First Agility Trial

Well, my fellow agility classmates convinced me that I have to let Tucker try in the "real world" sooner or later. We've been going to class for about 9 months now. So, I've sent in my entry form for our first trial! We are going to be doing two classes at the Texas Agility-Shoot out, which is a non-sanctioned event benefitting canine cancer research. We're going to try a tunnel class and a jumpers class. I'm so nervous. I have a "naughty" dog that delights in seeing my exasperation, so there's no telling what devious thing he might do.

Anyone have any tips or experiences to share from their first trial? My biggest fear is that everyone will be all pro and scowl at us rookies. I know that's silly. Several people from my class will be there, so hopefully we can stick together.

Anddddd... a picture from a recent hike. Who doesn't like pictures?!

Andddd... napping on the couch.. or trying to..

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Comment by Jenny, Tucker, & Zoey on July 30, 2012 at 8:50pm: I bet Bruce would love it! Agility has really helped Tucker gain confidence (maybe too much....). We had a fun run this last weekend and Tucker made me really proud! He was actually a good boy. Maybe next weekend won't be so bad!

Comment by Jenny, Tucker, & Zoey on July 14, 2012 at 12:00pm: Thanks guys for your words of advice! It's not until August 5th, so we have some time to really buckle down and practice our stays and recalls (my biggest worry in such a distracting environment).

Comment by Gail and Ashton on July 13, 2012 at 12:06pm: Don't worry and have fun! I know, easier said than done. Honestly if you ask any agility competitor they will have tales to tell. One of my friends, on more than one occasion, has taken out entire jumps. Not the regular ones, the winged ones. And she isn't a newbie, her dogs are all working on their MACh titles. Ashton has his moments too. Once he decided the jump setter was lonely and needed some attention, he left the ring at another trial, but his shining moment was when he ran full bore into the orange netting surrounding the ring. He got caught in it like a dolphin in a tuna net! Yeah, he knows how to get the crowds' attention! LOL But he has a blast doing all of it. We like how happy it makes him to run agility. He makes his happy grunting sounds through the weaves and barks before the tunnels. No matter how the run went, he is all smiles at the end. So really that is what is important. Everyone was a beginner at some point. Relax and have fun with your dog. :) Best of luck to all competitors this summer!

Comment by Judith Andre on July 13, 2012 at 1:40am: My experience is that if a dog can imagine it it has been done and most everybody there has had some "interesting" experiences with their dogs so I wouldn't worry about him embarrassing you. If you can manage to stay calm, chances are your dog will too. Don't forget snacks and water for both you and your dog. Just remember to take the treats out of your pocket before you enter the ring. Hope you have a blast. Murray doesn't always have perfect runs, but nobody has more fun.

Comment by Terry Irene Blain on July 12, 2012 at 11:58pm: Don't worry, everyone starts out as a beginner. Take a chair and a crate if your dog's used to it so he has a place to rest. Don't talk to people who are about to go into the ring, but other than that everyone is generally friendly. The best thing is to go to a trial without your dog just to see what goes on. Good luck and remember, the dog doesn't really care if he qualifies -- he just want to be with you and have fun. So have fun.

NOTE TO SELF: remember all this advise as we're going to a CPE agility trial this weekend. Wish us luck.

Comment by Tomi and Story on July 12, 2012 at 7:58pm: I have no specific agility competition advice, but for being a new competitor in anything, relax and have fun! Kudos to you for trying something new :) have a buddy film it, and if Tucker IS sassy then he may become a YouTube sensation! Keep us posted! ^..^