Things I learned at My First Agility Trial
Deb's Faith enjoys the snow.
THINGS I LEARNED AT MY FIRST AGILITY TRIAL
By Deb Furphy
(reprinted here with Deb's permission)
1. Tic Tacs don't hide the nervousness on your breath if you forget to eat them.
2. Tripping over your dog, an obstacle or running into the judge is not the way to make a good impression.
3. The port a potty is your friend. And always bring toilet tissue and baby wipes! You run out of the first and with no hand washing facilities, you *need* the second.
4. When in doubt, make up a course and have fun until you get whistled off.
5. If you get lost, the judge can't tell you where to go, no matter how politely you ask.
6. Running with both arms out does NOT make you go faster. It only serves to confuse your dog and amuse the ring crew, staff and spectators.
7. Singing the "Mickey Mouse Club" theme song at the start line makes you breathe.
8. Males marking the warm up weaves are not tolerated.
9. Never run your dog while a toddler is next to the ring and eating anything. Children plus dropped food equal dog magnet.
10. The magnetic force of an off course tunnel is directly proportional to the lack of experience of the dog and handler team running.
11. Make sure your shoes are tied before you enter the ring.
12. Never put off a port a potty trip before you run. (Trust me. Nothing is more distracting then having to go potty during a fast jumpers course.)
13. It's not about the ribbons. It's about rubbing the ribbons in someone else's face. (KIDDING!)
14. Titles are like poop bags. Eventually even the densest person catches on and carries one around.
15. Thou shalt not let thy dog sit on another's head as a way of greeting.
16. Flexi leads are a BAD idea when walking by the ring. If your dog looks loose, they can remove you from the trial.
17. Thou shalt not drop crumbs or throw food in/on practice equipment to be used in trials.
18. If at the end of the day, you go home tired and relaxed and looking forward to your next lesson or competition, you did an amazing job no matter WHAT the standings say.
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