How to make an agility trial work

There is a ton of work that goes into the successful running of an agility trial.   It isn't about making money for the individuals that organize the trial.  It is about having a great time with friends enjoying the same thing.  That said, clubs or individuals that sponsor trials need your help. 

Clubs try to set entry fees low but still cover the cost of a trial.  But lots of things have to be paid for out of those entry fees: site, equipment upkeep, trailers, gas, judges, $$ to the sponsoring organization, etc.  You will not see clubs getting rich running trials.

There are many different types of jobs, some you can do on your own time, and some need to be done day of. 

Some of the jobs get you closer to the action. 

If you pole set for a group that jumps a different height than you, you get to see the competition up close and personal!  You get to sit for most of the runs, just getting up when a pole comes down.  I can't tell you how many times I've pole set where I'm so excited and enjoying the run that I forget what I'm doing.  Often at a trial you will hear, "VICI! Get that pole!!!"  Ah well.

Another fun job is a runner.  Leash or scribe runner.  You get to watch some great agility and get to know the dogs and handlers better.  This is a good job if you feel like you need to keep moving.  Some of us are getting a little stiff as we get older.  Sitting for long hours waiting for the run only increases the stiffness.  Walking back and forth will keep your joints warmed up and have you ready to run when it is your turn.

 Other jobs require more focus
...but you might learn more about agility

When I first started I was scared to do jobs like scoring or timing.  I was lucky enough to have someone encourage me (ok she basically said go sit in that chair and I'll tell you what to do) to try scribing.  What I found was by scribing, I actually learned so much about agility.  I learned more in that one afternoon than I had taking multiple classes.  I'll never forget and am forever thankful.  Scribing and timing can be intense.  There is much responsibility as you are the key to keeping the trial moving as well as documenting scores.  But these jobs are two of the jobs you will learn the most.

Some jobs you do on your own time
There are jobs at every trial that don't require you to loose focus during the day.  These jobs include set-up and tear down of rings, grounds management (garbage), hospitality, workers raffle, ribbons, etc.  All can be done when it is convenient for you and perfect for the competitor that needs to focus or has multiple dogs running.

The big jobs
The final group of jobs are the jobs that get the trial up and running.  Trial chair or secretary.  These are jobs that require work before and after the trial.  During the trial there are trouble shooting duties, dealing with complaints or problems, or just making little decisions...but most of the work is done before the trial starts. 

None of the jobs I've listed are paid.  Clubs differ in compensation, but must clubs will give free entries to individuals who do jobs like trial chair, score table, course builders, etc.  The jobs that require you to be available when it might not be convenient for you. 

Some clubs (SMART and Bayteam) actually will pay full time workers (if you are not running a dog and work the entire day.  Full time working is a great way to pay for future entries.

Whatever you do, sitting in the canopy resting is always a good thing, but helping out when you can will help you feel more part of the trial and who knows, you might make a new friend or two.

New Coat for a Hair Challenged Sheltie

Fin's new coat arrived in the mail yesterday. It is a Zen Tek. It is supposed to be an all purpose, heat, cold, water resistant, do it all, coat. I met Janice Kajanoff at the USDAA Nationals for the second time. I had seen her at an AKC even prior to that, but didn't have my visa card with me. She is a really nice lady and knows her business. She will work hard to fit your dog into the correct coat...she is not a one size fits all kind of business woman.

I'm not really a huge proponent of coats for dogs. Tazz doesn't really need one. He has enough hair for two shelties. Fin on the other hand is quite thin and she just doesn't have that "famous" sheltie undercoat. I am not complaining. I LOVE her easy to keep wisps, but I notice that she has been getting a little chilly at some shows. I worry about keeping her warmed up for the agility runs.

I had been looking at alot of coats and I wanted one that was really easy to take off and put on. One that did not inhibit front end movement. One that would grow with her if she put on any weight. Something not too heavy, but still made of material that would last.

The new coat is all that and purple too! Fin seems to like it (she is sleeping with it on right now), or rather I should say she is unfazed by it. Doesn't seem to notice that she has a coat on. This coat is extremely easy to put on and take off. Janice custom fit it when we were at the USDAA nationals and put an opening so that I could use it with her harness. If you are looking for a long term coat solution, I recommend this coat. So far, so good.

