Preparing to trial (rally)

[remy]

I just saw there will be an ASCA rally and obedience trial this winter at the same location we’ve taken classes at. It’s only 10 minutes from home so I’m thinking we should go for it! I’m not necessarily interested in pursing a title with them, but I think it would be a great opportunity since it’s at a location Remy is familiar with, and I’m assuming just 1 ring at a time due to the size of the building. We haven’t been to class in awhile, but I’m hoping to make it there at least a few times before the trial.

Any tips for preparing?

 

[JanS]

I bet you will do awesome!

I've only seen rally done in one ring at the shows I go to so they go through all of the different levels separately.

Any tips for preparing?

Relax and don't go for the fastest time. I've seen a lot of dogs place lower when the handler is going for time instead of precision and they mess a step up because they were in too much of a hurry. Even some of the long time rally judges have said that.

 

[remy]

Relax and don't go for the fastest time. I've seen a lot of dogs place lower when the handler is going for time instead of precision and they mess a step up because they were in too much of a hurry. Even some of the long time rally judges have said that.

Good advice! Sometimes I need to remember to slow down when I get nervous too lol.

 

[JanS]

Sometimes I need to remember to slow down when I get nervous too lol

Me too; especially in the conformation ring.

 

[Rits]

Give yourself and your dog plenty of time to settle in before ring time. I like to do two hours for obedience/performance ring trials. An hour to potty my dog, check in etc. And then an hour to watch other competitors go, watch ring procedures, especially with that particular judge and memorize my course/lookup any signs I may need a refresher on.

What a great opportunity so close to you! I have friends in ASCA and I hear they are pretty laid back like UKC so it should be a warm and welcoming way to get your feet wet.

 

[Ravenbird]

Any tips for preparing?

If you haven't practiced for a while, brush up on the signs. Is it the same as AKC rules?

I like to do two hours for obedience/performance ring trials. An hour to potty my dog, check in etc. And then an hour to watch other competitors go, watch ring procedures, especially with that particular judge and memorize my course/lookup any signs I may need a refresher on.

This is what I wanted to do at my Novice Obedience, but Novice A was the very first class at 8 a.m. so I didn't get to watch anyone go before me. I know rally will be different but what you said - know the course & signs would be the best confidence booster going into the ring: "I know this, we can do it!"

 

[Rits]

This is what I wanted to do at my Novice Obedience, but Novice A was the very first class at 8 a.m.

Lucky if you want to go home after! All of my novice obedience ring times have been at the very end, or "After Noon" so I show up way, way too early

 

[Two Dobes]

And remember, not all judges tell you to ask if you have questions; but if you have ANY questions when doing through walk through, ASK the judge. Other competitors often help one another, but if you are not sure, ask the judge. They are usually very helpful and will go over a sign/signs when asked.

 

[Ravenbird]

Lucky if you want to go home after! All of my novice obedience ring times have been at the very end, or "After Noon" so I show up way, way too early

I was there for 3 days, and it worked out actually because I was done for the day, stress was gone and I got to watch the open & utility classes without thinking about a run coming up for me! And on Sunday after I was done I did leave for home. Now that I've done it a few times (5x novice runs, 4 Q's & 1 NQ) I wouldn't mind this schedule at all. Still on the fence if I'm ready for CDX.