AGILITY TRIAL VIRGINS

aka Things to Know
for Your First [or second, or third, …] Trial

kk9_menu2.gif 

 

 

If you are thinking about entering your first agility trial, then besides the anxiety that comes with wondering just what your dog is going to do out there “in public,” you probably also have tons of questions.  This information is based primarily on a document created by an Ottawa agility group.  I must admit, however, that it is also a result of my own LACK of trial experience [I’ve been to 2 trials to date] and therefore is a kind of therapy for me as I try to find answers to some of the many questions that worry me!  I figure that if I know all the answers to all the questions, I will pass “the test” and the trial experience will be perfect.  HA HA HA   [Can you a tell I am a teacher!]

Cheers, Maggie-the-Crazy-Spaniel’s Mom



The quicklinks below are not official and should not replace reading the information available on the AAC website.  However, if you want some informal tips, here’s what we’ve got to offer!  Enjoy!







What is the AAC?
website:  www.aac.ca

 The Agility Association of Canada (AAC) is the organization that authorizes those agility trials in Canada where results will be officially recorded and count towards titles for your dog -- I know, handlers should be getting some kind of titles, too.  If a trial is AAC sanctioned, AAC rules will be followed.  This includes using only approved judges, keeping track of Qualifying runs for each dog [runs that will “count”], awards and titles.  Read the rules on the AAC web site. It is your responsibility to understand the rules; the judge will not explain the rules before each run.

Your dog needs to have an AAC number in order for you to compete at an AAC sanctioned trial.

 The AAC is a volunteer organization. You can become a member of the AAC if you wish to, but are not required to.  
Note:  The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) also has agility trials for CKC registered dogs.
top

Are you ready to enter an AAC trial?

 Your dog must have an AAC number and be over 18 months old.

To enter Standard runs and all Games except Jumpers, your dog should be able to perform all the obstacles successfully. Your dog should be able to do a simple 17 obstacle course with no faults in the specified standard course time [SCT] if you want to Qualify and have this run count towards a title. Obstacles include a dog-walk, a see-saw, an A-frame, a table with a 5 second down, tunnels, jumps, double jumps, spread jumps, weave poles, a chute, and a tire.  In most cases, if you don’t know what any of these obstacles are, this probably means your dog has no experience with that obstacle and therefore doing these runs would be unfair to the dog.

In the Jumpers game, there are only jumps and tunnels. So, in terms of obstacles, your dog only needs to be able to take jumps and tunnels.  Sounds easier than the other runs, right?  Well, it is – sort of.  But. the dogs run VERY fast in this game so it all about you getting to the right place at the right time to make sure the dog takes the correct obstacle.  A lot of fun!
top

How do I get an AAC number?

You must have an AAC dog ID card to enter a trial. It can take a month or two to get an ID card, so if you are thinking about trialing get one well in advance. Many a dog has missed their first trial because they did not have a dog ID, or it did not arrive on time.

You can participate in AAC trials when you get an AAC dog ID; you personally are not joining the AAC. The AAC Dog ID application form can be found at the end of any trial premium [click on the “Dog Park Rules”/Premium List on our Homepage] and in the forms section of the AAC web site. You personally do not need to join the AAC to run a dog in AAC trials, but by becoming a member of AAC you will be kept up to date on AAC activities and rules.
top
What is a Q?

 A Q is a qualifying score in an event. Normally a qualifying score is a run with no faults and within the standard course time [SCT].  If you are working towards AAC dog titles, you need a certain number of Qualifying runs in order to move through the titles.  However, remember that Q’ing isn’t what it’s all about.  Agility is really about you and your dog working together as a team and having fun, fun, fun.  Don’t let your competitive spirit take all the fun out the runs.  Q’s are great; great runs are better!
top

What is a title and how do we move up?

 In the Starters level, you need 3 qualifying Standard runs under at least two judges to get an Agility Dog of Canada title (ADC), and just like that [says she who still has not achieved this!] you are in Advanced standard.

