Seriously considering a BH this week - Page 1

    In all seriousness, I am considering getting Duke his BH this week. It's not his performance I'm worried about, it's mine. Any suggestions, tips info ANYONE willing to give for me to "fine tune" myself and my dog??
    I'm pen to suggestions from any and ALL German Shepherd enthusiasts.                                                             

First, Good on Ya for trying! 2nd Try going through the ob routine WITHOUT the dog. Do the entire pattern with an "invisible dog" several times. Hopefully, that will help you stress less over doing the pattern and not have your nerves go down the leash because you aren't sure about what you should be doing. 3rd. Make sure to prepare the dog for temperament test. Assuming a stable temperament, take him to malls, walk along high-traffic streets, etc. 4. Even though gunshots are gone from the Bh, there could still be sudden loud noises as part of the temperament test. Test and prepare for it. 5. Breathe!! Be sure to breathe during the trial. I guess it is so much like drowning the first times that people tend to try to hold their breath. :-) 6. Check out Ann Marie Chaffin's article for the Bh. 7. Be sure to practice a time or two on the actual trial field, so you and the dog are a bit familiar with it. 8. Don't do it, if you don't feel you and the dog are truly ready. If you want to pull, DO give the trial secretar/chairman as much notice as possible. It may mean that someone on a waiting list will be able to trial. (And donating the entry fee to the club, rather than seeking a refund when you pull, is good form for whatever/any inconvenience you might have caused). 9. Remember that you are in someone's "home," and behave accordingly. If you have issues with someone in the club, or another visitor, DO NOT bring the conflict to the trial. Stay away from them. Remember that a greeting is the cheapest thing you can give anyone, so be sure to smile and say hello to everyone, regardless. 10. Don't run off to McD's/Burgerking/Frische's and bring your fastfood garbage back to the field for the club to dispose of. The club goes to the trouble to provide lunch, and often needs the concession revenues to help with trial expenses. It is rude enough to go off for fastfood, but it is an extra insult to make the club clean up after your fastfood garbage by bringing the stuff back.:-) 11. Check out a sports psychology book or two. 12. Remember that this is all supposed to be fun!!

I agree with Mystere 100%.  Especially about running the routine prior to the trial by yourself several times and with your dog on the trial field before the trial.  Make him and you feel better about the area.

I just trialled for a SchH 1 yesterday and I was sure about the pattern but not sure on the weather.  It was horrible.  It rained all day on us.  My dog wouldn't look up or anything else for that matter.  I was upset due to the weather and even more when she wouldn't work so my negativity got worse and so did her behaviors.  So, be calm and confident for your dog.  No matter what you are feeling.

Also, if you have a chance to practice in different types of weather do so.  On trial day you never know what the weather will be.  Hopefully a good one for you.

Good Luck.

I am sorry, but I had to smile at your description of the weather. That's what we trial in most of the time in the PNW. :-) half the trials are in downpours, too. We learn to get boots that keep the feet dry and warm, while also having great traction. :-) I guess that would be #13: have a pair of Bogs or Muck shoes handy, along with a waterproof poncho, in case of rain. That means training with the poncho on a few times (rain or shine), so the dog isn't thrown by it when you need it. :-)

I am sorry, but I had to smile at your description of the weather. That's what we trial in most of the time in the PNW. :-) half the trials are in downpours, too. We learn to get boots that keep the feet dry and warm, while also having great traction. :-) I guess that would be #13: have a pair of Bogs or Muck shoes handy, along with a waterproof poncho, in case of rain. That means training with the poncho on a few times (rain or shine), so the dog isn't thrown by it when you need it. :-) #14 Have plenty of water in the car for the dog.

Mystere said the exact same thing I would have said.
:-)))
SS

Go over what you are supposed to do without the dog, like Mystere said.  And I've also gone over the pattern in my head over and over ahead, so that I knew exactly what I was supposed to do. 

Kathy

 Just go for it!!! It will be rewarding:)

Very Good Luck on the BH, You will be fine
Steve

Good luck to you if you choose to!
You and your dog can do it!
Go for it.