These coats are on the higher end side of dog coats, but for Fin I think this is well worth it.

It is a FITcation!!!

I'm on a small vacation this week. Had to take time off. So I'm devoting it to fitness.

After this past weekend, the last thing I wanted to do was get up this morning and work out. But, I did. Met up with friends for a 2 hour Harvey Bear walk. This was a new challenge with lots of elevation change. But fun.

Afterwards, stopped at the market for some food, home for a quick shower, and then off to the gym for a workout with David. After getting home around 12:30, I have absolutely no idea what happened to the last 4 hours. I did some cooking. Read a little. Played with the pups. And poof. Time is gone. Day one is almost over. Tomorrow: Road trip!!!

This past weekend SMART (salinas monterey agility racing team) hosted an agility event. Laura and I were trial chairs. It was fun, but alot of work. I didn't do so good in the Q department, but had some majorly wonderful runs and ended up with a Q in Master Jumpers (4th place). Master Jumpers generally scares the bejezus out of me as it is so fast and furious. But Fin and I had a good run (albeit a bit wild) and ended the trial on a high note.

Well, gotta go walk the dogs!

Why?

A few of my facebook friends are writing about why they do agility. I thought I'd give it a try. For me, the question is more, why do I keep doing agility when I've had not much "traditional success."

My first two agility dogs were Rocky and Maddie. Rocks and Mads are now 10 and don't usually accompany me to trials... they hang out at home with dad or auntie Trish.


Maddie's big achievement is she actually got one leg toward her novice agility title. One leg. Maddie would walk into an agility ring and stop at the first obstacle and wag her tail. Many times I would drive home wondering whether I should just give up.


Rocky and Maddie were trained together. Although I suspect I had it in me at the time, I wasn't a real consistent trainer. Rocky has issues with other dogs. I was so worried about his issues, it was hard for me to focus on the trial. The first trial I ever took him to, he ran out of the ring, to my camp area and hid in his crate. For two years I tried unsuccessfully to trial with Rocks. He did get a few titles, but his conformation and attitude and my lack of understanding stood in the way of traditional success.



I ask myself many times, what kept me going. I think a sense of hope, excitement, and my friends.



Next I found Tazz. He was such a cute sweet puppy. He ran around the yard and was fast He cuddles like no other dog I have. Unfortunately it is a fatal attraction. Tazz actually is trained and can do agility. He just doesn't LOVE it. He'll run around the obstacles cause I ask and he has some really good moments. He is more interested in whether the dogs around him have something that should be "his" and sometimes doesn't focus on the task at hand.

He is a beautiful dog that if you asked him what he'd like to do, he'd probably say either herding, swimming, or sitting in my lap while I feed him food.



Why do I keep going with Tazz. Every time I walk on to an agility field, I feel a sense of wonder, excitement, and joy. It is like Disneyland to me. Even though I have not had the successes that some might consider true success, I've had moments and being with my pups is for me, a great joy. Now I am lucky enough to have Fin. I'm ready for her now (at least I hope I am). If you ask her what she'd like to do, agility would be one of those things.



Do I do agility because I have a wonderful dog in Fin? It certainly makes for more exciting runs, but nope, I do agility because it is a sport that helps me focus on fitness, allows me to hang out with some super great people, gives me a sense of excitement, and mostly cause it is something to do with my dogs.

European Open

This past weekend, very quietly, the European Open was held in the Netherlands.

Held every summer a number of countries come together and test their skills. Unlike the FCI world team competition, the EO was held on grass, out doors. The weather looks perfect. Also different, it looks like all the dogs ran the same courses (at FCI worlds, they have different courses for size of dog).

I've been watching videos of the runs and what I can say is whoa! lots of turns, tight turns, threadles, figure eights, and turn and burn. Not my forte.

To see the videos go to www.agilityvideoservice.com and subscribe to the EO. You can just do the finals for a cheaper option. I got the whole thing knowing that I'll never watch all of it, but I like to see the courses and how people handle them.