One qualifying run in each game (Gamblers, Snooker, Team, and Jumpers) under at least two judges earns a Starters Games Dog of Canada (SGDC) title. With the games, getting a single Starters level qualifier in a game moves your dog into Advanced in that game. For example, regardless of your Starters standard situation, you will need to get 1 Starters Gamblers qualifier and then proceed to Advanced Gamblers at your next trial. The dog will no longer compete in Starters Gamblers.

OK.  That will get you out of Starters and into the Advanced Level [where everything gets a little more challenging!].  See the AAC site for the titleing requirements at the higher levels.
top
What is a “Premium”?

This term confused me for ages; I just kept nodding like I knew what all those agility folk meant when they were saying it.

The “Premium” is simply the agility term for the official entry form.  It’s a bit [OK, looks like a lot] more complicated than most entry forms because typically it contains LOTS of information and some of the rules, in addition to the actual trial entry.  Have you looked at ours?  [Click on the “Dog Park Rules”/Premium List on our Homepage]  It’s 7-pages long!

It should be a very useful document to print out as it often contains practical information such as: how to – literally – find the trial site; who to call in case you need to talk to a “real” person; whether or not there will be a food concession at the site [critical to know about your own fuel if you plan on surviving the day!], etc.

Of course, the most important part of the Premium is the actual trial entry form [page 6 of our Premium].  This is the form that you must fill out and send in the mail to the Trial Secretary, with a cheque and a signed waiver.  All 3 of these items constitute a complete trial entry and if you are missing any one of these, your entry may not be processed!
top

How do I fill out the Premium?

You enter a trial by getting a trial premium, filling it out and sending it to the trial secretary along with payment for the runs.  Most clubs post the trial premium on their website [we have]. If they do not, you can e-mail or call the trial secretary to ask for a premium to be mailed to you.

You can find out who the trial secretary is on the Premium and the Approved AAC Trials section of the AAC website. 

To enter a trial you will typically:
  • print the premium
  • fill the premium out, including
  1. your dog’s AAC ID number  [remember, you have already done this!]
  2. dog’s height at the withers/shoulder  [get as close as you can manage with the dog standing evenly on all four paws; at your first trial the judges will officially measure the dog – more on this below]
  3. your dog’s competition level (Regular, Specials and Veterans; see below)
  4. your dog’s jump height for this trial (the Premium often contains a table showing the Regular jump heights for dogs; the AAC website also contains this information)
  5. write a cheque for the required amount based on the events you are entering
  6. fill out the waiver
Mail the Premium, cheque and waiver to the Trial Secretary stated on the Premium before the entry deadline
 
Your entry must be sent before the deadline date, which is on the premium. Most local trials have limited entry and fill up well before the deadline.   It is good idea to enter early.

Trial confirmation will be sent to you by mail or e-mail before the trial, typically after the closing date. If you have not received a confirmation a week before the trial and have not have been notified that you did not get into the trial, ask the Trial Secretary by e-mail or phone what is happening.
top

What are Regular, Specials, Veterans?

These are AAC categories for dogs.  Agility is intended to be a sport that all healthy dogs can compete in and these categories are intended to accommodate different canine needs.

Regular is the category intended for most dogs to run in.  In Regular:
  • the dog runs at the normal jump height for his measurement
  • performs all the obstacles
  • can optionally jump up one jump height at a trial
  • the final jump height circled by the measuring judge on the AAC ID card is the Regular jump height
Specials is a class intended for dogs that would be better off with a lower jump and A-frame height.  In Specials:
  • the dog runs one jump height lower than the Regular jump height
  • the A-frame moves down from 5’6” to 5’
  • double and spread jumps are replaced with single jumps
  • the course time is the same as in Regular
  • NOTE:  once in Specials the dog cannot move back to Regular
A Handler may elect to run a dog in Specials: because of conformation issues that make jumping the Regular height physically detrimental to the dog; because the Regular jump height is imposing to the dog; or for any other reason that the Handler elects.  There is no need for a Handler to justify their decision to run her dog in Specials.

