Oh my gosh, it's trial day!!
OK, so you're registered and at the trial. Now what?
Listed below is a general outline. Be sure to check your organizations rules and standards regarding each!
Check In - Find the registration table and get your sticker or armband. They are usually arranged alphabetically by handler's last name. (Make sure to have your armband are sticker on and visible to the judge before you enter the ring.) There is not usually a person at the table that you need to check in with, but there may be at some specially breed trails or larger trials.
Get a course map- these are usually available on the registration table and are listed by class (Novice Open Excellent, etc) and by course type or game name (Standard, Jumpers with weaves (JWW)- or game name (Snooker, Jumplers, etc)
Walk the course once it is open for walk-throughs- Dogs are not allowed during walk-through time. This is where you will plan your strategy as a handler and memorize the course. Novice handlers are often allowed a contact familiarization time in which you can take your dog in the ring and go over each contact obstacle once. Be sure to check your rules regarding this.
Judge's Briefing - listen for the judge's whistle. The judge will have a briefing in the ring to discuss the course, indicate down or sit on the table, etc. The judge will tell you when it is appropriate to enter the ring when you are on line. Dogs are not allowed in the ring during the briefing. Be sure to check the rules regarding what type of collar your dog is allowed to run in. Most organizations do not allow tags on the collar. The judge will probable also remind you of this during the briefing.
Check in with the ring steward - outside of the gate near the start line will be posted the running order for the dogs. Check your dogs name to indicate you are present. Listen for the ring steward to tell you when your are "in the hole"- 2 dogs ahead of you, "on deck"- one dog ahead of you or "on the line" - your turn. If you are on the line, remember to go in the ring at the appropriate time. Remember- no food or toys in the ring!
Enter the ring with your dog as the appropriate time - Check the rules regarding whether your dog should be on lead or if it can be off lead as it goes into the ring.
Wait for the timer to tell you to "Go when ready" - Do not go until your hear this.
If your dog is on leash, remove the leash and throw off to the side for the "leash runner".
Run the course!! Do not touch any obstacle or touch your dog during your run. HAVE FUN!
Cross the finish line, retrieve your lead which will have been moved to the finish line for you by the leash runner. If rules require, put the lead on your dog before leaving the ring. Always have your dog under control as you leave the ring.
Check the scores which are eventually posted somewhere near the registration table.
Pick up any rewards that you may have won (ribbons for Q and placement and sometimes there are toys for dogs that place.) The premiums will list the types of rewards that will be given.