This week I'm setting up some stuff that I can try to work all those turns and threadles. I can't set up the entire course as I don't have the room. However, I absolutely need to practice tight turns.

Agile Adjustment

Many of us take our dogs in for adjustment. Fewer of us take ourselves in for adjustment. I think more of us should go for a "mind" adjustment. A tweak here, a crack there, and everything seems to be a bit more colorful and bright.

I love agility more than just about anything, but it is more than just doing "sumptin" with my dog. I can do lots of fun things with my dogs, walking, hiking, clicker, sheep, ball, visiting friends... With agility, there is excitement, friendship, hardship, nature, companionship, competition, improvement, strategy, coordination, fitness, relaxation, all wrapped up into one thing.

I think alot about motivation when I think about agility. For many years I have run a dog that really doesn't get all that excited about agility. Sheep he gets excited about. Agility, not so much. How come I keep going?

I think because there is more to this sport than qualifying. I enjoy the learning process, the destination is out there, but the getting there is fun. I also believe that good friends have made a huge difference in my motivation for the sport. Even though my team might not be the fastest, I hang out with folks that are really cool and we support each other. I am hopeful that as a team Tazz and I will get better, and now that Fin is part of my team, no question about motivation.

But as I travel my road with Fin, I don't want to loose site of what has kept me here. I don't want to take any of this for granted.

I still get excited every time another premium is posted. Each time more information about the trial is posted I greedily go and read all about what is going on. I look at the trial statistics, the running orders, who I'm paired with. Location maps. I plan where I'll set up and where my car will be parked. I review the workers schedule to ensure I have enough time to not only run my dogs, but to watch my friends run theirs.

I can't wait to get course maps when I arrive so I can sit with my friends and plan our attack for the day (of course much of it changes when you walk the course, the planning is half the fun).

When the moment arrives, I'm still a little nervous. Walk up to that start line and WHAM! it is over pretty quickly.

Then the memories of the run. Was I where I wanted to be? Did I give my dog the best path? Where could I have shaved off time? Lots of things to talk about with friends.

At the end of the day, we clean up the field, pack up the equipment and head home. Results are posted and statistics managed. Sometimes this is the point I am low, just a moment of regret, the trial is over, questions persist, could I have done better? But another trial is on the horizon. I look forward with optimism and know that "I'll do it next time!"

Team Small Dog raised a question today. Is agility better than pie? It is close, pie is pretty high up there...but I would have to say, "Yes, agility is better than pie" However, I must state the obvious and say that "pie" can help with the mental adjustment.

Interesting Facts

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing.. that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~ Zig Zigler

I've been married 21 years today. Considering I almost didn't get married because of bar hopping the night before the wedding, I feel the 21 years easy in comparison to the morning hangover!

Agility and marriage are alot alike. You've got to work on both daily.

7 years ago I started agility training with Rocky and Maddie. I trained with this guy in Salinas and once a week I'd go to class and Rocky and Maddie would do their thing...or not...and I'd be like, "Why don't they ever get better?" Sure, I'd throw each of them over a jump or two during the week, but I never had a training plan. I didn't write anything down. I basically was lucky I got anything done at all.

Today I still train with that guy in Salinas (isn't he tired of me yet!?). I feel that sticking to something is important, but sticking to it without improvement is just coasting.

You don't have to work on agility everyday, but it sure does help.

Counting Psychic's

Fin and I took a road trip. Traveling north east to the eastern side of the Sierra is an adventure. Doing it and getting to do dog agility as well is a mind blowing excursion.

I purposely set my travel plans to drive through South Shore Lake Tahoe. I have fond memories there as Kel and I got Married at the Chapel of the Bells 21 years ago.

What I hadn't planned on nor expected was the number of Psychics selling their services along the way. Business must be booming. The first one I saw was outside Placerville. I'm now convinced that Psychics are like cockroaches (of which I also saw a few this trip, to my disgust), for everyone you see, there are probably 100 more out there.

