Our first rally trial is getting close!! (Update - Day 2)

In my experience AKC is not strict at all, at least not for rally.  You can talk and use hand signal commands, even luring somewhat and taking steps forward and back in Novice.  Just make sure to breathe and take your time.  Usually mistakes happen when the handler does something totally different the day of the trial.

As for dress, I usually dress comfortably and fairly casual.  Based on another recent thread here, I'm probably more to the casual end of the spectrum but that's how it is around here (more casual than conformation for sure, and even the regular obedience).

I usually do the walkthroughs nonstop the entire time.  By the time we go, I've memorized the course.

I don't have any answers to your technical questions  . . . but just wanted to wish you good luck and have fun !

Deb W.

Thanks!!  I am so excited! 

Lies, is there anything else you typically take to trials besides the things I mentioned?  I can't think of anything else, but I'm sure I'm missing something.

 I take a crate, crate cover, chair, dog food and water, dog treats, poop bags, and leash.  Don't forget a chair!

Liesje

In my experience AKC is not strict at all, at least not for rally. 

 I find the exact opposite for the Novice level with regard to tight leash.  Here's what I mean.  If the toggle on your leash moves, they ding you points.  You will get more "tight leashes" in Novice level than you even expect.  I can guarantee you, that's where a majority of most Novice handlers points off will come, if you don't plan accordingly.  They really, really, really do not want anyone advancing past Novice with a dog who will not be under control off-leash at Advanced, so I think that's why they're strict about it. 

• Watch where your hands are on the leash - give plenty of slack, but not so much you trip on it. lol.  If your dog is working well staying in heel position, you don't have to worry about him lagging or forging, when there's a little play in the leash.  It's the people who gather up and when the dog lags or forges just a tiny bit (when the judge wouldn't care at Novice level), but the leash becomes taut, so you get the points off for "tight leash".  To practice, sling the leash across your body and over your right shoulder.  That will tell you if the dog can respond to changes in direction and pace without the leash pressure.
• How much has your dog been crated with you in-sight?  If not much, practice before the event.  I see a lot of dogs get anxious from their crates when they can see mom doing walk-thrus and they can't get to her. 
• Practice your 270s - they like to throw those in a lot.
• Be sure you recognize the times when you're supposed to halt after a station, versus those you're expected to continue smoothly.  A LOT of people screw that up and either stop when they shouldn't, or don't stop and pause when they should.  (I was out of the ring over a year and did it for two of Gracie's RAE legs last month - Even when you think you know, bring the book to remind yourself. lol)
• Speed will be your tie-breaker, so if you're looking for ribbons, move quickly for your best placements.

Have fun and make friends!! 

Ah, yes a chair!  Completely forgot!

My trainer is always watching for tight leashes.  I very rarely have a tight leash with Finn.  He reads my signals very well and is awesome with heel.  Although when he gets distracted he may lose focus and may pull, which is why I'm upping our distraction level now.  I'm not sure how the crate set up will be but thats a good idea to practice him being in his crate with me wandering about.  I will definitely try to practice that and I'll have to find something to cover his crate with.  I don't use crate covers because he will pull in and eat anything remotely near his crate.  I think for short periods he will be fine with something over it though.

Thanks for all the great advice.  If anyone has anything else, I'm ready for it.

I agree on the tight leashes.  Definitely practice how you will hold the leash.  I hate seeing long leashes looped on the wrist and then gathered up tight.  With Kenya I use a 4' lead, fold the handle over and hold this in my left hand with it anchored at my side.

When she asked about AKC being strict, I was thinking more along the lines of AKC not being any more strict than APDT or UKC.  The entry level Rally courses in those venues are overall more difficult.

I agree on all other points Paige mentioned.  Kenya and I have won based on speed, speed is our friend!  Especially since I have larger/longer dogs that can look really awkward on small courses.