Veterans is for older dogs that want to keep playing, or dogs that want to  start playing at this age [My dog and I are both Vets (-:].  In Veterans, the dog must be 7 years or older, OR have been in Specials one year while being 5 years or older.  In this class:
  • the dog runs one or two jump heights lower than the regular jump height
  • the A-frame is at 5"
  • double and spread jumps are replaced with single jumps (same as specials)
  • the standard course time is 20 percent longer
  • in Gamblers and Snooker the times are the same but fewer points are needed to Qualify
  • Note:  once in Veterans the dog cannot move back to Regular or Specials
top
Where are the AAC trials I can go to?

A complete listing of approved trials for the AAC can be found on the AAC web site: http://www.aac.ca
top

Can I withdraw from a trial once I am entered?

Well it depends ….  Remember that most trials fill up before the trial date so if you have registered, you have taken spaces that others could have had.

Yes, you can withdraw and get your money back if you do so before the entry deadline.  Simply contact the Trial Secretary to withdraw.

After the trial entry deadline, withdrawing is usually more complicated. A good reason is required to withdraw, that usually being a physical problem with your dog, or with you. Depending on the club, after the trial deadline you may need a note signed by a veterinarian or doctor to withdraw.  The Premium should explain this.  If you need to withdraw, contact the Trial Secretary as soon as possible with your problem and she will inform you what is required.

You must withdraw if your dog is in heat.  Once again, you may need a veterinarian’s certificate.

You cannot typically withdraw the day before the trial.

If you do not show up to an entered trial, there is no penalty other than losing your money.  It is a courtesy to let the Trial Secretary know you will not be there. Send an e-mail or phone the night before the trial, or maybe tell a friend that is going to the trial.
top

What should I bring on trial day?

The basics:
  • your dog  [you would be amazed to know how many of us have left the house without the dawg!]
  • his/her AAC ID card [you will have to show this before you are allowed to run your dog, so remember to bring it!]
  • a leash
  • a quick on and off dog collar
  • water for your dog  [if you bring water from home there’s a better chance the dog will drink it, and hydration is important]
  • a chair for yourself
  • a crate or X-pen for your dog  [if your dog is not crate/X-pen-trained, you have a problem.  There will be times when you have to be away from your dog – e.g., when you are volunteering -- and it must be able to cope on its own.  Do this training at home so you are prepared when you get to the trial.]
  • dog treats, preferable soft and not kibble
  • a shade tent for outdoor trials is a lovely luxury and you will see that experienced Trialers have a whole system for staking out and setting up their area!  For your first time, this may not be necessary, especially if you have an experienced friend you can hang out with.  However, watch the others and decide if this is something you want to consider.  [It took me 2 trials to decide to get a shade tent!]
  • sunscreen for you
  • hat for you, although the dog will look quite cute in one!
  • clothes and shoes you can run in
top
What do I do at the Trial?:  Getting Ready

  • You will arrive.  Make sure you have printed out the location instructions from the Premium if you’ve never been to the trial site before.  Also make sure you arrive in PLENTY of time before the first run of the day.  There is a fair bit to do before you run your dog, and even if you are not running the first course of the day, you may be responsible for a volunteer job during it!
  • Leave your dog in the well-ventilated car and find a place to sit somewhere around the field you will be running in; leave some stuff there to hold the spot.
  • Go to the check-in desk and register for the trial.  You must show your AAC dog ID card.  You may be given a catalog listing the events and the running orders. Make sure you verify the events you think you are in with the person at the registration table!  A printout of the courses is usually also available at this time.  This is also a good time to check and see what volunteer jobs you have been assigned [see more below on the various jobs], or to sign up for volunteer jobs [a MUST!].
  • Also, find out where and when dog measurements will be.  If this is your very first trial, your dog will need to be officially measured by 2 different judges.  The dog must be over 2 years of age for the measurement to be recorded on the ID card.  If she is under 2 years old then you must get her measured at each trial but the measurements will not be recorded.   If your dog is over 23”, a single measurement is required and he does not need to be 2 years old.

