How do you know when you are ready to Trial?

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by Renofan2 on 01 November 2010 - 17:11

Hi everyone:

Was just wondering how everyone else knows when they are ready to trial. I have been working toward our Schuthzund II and have the chance to trial in early December vs waiting until May. I just never feel ready so was wondering how everyone else determines when they are ready.......

Cheryl

by TingiesandTails on 01 November 2010 - 18:11

When A, B, C are going well enough that getting enough points is not a problem. Experienced people at the club can tell you, while they observe your training. And then...you just go for it! You can always repeat in May if things are too exciting and don't work out in December.
Good luck!

by Q Man on 01 November 2010 - 19:11

I would say when each phase is doing well...and you can string a couple practice sessions together that are to what you like...
As you know...saying you put the SchH1 on your dog...what your dog does well and what they need more work in...And then of course when you trial...the things you needed work on usually go pretty good...I guess because you've been working on them...and the things that you thought were doing very good usually something goes wrong with...
When you trial you need as much consistentcy as possible...In saying that usually as you go from SchH1 SchH2 and then SchH3 you and your dog should work better and better together as a team and you should fix the little problems that you've had along the way...
When you work your dog...and as you trial...You must take 1 Phase at a time...Don't look at the entire 3 Phases...So when working on or trialing at say Obedience...then only concentrate on that phase alone...
I know...Easier said then done...

~Bob~

by Hundguy on 01 November 2010 - 19:11

With the trial a month out do a dry run A,B,C and video tape it. Then go over it with your training director. Then they can point out your faults & the dogs faults and what needs to be done for trial. Then look at how much time you have if A+B= V then go for it...!

Best Regards,
Dennis Johnson
www.johnsonhaus.com

by yellowrose of Texas on 01 November 2010 - 20:11

When YOU have the confidence that it is done well.. But that is only the first step..Never worry if you do not do well...Any good dog and team can not have a GOOD day...YOu cannot predict that...just go trial and keep a smile on your face and do your best..The dog will be right beside you and remember you are a TEAM>>>>>

Also if Dec doesn't go well, then May here we come...NEver second GUESS>.....REMEMBER the top contenders sometimes get surprised at NASS or EVEN WORLD when the dog and themselves just cannot get it together after many months of doing it and even years of experience...

Does not matter if you do not get top scores, if YOU FEEL that you and your team member , your dog are in SYNC>>

RELAX and be calm in your thinking...A dog can tell if you are worried....Your club director or even an outside breeder of the sport , another trial person can help you correct a few things....YOU and DOG must feel good.

YR

by Renofan2 on 01 November 2010 - 22:11

Thanks everyone for the good advice! Seems like once I feel good about 1 phase, something else pops up in another phase. I am not sure if I will ever feel ready but want to do the best we can.

YR - confidence, well that is the thing. 3 years ago I was afraid to even go on the field in front of people to practice and trying for a bh seemed far fetched and near impossible. Now I am actually thinking about a Sch II? Part of me cannot believe it. So if I can tackle the nerves, I will give it a go in December.

Thanks again.

Cheryl

by GSDPACK on 02 November 2010 - 01:11

I am never ready to trial my dog on the other hand he is always ready to prove me wrong:

Sch1 my dog would not track to save my life, he barely got 78 in his track.. I was not ready but he was entered and he stopped tracking about 2 weeks before the trial, nothing could move him forward, somehow we did it.
ShH2 my dog would not out and I could make back flips and it would not face him. we did great tracking and the trial day he would not track and he outed like a Pro. I believe we got 78,92,94
SchH 3. he tracked nicely got 93 but he would not out. we lost 4x2nd out.. that hurt us!
A female I just did tr1 got bitten in her mouth by a bee exactly 4 days before the trial on a starting point. She would not start 2days in a row. I did a short 150 paces track with some food, and bunch of articles and she kinda tracked but was so unsure at the start that I believed I was done for the trial. I figured what the heck I still run her.. I am glad I did she got 99 on her TR1.. and she was ready to continue for who knows how long.
I still believe I aquired couple gray hair that week only

Sooo if I waited for my dog to be Perfect he would never gotten his Sch3, FH2.. probably even Bhs
So if you think you can do it, your club members think you are a good team and can pull it off.. go and have fun! You might be surprised how great you'll do.
Pack

by yellowrose of Texas on 02 November 2010 - 02:11

Renofan:
I underdstand your feelings...

In my case I do not dance, never learned and not gonna ever see me on a dance floor..I dated a man who was a Fred Astaire in the dance world...but I never ever had the nerve to go out in front of others to hear them behind my back say....SHe can not dance..look at her...Since I know people say these things about women on a dance floor, I challenge anyone to sing on Stage like I have done for 50 years, starting at the age of 14 yrs old and have sung at Funerals, weddings , on stage in Musicals, and led conventions, football games and I always ,,,put yourself in my shoes,,,you go on stage and do what I can do and I will dance....

You see , not all have the same nerve or talents or opportunities to achieve to show off ..I am a show off of sorts, but in the fashion world and in singing...NOT other venues..

Dog training was natural for me,, never afraid of criticisms there because I had good mentors...YOU just remember that you have a dog who does not know what a number means..he doesn't care if he gets 70 or 98. He only wants by instinct to do his work and PLEASE HIS MASTER>>>>YOU.

Keep that in mind the whole way....Make it fun and make his work fun at all times...but be strict with your pursuits....Keep a daily routine and do it with fun and smiles..

One more task that some day , when older like I am...you can say,,,I never thought I could have done what I have done...I never ever would have thought 25 years ago I would train any gsd or breed the most gorgeous dogs and the healthiest and call myself a trainer..but I did it....so will YOU>. It pays off when you get older to look back and it makes me proud when I receive kudos now.
With every dog you own , you learn more and more and more. The second gsd and the third you finally become more accomplished at training..

YR

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

How do you know when you are ready to Trial? - Page 1

Pedigree Database