Also, listen for any points where your particular judge is critical.  The judge should always take you through a walk through and point out what they are looking for.  For example, I had one judge set up some pivots in such a way that she wanted us to make a figure eight, kind of do both signs flowing together.  Another judge said for 180 pivots she would allow multiple steps as long as the handler kept their feet in a square foot imaginary box (rather than having to actually do a 180 pivot on your toe).  Another judge was very pick about the out of motion exercises and docked heavily for any sign of pause for the moving stand or down walk around dog.  He would rather see the dog shuffle a bit than the handler pause or help the dog.

georgie4682

My trainer is always watching for tight leashes.  I very rarely have a tight leash with Finn.  He reads my signals very well and is awesome with heel.

 ROCK ON!  Two thumbs up, and more if I had them!  When I get home tonight, I'll open my Art of Proofing book and PM you some ideas for distractions, because it's great for ring prep... like the people sitting too close to the ring, dropping food, kids pointing over the ring at you and your dog.  Balloons tied to a chair with a big stuffed animal sitting in it make a pretty good "weird human", as do posts with coats hung on them, the pockets full of treats. lol  Does he get distracted more by scents, sights, or sounds?  Practice all three - you'll experience stuff you never expected.  Indoor trials have unique acoustics, too, so sometimes other handlers in nearby rings will be shouting commands that could distract your dog if not proofed.

The other important thing for me, personally, is locating the restroom.  I get nervous and have to pee a zillion times.  Have you been to any trials yet to observe?  Some people like to set up their crates/chairs right by the ring gate so they're ready to go, but I find it's too much traffic and overwhelming so I tend to be within earshot, but not right by the traffic jam area.

I personally don't use a crate cover, but Gracie isn't reactive to other dogs, so we don't need it.  Maybe you don't either?

 I don't cover crates, unless it is cold or particularly nasty out. Mine have always relaxed more when they could see what's going on. If any of your training buddies are coming, sit near them, and try to keep his crate like you do in practice.

Wear some layers, and don't forget some water and a snack for yourself! I always chew mints at dog shows, because I'm nervous. Emma liked sharing, so I made sure they were dog safe (Altoids, LOL).

Arrive early.    How early depends on how much time Fin needs to settle in (and you, too ).  I never did trials with Mick (he was a mixed breed), but we always arrived at matches about 30-45 minutes early, especially when he was younger (he was pretty insecure).  Caleb needs more time than that to get over the "new place, have to smell everything" excitement.  When we did the sanctioned rally match in January, we got there about an hour and half before Rally was scheduled to begin, not realizing Novice B was going to be the very last class, and we were almost the last ones in.  We didn't go into the ring until somewhere around 4.  Now that I know more, I probably won't arrive as early in the future, tho.  The good part about being so early, it calmed MY nerves.  I was shaking like a leaf during the walk through,but when it was our turn, I was cool as a cucumber. 

A great hint our trainer taught us- if at all possible, walk the course at least 3 times, preferably 4.  The first time, just walk from station to station, counting off the numbers as you go.  Then walk them "doing" each station.  Oh yeah, another hint- as you do the course, count off the numbers to yourself. 

Dress- looking at pictures of people from where I train at trials, I'd go with a decent pair of jeans & tshirt, etc.  In fact, I'm eyeballing one of my pairs of black jeans for when we starts trials.  I've seen photos from winter shows with the same people wearing jeans, turtlenecks & sweatshirts.

You might also want to think about taking some snacks and something to drink for yourself, too. 

Thanks!  You guys have some great tips.  I have new news though!  We are now entering a trial (AKC) for April 11!!!  It's going to be so much fun.  Although this one is about an hour and a half from home, so it'll be Finn's longest time in the car. I think he'll be fine.  He loves going for car rides, but we've never done one this long.  I suppose a couple of stops along the way won't hurt.

I just thought of another tip- on the "Halts", either count to three before moving again (one onethousand, two onethousand, three onethousand), or say "Good dog" either to Fin or under your breath.  That will be enough time for the judge to know you've halted, by not so much that it looks like you forgot what to do.  

Ahhh, good tip.  I never would have thought of that!

How exciting!!  You've gotten good advice.  Take deep breaths when you feel tense. Nerves travel right down that lead so do your best to not be running late and feeling flustered.  Stay focused, listen to the judge and watch your dog.  You'll do great!

I can't wait to hear all about it and see video.