    Usually, but not always, measuring happens first thing in the morning, before the first run of the day.  You will need to have the dog’s AAC card for the judges to fill in.  Once these 2 measurements have happened – and they agree with one another – the card can be laminated and you no longer need to have your dog measured.

    Remember the judge will be a dog lover, but likely a stranger to your dog and could be a man or a woman. It is your responsibility to be able to stand your dog and have a stranger touch the shoulders (to find the shoulder blades) and then put a bar (or wicket) over the shoulders. The judge cannot (and will not) measure a dog that will not stand still. It is a good idea to bring some treats.

  • Finally, ask about equipment familiarization.  Most trials allow Starters dogs [which are dogs who have not yet earned any title] to try out the contact equipment [A-frame, teeter, dog walk] before the trial starts.  The people at registration should be able to tell you if this is possible [it should also be in the Premium], who is running it, and when you can do it.
  • Go back and set up.  Your dog should always be on leash unless she is running a course or in her crate or x-pen [shorthand for those wire “play pens” that are technically called “exercise-pens” … you don’t want to know how long it took me to figure this one out! (-;  If you are running in the summer, try to find a spot where the dog can have some kind of shade.  Crates can be helpful for providing weather protection.  Introduce yourself to those setting up around you.  Who knows?  Maybe a more experienced trialer will take you under their wing?
  • Find out where the warm-up jumps are.
top
What do I do at the Trial?:  Getting Set

  • A call will be made for a judge’s briefing for your event.
  • Put your dog in the crate and go to the ring of the event. Do not expect anybody to be there to hold your dog for you.
  • Stand with the other handlers and listen to the judge’s briefing.
  • The judge will describe details of the event and particular instructions. You will be told the running times, the judge’s table count, and how long you have to walk the course. When the judge asks if there are any questions, feel free to ask in the briefing. If you feel your question is only for you then you can ask the judge after the briefing more privately.
  • Walk the course and figure out how you think you should handle it.  Others walking the course are working out their own running strategy so – for the most part – don’t ask other competitors questions.  There is nothing wrong, however, with watching others as they walk the course to see what they might be deciding to do with a sequence you find difficult.  For the most part, though, make a plan that suits you and your dog.  You are the one who best knows your team!  If things don’t work out the way you had hoped, that will give you feedback to take into account when you plan your next run!
Making the most of my walk-through

During your walk-through you need to learn the course and figure out how you will handle it.  Try to decide everything about your run and answer these questions:

  • Where is start line? Where is it relative to the first obstacle?
  • Where is finish line? Where is it relative to the last obstacle?
  • What side of my dog should I start on?
  • Should I lead out? How far?
  • What is the course?
  • Where are the challenges? How will I handle them?
  • Where do I need to cross? Front cross? Rear cross?
  • What will my path be?
  • What will my dog’s path be?
In gamblers:
  • How will I get my points? How many points do I need?
  • Can my dog do the mini-gamble? Is it worth it?
  • Is there a 4 point obstacle? where is it? how do I get there?
  • How will I manage to be near the gamble start when the whistle goes?
  • How will I handle the gamble?
In snooker:
  • How many points do I need?
  • How will I get the points? The closing sequence is always worth 27 points.
  • What will my course be?
In team relay:
  • Who is my partner?
  • Are there any dog issues that need to addressed?
  • Who wants the first half, who wants the second half and why?
  • Where will the hand off be? How will the receiver and her dog be positioned?
  • Check-in with the gatekeeper. Check the listing at the gate to verify where you are running.  If you are one the first 10 dogs, you should start getting you dog ready to run including going for a pee and stretching muscles [yours and the dogs].
     
