GSDCA-WDA Nationals April 14th and 15, 2012 - Page 1

 Many of the competitors that have traveled from across the country are at the location of the GSDCA-WDA  Nationals- more then a few of them are not happy about what they have experienced and seen thus far pertaining to this event.  It appears the tracking training fields that the competitors were directed to - have knee high grass and the tracking trial fields are suppose to be sod (which is suppose to be much lower).  Reportedly the competitors were told that the hosting club did have practice tracking fields that were consistent with the tracking trial  fields, but utilizing them would have required a club member to be on the fields with the competitors while they tracked /trained.  The hosting club was unable to provide a club member to do this, so the alternate training tracking fields (knee high grass) were chosen for the competitors.  The event field (for obedience and protection) is not a stadium, nor stadium size.  I'm told they are going to put up some type of "fencing" around this smaller field - that has numerous other fields around it.  Hopefully kids won't be playing soccer or having a baseball game a few feet from where the competitors will be trialing - only time will tell.  The competitors that I spoke to stated that they do not  blame the hosting club or its members - as they have been very hospitable.    They do however blame the board member who is suppose to be in charge of this event - who if he had any guidance to give to the hosting club....obvioulsy has not given it.  IMHO they should have a person that actually KNOWS what an IPO National Working Dog Event requires in regards to an event field.  It appears there is little regard for the competitors who have put in countless hours training for this event and have travelled hundreds of miles to compete in the event.  It is ultimately the responsiblity of the Trial Chairman to ensure that this National Event occurs with as few problems as possible on a field that is conducive to a National IPO Event.  What a shame.....or sham. 

I happened to notice that  they updated the National's Website with the FH tracking info on 04/11 (See News Page)- most, if not all of the competitors are currently at the event location and did not know until I told them in regards to the time of the FH tracking event.  I really hope someone from the "Committe" keeps all the competitors informed of any further "news".

Quit whining. FH and national level dogs should be fine. Besides it was publicly stated what the tracking conditions would be, a while ago. Anyone serious and there prior to the trial can find their own tracking fields. I'm sure the hotel has sod! :P.

Your right about one thing Chaz......it was publicly stated (and pictures provided on the website) as to what the tracking fields would be for the Fh's at the GSDCA-WDA Nationals.  The website has hayfields posted displayed (pictures) for the FH, yet the trial tracking field this morning for the Fh is sod.   When the world level competitors come for the 2013 WUSV you should volunteer to be the one to tell them to "quit their whining" concerning the tracking fields and direct them to the hotel area for tracking:P

Hammer Haterproof von Stan (IPO1) came in 1st place for the FH with a score of 90 - heavy rain, windy conditions. 

http://wdanational.net/competitors-results.htm

This mornings tracking results are posted.  Obedience scores thus far:  Rob K. - 97    Krysta W - 96     Chico Stanford - 98     Amanda - 90    Steve M - 86    Lee M - 76  Dwight M - 92
Jacob Pope - 92


Protection thus far:  Krysta W - 98    Rob K- 97    Chico Stanford - 98

hmmmmm originally I had 97 for Chico but then saw the official site had 98.....so I changed it.......now the official site has 97 as I originally had.....

What is "terminated".  I know what the word means but I've never seen that before in a trial.  Usually it's "disqualified" or "out of control".  I assume maybe it's the same thing but just phrased differently???

Judy

One dog was "dismissed" during the Protection phase.

MaiGirl,
You are completely correct to say the people on the board who run these events should have TITLED a dog, not just walk out on the field and say 'this is good'! Or they should take advise from people who have trialed as to make the event successful.
I am going to the USCa Nationals next week in Columbus and can't wait to see how this is run. They have an entry of over 60 dogs......

Beaugsd, I have been to several National Events held by UScA over the years, as a spectator............no matter what my personal views may be concerning UScA (re: JA)....UScA ALWAYS puts on a professional, well-organized events with very fair unbiased judging.  I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself there.....