The first Psychic was in a tiny little hut just off to the right of the gas station. A pretty sky blue building with fanciful text and a large tarot card announced their business. Then as I drove through each small little group of inhabitation (couldn't really call them towns) I began to observe that almost every time there were a group of buildings and gas station, there was a Psychic. I started to play a game I called "count the Psychics." By the time I got to my hotel in Carson City (with a psychic across the street) I counted 11. In Carson City alone there were 3.

This was from Placerville to Carson City (about 2.5 hours)...that's a Psychic every 13.5 minutes!

I'm not really sure why there were so many. Why highway 50 seems to draw Psychics, but obviously, they are able to scrap a living up there (perhaps there is some correlation to skiers and psychics).

I didn't visit a Psychic this trip. Fin and I just did the agility show...we didn't need to see our future, we know our future is lots of Q's and loads of fun.

SMART

Salinas Monterey Racing Team (SMART). My first agility club. Two USDAA shows a year. This one I secretary. April...time for watching the mail box, organizing entries, accepting checks, worrying over details, and basically hoping for the best.

A few tips when you are entering dog shows.

• Don't send the trial secretary a black entry with a check and ask them to pick a couple classes for you. She will call you and tell you that you must decide.
• Don't ask the trial secretary 2 weeks after the closing and the day before the big show whether you can enter, she might flip out on you.

So tomorrow is the true test of whether I did it all right. Fortunately for me, we have the "SUPER" secretary and all around good citizen at this trial "Karey." who is bringing her computer and printer...just in case. With me...there is always the possibility that I screwed something up...I'm always surprised when the trial goes smoothly.

New Looks on an Old Subject

Last night I attended a weave pole seminar. Moe Strenfel does a series of weave seminars and this one was the third. I attended the first, forgot to attend the second (I'm an idiot), remembered the third.

Fun times.

One confusing thing that I found when learning to run a fast dog was the use of the word Shaping. In my mind shaping is associated with clicker training. The handler does not give cues and the dog trys behaviors while the handler marks the behavior. It is a fun way to train and I find the dog learns incredibly fast and is eager to learn.

However, in weave pole training, handlers use the word shaping to also mean "to shape an entrance." In this case, the word is used to describe a handler forcing the dog (by standing in a particular position) to an entrance of the weaves that is easier for the dog (they've seen the direct on approach, so shape that approach). In shaping entrance the dog relies on the handler to get to the spot needed and is not independent of the trainer.

Last night much of the night was working on teaching independent entrances. Moe uses two poles to start and shapes (using clicker training) by not allowing the dogs to make a mistake and rewarding successes.

There were about 12 handler/dog teams and it was fun walking around watching the dogs work. I really think I sometimes learn more from auditing than working in a class.

I recommend this seminar series even if you have great poles. Moe provides a ton of insight into the dogs perspective of weave pole training.

Glazed Ham and Egg Salad?

I'm reading hungry girl today and find out that today is both Tax Day and National Glazed Ham Day. (Glazed Ham day?). If that isn't enough, it is National Egg Salad Week.

Why are are celebrating Egg Salad? Someone has too much time on their hands!

This is a busy week. I thought it would be a slow one...but it is flying by so fast it is making my head spin. I've got to find time to celebrate egg salad!

A little peek at bark night.

I know you people over in Watsonville have dirt night, but we on this side have ourselves some bark night. Listen to the video and you'll hear why bark night is double the bark!

First video is part of a run with Fin. Starts out with a super duper weave pole AND excellent reward from me...ok maybe I should have thrown the toy earlier, but truthfully I wanted to make sure she exited correctly. Then a nice dog walk...with some Simpsons references ending with a wide turn to the tunnel.

Second video is pure joy. Laura running Wynn. Such a super team. Poetry in motion...except for that one knocked bar (pick up your feet Wynnie!). Laura is styling with that hat.

All in all a GREAT fun night. Some evil laughing from Rob made us feel extra special.

Ups and Downs

Had class last night for Fin.

Popped the weaves 4 times. Brain totally fried. Then, she starts doing the weaves, wicked fast and stops at the end. Just stops. Looks at me. Targets the ground. Looks at me. Does this new thing 3 times. Oh Booooyyyy! This is fun, NOT!

