Things You'll Need:
- Collar
- Lead
- Treats
- Toys
- Crate
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Step 1
Pack all of your gear the night before your trial, so that you do not forget any of your necessary items. Be sure to include any conformation slips you have received so that you are allowed to check in. Arrive at the show grounds at least two hours early to setup your kennel and get checked in with the ring steward. If they give you an armband, go ahead and put it on right away so you don’t lose it. You can go ahead and put your dog in his crate while you check in, so that he is not in the way or in an area he shouldn’t be.
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Step 2
Check into your ring approximately thirty minutes before your scheduled run time, as you will need to find out your running order and do your walk through. A walk through is a practice run for you, without your dog, to check out the course and make out a plan for your run. When performing your walk through, pay very close attention to the pattern you will need to follow. It will be marked with numbered cones or flags, letting you know the order you will need to run in. Some of the obstacles may be used more than once during your run, so make note of which direction to run the obstacles at what time. Once you are finished with your walk through, you can exit the ring.
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Step 3
Get your dog from her kennel and take her for a stretch. You can let your dog potty at this point and time, as going in the ring can get you disqualified. You can also run your dog over any practice obstacles that might be available if you think she needs it. Make sure you are present at the ring a few minutes before you class is scheduled to begin to avoid being late.
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Step 4
Enter the ring quickly when your number is called. If you are required to remove your dog’s collar or lead, do so immediately and set them aside. Place your dog in the starting position, and begin the course when you are asked to do so. Follow the pattern you practiced earlier, keeping in mind that speed and accuracy are important. Give your dog clear and visible signals so that she knows where she needs to go, and encourage her to run. Exit the ring quickly upon completion of your run, and replace your dog’s collar and lead.
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Step 5
You can reward and praise your dog after you run, offering him a favorite treat or toy if you like. You can also give him a drink of water if necessary at this time. Stay close to the ring so that you do not miss out on any additional requests from the ring steward or judge, and to get ready for the awards to be presented.
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Step 6
Agility awards are based on a combination of speed and faults, so the fewer mistakes you and your dog make, the higher your scores will be. Qualifying scores in jumpers with weaves courses will earn you legs towards your title. A leg is a run in which you and your dog scored enough points to qualify you for a portion of your jumpers with weaves title. Legs and placements are both exciting, although people ultimately hope for more legs, as it allows the dog to gain more titles. If you and your dog scored high enough, you will be presented with an award, and possibly a title if you’ve earned enough legs. Enjoy the awards ceremony, as it displays the best of the best. With a little luck and a lot of practice, you and your dog can become familiar faces during the awards ceremonies.