  • If you’re not in the first 10, go back to your spot and hang out, watch the dogs run, enjoy yourself,  talk to the other handlers. Pay attention to what is going on. How are the other dogs doing? Where are they having problems?  But don’t obsess!
     
  • About 10 to 15 dogs before you run, get him ready to run.  Take your dog for a pee and a stretch.  Your run will be over and you will be asked to leave the ring if your dog “fouls” [urinates or defecates] in the ring!  So, make sure you provide an opportunity for your dog to do this before the run!
     
  • Warm your dog up using the two jumps supplied for warm-ups.
     
  • Four dogs before your run, go to the gatekeeper area and tell the gatekeeper your are there.  Listen to the gatekeeper’s calls. She will call who’s in the hole [2 dogs before the run] and who’s on deck [next dog to run].
     
  • Look for where are the leashes being put. 
  • Watch the dog that’s running, do you remember the course correctly?
top
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 dogs 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 moved 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 next course to be called .  Frequently, you will be told to walk the course before the judges 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 you 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.
top
What do I do at the Trial:

Oops, that wasn’t a great run …

The nature of agility is that most runs are not qualifiers. When a problem happens, whatever you do don’t get mad. It doesn’t help you, or your dog. Everyone loves to see handlers having fun regardless of how the dog is doing.

Learn from your mistakes. What happened? How did my handling affect the dog? Do I need to train something specific? 

It is surprising how tense you can be and how that transfers to your dog. The best part about getting a fault is that you can relax. No qualifier for this time. You can try things you would not normally try, like handling from further away. This is an opportunity to try different handling ideas in a trial environment.

At every agility trial there will be distractions. They are busy events with many of people and dogs. In multi-ring trials there will be cheering and whistles in the other ring.  There will be clapping and cheering when ribbons are handed out. Dogs will bark during your runs. Occasionally, your dog may be growled at by other dogs around the ring, maybe even during a run.

In all runs there will be a judge and ring stewards in the rings.

In standard a judge will give a table count. This can be an electronic count over speakers at some clubs.

In team, there will be another dog and handler in the ring.

In gamblers and snooker the judge will be calling out numbers and there will be whistles.

The equipment at every club is different.
top

What are the Games versus Standard runs?

In terms of the kinds of runs you and your dog can compete it, there are Standard runs and five different games runs: gamblers, snooker, team, jumpers, and steeplechase.  See the AAC website for all the official information.

In Standard runs, the rules prescribe the number and kind of the objects at each competition level to provide an open and flowing course demonstrating an ability to perform obstacles and handle a sequence with changes of side and challenges.

In Gamblers, the intent is to be able to accumulate points on objects of your choice with a final emphasis on being able to work at a distance.  The Gamble is the sequence of objects that your dog must take at a distance; you’re gambling it will work!

In Snooker (as in the pool hall type), emphasis is on accumulating points.  The dog takes a “red” jump followed by an obstacle of choice repeating three or four times, and then ending with a closing sequence.  Points are accumulated though the whole run. The game requires a lot of thinking and ad-hoc handling skills.

In Team, each dog completes half a standard style course.  You qualify if both dogs run without faults and in the standard course time, OR if you have a maximum of five faults and meet the standard course time  If you do not have a partner to run Team with, there may be a draw option available.  See the Premium.

In Jumpers, the emphasis is on speed and control without contact objects.

In Steeplechase, the emphasis is on speed over jumps and control on the A-frame and weaves.  All Steeplechase courses are designed at a Masters Level, but are open to all levels of participants.
top

What are the trial volunteer positions?