The popping out. I need to work more on running by her as fast as I can. That's what I was doing last night and she wanted to chase me and then didn't know what to do after that. I think the stopping behavior happened because she was confused as to what I wanted.

She was really wired. Took out a jump. I'm not really happy as she can hurt herself. I know it is my fault. I wasn't where I needed to be, she got out of position and when I redirected her she slammed into the side of the jump. No self preservation.

Last run of the night was the best, but it was so dark, I was having trouble seeing.

I need to run faster. It is what it is.

So the confidence that I had from Sunday. The cockiness and swagger...well those are gone now.

I'm just a humble agility bum praying to the agility god in the sky for fair weather, good turf, and a dog that can break her crack habit.

Ode to the Leash Runner

Thank you to the leash runner.

Flying leashes, through the air
Sometimes hitting you square
Flinged leashes, no where near
Making you dream of beer
and another job
maybe control the mob
at the gate
where everyones late

Thank you to the leash runner

Without a thought
the leash is brought
To the end
She hopes to send
over the last jump
the leash is dumped
Placed where you need
leash a dog with speed
To insure the Q
And drink some brew
To toast
the most

Thank you to the leash runner
Thank you to the leash runner

Ok, I seriously need a vacation. I believe I've broken every poetry rule known to man...you can see that poetry was not my strong suit... I just wanted to thank the leash runners who tirelessly get my leash to where it needs to be so that I can run my dog.

Weather

The weather on the east coast is reported to be EXTREMELY cold (40 below in Minn). The northeast is flooding. Here, well I swear it was just about perfect (I even wore a short sleve shirt).

I'm a little worried. We need rain.

Fun Match Report

First of all I want to acknowledge all the individuals that live where they can not do agility out of doors this time of year. Here in the SF Bay area, we had a chilly morning of frozen over buckets and puddles, but the temps got up to the low 70's by 1pm in the afternoon. I apologize for all the fun we are having.

But, fun is what they call it. Blue skys, amazing weather, and a fun group of people. Drove up to Ben Lomond (Santa Cruz mountains) today for a fun match at Heart Dog Agility. The facility is very nice. They've just opened some new space for parking that that helped quite a bit. There are two fields and we do jumpers on one and standard on the other.

Kel (my husband) came with me today so I called it a short day so he wouldn't get too bored. I got in 3 runs by noon and headed into town for lunch sitting outside with Fin at my feet. Kel actually enjoyed himself and said he'd definitely go again :)

Took a few videos (also available on youtube).

This is the first jumpers run. Had a little trouble on the first pin wheel (it's because I didn't support the jump enough) and then she got a little cranked up and flew past the jump after the tunnel, but all in all I thought we did well.

Here is the standard run. I'm not doing A frame and dog walk on purpose. Need a little work on the targeting and did not want to use my 90 seconds for target work. The first set of weaves is amazing. I just smile. Second set of weaves had trouble with my entrance. I was dumb and kept putting her in again and again. Should have just set her up for success. But, once in, zoowza! I'm not real proud of my finish, something I really need to work on (her going on with me bringing up the rear), but if we were perfect, it wouldn't be any fun.

The last video is another jumpers run. It is the same course as the first. I felt I handled it better even though we had trouble with the finish.

Today, learned a few good things, got some stuff to work on for home work, and had a blast. I guess I'm most proud that she worked all morning for treats or toy AND I left my cookies and toy at the finish line (I did run with a hidden toy the first run and pulled it out...but the rest ran pretending it was the real thing).

A Fin Training Video

I know that you've been waiting for more Fin. Fin will start trialing in January 2009 so more video will be forthcoming at that time. In the meantime, all you get is one or two training videos.

Here we are back in Salinas as the sun goes down (Notice I actually have a sweat shirt on). I know that many of you think that here on the west coast it is always sunny and warm, but it actually does get cold. I think it was in the 50's last night (Brrrrrrrr).

Laura recommended to try to work pieces of the course rather than run a full course. Good advice. We start out and she misses her line. I reset her and changed my position and we got what we wanted. The rest is just working on her turns and making sure that she hit her entrances and contacts.

