Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject: Washing machine churning stomach. Need specific rules!
So Sunday is going to be mine, and Pascos first try at a working test. I'm getting or rather have gotten to the stage where I'm pretty nervous.
I'm not thinking I'll be setting the gundog world alight or anything I just want to see if I actually like doing this!
My query is - what do I need to know. Etiquette wise. I went and watched a test in the spring and it seemed all very laid back and everyone just seemed to know what to do and where to be.
But what do you do? What should I not forget? What rookie pitfall am I likely to tumble head first in to. What puppy faux pas would it be best to avoid Pasco doing!
Also, do I have to hang around long? The longer Pasco watches, the more hyper he gets, the faster he gets, the harder he is to control!!! This is just for experience, but I would be mortified if I ruined things for someone else! Is it possible to choose to go first or last? or is there a running order?
What am I allowed to do as far as handling is concerned? It it all silent no words. Can I use his name, tell him to heel etc? Or am I better to just shut it! I am apt to gibber with nerves.... no... I know shocking yes!!!
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There will be a running order. So you will have no choice. Take Pasco for a little wander every now and again (but not far from where you are told to wait) to help break his fixation on what is going off round the corner. If the Test is visable from where you are waiting do not let him see as that will only hype him up more. Turn him away and find a quiet spot out of view.
If it's a NDNH? then a few more commands than expected or generally liked will be deemed to be absolutely fine. You want to come away on a happy note so that means achieving. At this stage I'd rather lose a point or two by throwing in an extra 'sit' or whatever and achieving the test than risking it for example and having the dog run in and getting a zero and no opportunity to complete the task, if you see what I mean. You cannot though man handle your dog ie. phyiscally push it into a sit or turn it in sit to face another way etc etc.
firstly Good Luck and enjoy
tip one - remember to breathe!
tip two - take extra whistles and leads just in case
tip three - take a chair thingy as there might be a bit of standing around and waiting. Sitting should help pasco and you relax
this is from my experience of watching some and entering one. Try entering one with your breeder in tow! Thats nerve wrecking! Hee hee
____________ Sam, Coal & Finn
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Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the test. When you get there, go and find the secretary who will have the running orders and numbers, and you can let them know you have arrived.
When you go to the judge for each test, smile and relax (as much as possible). The judge will show you where to stand – get yourself into position and get Pasco to sit next to you facing forward and wait for your instructions from the judge. Listen really carefully and ask for any clarification if you need it. When you take your lead off, put it in your pocket out of the way.
As mentioned by Helen, don’t send him for the retrieve until you have been told to by the judge!!! I gave someone a zero for that a couple of weeks ago, and I really hated doing it – especially as the dog did the retrieve so well.
As the judge explains the test, look out for any ‘bunkers’ that may catch the dog out, the wind direction and any things that may make the retrieve easier or harder for the dog. This should usually be less of an issue for a puppy test, but is a good discipline to get into.
With most exercises the judge will ask you to let him/her know when you are ready before they signal to the dummy throwers. Don’t feel too rushed, and make sure you are both settled, the lead is off and in your pocket, and the dog is facing the right way before you say you are ready.
You generally aim to use as little whistle and certainly verbal commands as possible. You would be penalised more heavily if anything verbal sounded like a reprimand. However don’t get yourself in too much of a flap, or worry too much about every last whistle.
As soon as you have completed the exercise, pop him back on the lead straightaway and thank the judge and make your way to the gallery or the next test.
Try and stay all day even if you aren’t amongst the prize winners. No reason why you can’t pop the dog back in the car if you are no-longer competing at the end. With some tests there will be a cut at lunchtime and some people will go home, although a lot of puppy tests are done and dusted in half a day. It’s generally not the done thing to just slope off during the day.
Try and find time at the end to go and thank the judges. They may well give you a bit of advice.
If you win you may be asked to say a few words at the prize-giving. All you really need to do is to try and thank the judges, the landowner and anyone that contributed to the running of the day (secretary, dummy throwers, stewards etc)
Fee after meeting Pasco the other day I would say:
Remember to watch your dog! Don't get taken in watching the other dogs at this stage you need to keep your eyes on Pasco. He will think about getting up to something before he does it, and you need to eyeball him at that stage!!!
Sam I will get you back for that comment. I seem to remember it being the other way round - you were the one in tow, or being dragged!!! .
Oooh exciting! I'll bet you'll have loads of fun. The one I watched at Easter looked fab and there seemed to be whole range of experience there. Good luck to you and Pasco Pup.
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. Smiling helps you relax remember and also means people say 'hello' lol
