the ribbon ceremony on leash if she is friendly and controlled [there will be other dogs there].

Scoresheets will be posted for all runs.  They will show the times and faults.  Go check and see how you did.  What was your time?  Did you get the faults and points you thought you did?

Repeat all this for several courses.

At the end of the trial, pack-up everything and clean up your site.

Bye for now, see you next time.