On the Fifth Day!

Ok, so I wanted to do this cool posting with 5 rings. I had the idea to talk about shaping and training using 5 hula hoops. I was even going to try to get the squirrel in on the video (if I could find him!).

This very cool idea will have to wait. It has been a very busy day today...yes my friends, I have a life outside of writing my blog and playing with my pooches.

So I started to think about rings:

• agility rings: we could talk about how important it is to go to lots of different places to do agility - not just your back yard.
• rings in the bath tub: I've got two of those and could have talked about taking the time to wash those rings, but it doesn't have anything to do with agility, so the bathtub rings will have to wait
• growth rings in trees: Why I thought of this, I DO NOT know, but maybe the squirrel has been making me think of nut trees.
• Ring around the posy: Don't even know what this is anymore
• The Lord of the Ring: My favorite book and movie. I'm quite obsessed. But not really ability related.
• Nose rings: Some might think that this would be a cool present for an agility enthusiast, I'm not so sure.

Since I really couldn't come up with any other good ring stuff, I'm going to steal my idea I was going to use on Monday.

This is an idea my sister gave me. For the fifth day of agility presents, why not find 5 cool places that support rescue, rehab, or other non-profit enterprise (my favorite is http://www.dreampowerhorsemanship.com/ - not doggy related but definitely a great non-profit) and give the gift of a donation.

For me I give a donation in a friends name, and ask for a card thanking that person for the gift. My friend than can open a gift that shows they gave to a great non-profit. Two gives in one!

You don't have to give much. If everyone just gave $5.00 it adds up.

So instead of gold rings, make your coins jingle and make a non-profit go another year.

The Fourth Day of Christmas

For this fourth day, how about something to read?

Clean Run Magazine! http://www.cleanrun.com/

If you want to improve in agility, this is the magazine you must have.

Informative, educational, fun, practical. Each month I am eager to see what new exercises are presented.

Definately, if you don't do anything else for yourself, get this magazine and read it. Then go out to the back yard and set up a sequence and practice the handling the material suggests.

You will find articles from trainers that you are not normally exposed to. Some of these trainers may handle differently than the way you've been handling. That's ok. Try it and see whether you like it.

Take your magazine with you to your class and ask your agility trainer questions about the articles. Use your knowledge to make sure your agility trainer is exposing him/herself to new things and strengthening their program to make you better.

This magazine will not in itself make you a better agility handler, but it will provide you with an inexpensive source for knowledge that can push the limits of what you know. That's a good thing and our 4th agility day of christmas.

Agility Saturday!

This morning found me sitting lazily at the kitchen table drinking tea and chatting with my husband. We were relaxed and talking about our day. Suddenly, I realize I'm supposed to be at a fun match in hollister at that very moment. It took me about one minute to decide to get dressed then I ran out to the car with two in tow.

Off I sped in my little PT filled with enthusiastic (ok, one enthusiasic, and one that feels he was kidnaped) pups to our friend Susan place in Hollister (http://www.workinpaws.com/). I got there and the festivities were in full motion. I was surprised to see so many people. I guess they took the "burn off the bird" seriously. I always love to see new people working their dogs and I noticed alot of new faces. Of course there were some old friends there too.

Since I had not walked any courses, I skipped jumpers and decided on a good path to work contacts. For Fin, my plan was jump, dog walk, and release early, and then loop around to the dog walk again and work the contact. After that we would loop out.

She did great. No problem on at all. I did the same run with Tazz, but he runs (or rather trots) his contacts so he just got two chances.

Next time we were able to walk the course and both Fin and Tazz were great. Fin needs more work on picking up her rear cross, but FC and running straight are going well. I even felt that there was improvement on her go on.

We had time to play fetch in the big arena where Fin played with me while Tazz went around wooing the ladies.

Back at home, I grabbed some clean runs and started looking for a drill that I could work my rear cross. I love the drills by Nancy Gyes and so pulled one that seemed simple yet had some good work on change of direction. October 2008, has a great drill called "nine."

I'll give the dogs a bit of a rest and this afternoon, we'll be working again.