What to Expect at Your First Dog Agility Trial

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Prior to entering yur dog in an agility trial or fun match, try and attend one on your own. This will enable you to see how the event is organized and what is required as an entrant. As this will be your first time, do ensure you visit the Novice ring. Is your dog up to the standard of the others? If not, then maybe it would be wise to spend some more time on training your dog on the commands required. The majority of dog trials are held in the open with no fenced areas. If your dog cannot respond to the basic “Come” command, that could cause problems. It is far better if you are confident of your dog’s obedience.

Before entering make sure that you get a copy of the official rules and regulations. Ensure that you understand and can comply with them. It would be a pity to find yourself disqualified from your first trial because you were unaware of a condition.

The best way to find agility trials and fun matches is to talk to a trainer or other people in your area who are involved in the sport. Your club will be a wealth of information and most of them have email announcements and information on their websites.

Trials and fun runs are long events that can last anywhere from eight to twelve hours. If your dog is competing, he or she will only be performing for about five minutes of that time, so you will need to have their pen or crate ready to keep them safe and relaxed. You will also need some sun protection of your own (a canopy-type tent is perfect) and a comfortable folding chair. It should go without saying that you will need a good supply of water (for both of you) and dog treats (you’d be surprised how many competitors forget them).

If it is possible, volunteer as a pole setter during the event. You will learn plenty of tips and tricks this way. It will also enable you to see the obstacles and courses. There is a lot to take in so make sure you don’t neglect your dog. It is a social event too so do try and meet other dogs and spend some spare time playing catch or Frisbee with your own dog.

The dog agility trials use a scoring system called runs. These runs are based on the “fault count”. Fault count includes the course faults like knocking down a bar during a jump or exceeding the standard course time (SCT). The faults are also decided on the basis of competition level and course toughness. Keep a diary to track your dog’s progress. Try to get hold of a copy of the course to keep for future reference. This will be invaluable later as it will help to highlight any problems and allow you to deal with them effectively.