A trial is an event requiring the work of many different people doing many different jobs. Most of these jobs are done by volunteers. Here is brief listing of those jobs that trial competitors volunteer for to make the trial run: 

Scorekeeper [this job is typically assigned to a club member and some trial experience needed]
  • records the scores from the scribe sheets
  • calculates final score, qualifiers and placements
Gatekeeper  [some trial experience needed]
  • manages the gate and dogs ensuring the trial keeps moving
  • may instruct each handler when to enter the ring
  • calls out height changes for the ring crew
  • may communicate the current dog to the scribe
Timer  [some trial experience needed]
  • times each run and blows a whistle in events such as gamblers, snooker and for maximum course time.
Scribe  [some trial experience needed]
  • ensures the scribe sheets are in the running order
  • gets the scribe sheet for the current dog
  • records judges calls on the scribe sheet for each dog
  • records the time from the timers on the scribe sheet for each dog
Leash Runner  [great job for a first-timer]
  • moves the leash from the start to the exit
Course Builders  [great for those of you who have decent visual-spatial/mapping skills]
  • put obstacles where the chief course builder indicates
  • help the judge tweak and measure the course
Ring Crew  [great job for a first-timer]
  • manages equipment during the event, raising and lowering obstacles for each height and division
top
What to expect from the judge?


The judge is a friendly person that loves dogs and is happy to answer any questions you have.  The judge is the authority on the field. The judge is paid $1 per run judged by the club.  The judge designed the courses that she/he judges.

The judge will give a judge’s briefing before each course is run.  While you run the course, the judge will watch you and raise his/her arm to call faults after they occur.  In Snooker and Gamblers the judge will call out numbers and blow a whistle at appropriate times.  Hint:  don’t be watching the judge for all these signals; run your dog!  You’ll see the outcome soon enough when the scores are posted!

During a run if you ask a question, the judge is not permitted to answer. It’s not that she doesn’t want to help.

The judge will count out 5 seconds  when your dog goes down on the table.  This you do need to pay attention to.  To be safe, many handlers don’t release their dogs from the table until they hear the “O” in “Go”!

The judge will measure your dog.
top

What the Judges like to see (or not).

Judges love to see people that are having a good time and treating their dog nicely regardless of what is happening.

Judges dislike it when handlers are angry and yell at their dogs. If it gets bad enough a judge can throw you out of a run or the entire trial.

Judges like it when handlers that are not running, pay attention to the team running and cheer at the end of each run.

Judges like you to help keep the trial moving by being on time for your runs. Do not take too long to get going when it is your turn.

It is not nice to block the judge’s view of the contacts.  Judges do not likely it if you intentionally block their view of a contact or the table.

Judges do not like to argue calls. After watching a hundred dogs, do not expect the judge to remember your dog’s run.
top
What trial etiquette do I need to follow?

Following proper trial etiquette will help you and those around enjoy every agility trial.
  • Help keep the trial moving.
  • Be on time for measuring, check-in, walk-throughs, and judge’s briefings.  You must be ready before each run when you are 3 dogs after the current one.
  • Do not loiter around the gate unless you are in-the-hole, 2 dogs after the current one.
  • Do not bother the gatekeeper except to identify yourself 3 or 4 dogs before your turn.
  • Do not congregate or hang out around the gatekeeper, or field’s entrance or exit.
  • Accept the judge’s calls but be vigilant, mistakes are can happen.
  • Be considerate of other dogs. Your dog may be friendly, but not all dogs are.
  • Do not bother the scorekeepers - ever!   If you have a scoring issue talk to other trial officials like the Trial Secretary or Chair.
  • Do not bother the timer or scribe while an event is running except for run specific issues.
  • Food is NEVER allowed in the ring, your pockets or mouth, not even during the walk-through or while volunteering, such as course building or ring crew.
  • Treats or toys could be considered lures by the Judges if the dog can see them at the exit.
  • No smoking around other people.
  • Always clean up after you dog.
  • Dogs must always be on leash [preferably a short one when around the rings] and they must not interfere with any other dog or person.
  • Always clean up any garbage before you leave, and get all your tent pegs.
top
 
Home