Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject: Competing with BAA
Hi All,
Some advice please...
Bamber and I are loving our agility and have been training since April. Today we went to Just Dogs Live to watch and did a clear round on the Have A Go Agility ring (woo hoo!). The people running the ring thought he was great and said that he looked ready to be competing, which set me thinking...
I'm keen to have a go at competing with him but don't want to rush him. I was wondering about entering a BAA show in early August (fancy the idea of enclosed rings as it seems like one less thing to worry about!), but wondered if anyone had any advice on what stage we'd need to be at? Bamber has done all the equipment bar the see saw so I guess we'd not be able to do the Agility class, but I wondered if anyone could give any insight into what sort of level to expect with Introductory classes?
Am I right in thinking that you just get measured at the show? He is definitely going to be Maxi/Large height.
Any other tips/insights into BAA/getting started with competing in general much appreciated.
If he is definitely over 20 inches then enter him at Maxi, below 20inches and he can jump Medium if you choose - you can measure him to be sure if you want, head for the Show organiser office area and you usually find someone who can help you with measuring hoops. It isn't usually essential to be measured like it is at KC.
You can enter any level of class NFC but it's well worth having a go competitively at Introductory level from the sound of it. You can enter the agility class and run around the see-saw if you want the experience - he'll be E'd but it wouldn't cause a problem. I've looked at the schedule and Intro Jumping, Up'N'Under, Tunnel Torment will probably be ok. Intro Triple A agility could be worth a go because they do the A'frame 3 times and other contact equipment ie see-saw isn't usually included.
I've found a real mix of courses at BAA shows. The general rule of thumb is that the courses tend to be more challenging towards Aug than they are in Apr but even so Intro courses remain achievable in our experience. Judges are trained that dogs and handlers make enough mistakes of their own - courses don't need to make them (I went on the Judges training course - and recommend it if you want to learn more )You are expected to help on a ring for an hour each day but no-one expects you to know what to do if you say you are new.
I ended up joining EMDAC because it was recommended by dog walkers I met when I moved to the area. I've ended up on BAA staff so if I can help I will! PM queries if you want and I'll find out answers for you if I don't know.
I'm in 2 minds at the moment whether to enter that comp :/ . If I do I'll defo let you know and we'll cheer you on!! My big tip is to let people know you are at your first show - everyone will help.
Another question that occurred to me is do you get the opportunity to have a practice jump to get the dogs warmed up at shows or do you just have to go straight into the ring?
Answer to that is not sure... at EMDAC shows we don't usually have jumps not in use in rings so there is a practice ring with contact equipment and weave poles in.
Some shows have a 'proper' course set up which you can pay to have a train on for a set amount of time...
I'll ask what's normal for this show and get back to you!
Just a couple more queries if you don't mind Laura (or anyone else who can help!)...
I know we have to help for an hour, but you are just allocated to a ring for either morning or afternoon. Do you just turn up at the ring when you can spare some time, or is it more formal than that?
If we decide we are not going to run in any of the classes (quite likely as we have entered 4 but may not do the agility ones if they have the seesaw in), do we have to let anyone know or do they just assume you are not running if you don't book in?
Also, am I right in thinking that when you are running in a class, you turn up at the ring, book in with the ring steward and then join the queue? Is that right?
So many questions!!! Getting quite excited at the prospect of doing our first show!
Will be Tucker's first show too!! (He will obviously just be watching! First training session tomorrow )
Anyway - good questions! And wish I had thought to ask them before turning up at my first show! Well done!
The hour's help - turn up whenever you have time. Some people do 2 half hour stints or help until they have to run their dog and then come back. Sometimes you turn up to help and find help already over-flowing, so are asked to come back later. Sometimes you hear tannoy announcements requesting that you help NOW rather than in the afternoon because classes will be finished and sometimes ANYONE is asked to go and help on a ring NOW because otherwise the class can't run! Just make sure that you sign or tick off or write your name on the 'Helper's Clipboard List' in the scribe tent to prove that you helped. So it is informally run Tell them it's your first show when you turn up and you'll usually have someone nicely explain what you can do
1) carry leads from handler at start to end exit (leave on floor, just the other side of the fence)
2) carry scribe sheets from next handler in queue to scribe in tent
3) pole pick - sit not attracting attention at the side of the ring ready to run out and replace poles that get knocked
4) book in - tick people off the clipboard when they arrive to queue and give them their scribe sheet out of the book.
5) Scribe - probably not at your first show but if oversubscribed with help, you could watch and learn....?!
Some ring managers give very clear instructions about how they'd like you to do something, some are more relaxed but all should help you learn your job!
If you decide not to run one of your classes then it is helpful to let the people booking in at the ring know so that they don't hang on longer than necessary for people to turn up. Remember you are entitled to run the agility class if you have paid your money - just run around the see-saw and get E'd if you want. Some people do this when their dog has had a scare on the see-saw and they are building their confidence back up. Walk the course and see what you think!
And yes, book in with whoever has the clipboard and scribe sheet book near the entrance to the ring, they will tick you off on the clipboard and then rip out a little scribe sheet for you to hold while you queue. They don't normally run in number order so will just ask for dogs in the height needed. Someone helping on the ring will take the scribe sheet from you to take to the scribe tent as you move up the queue!
When it is your turn to get on the line always wait until the scribe says they are ready before you take off Bamber's lead/collar and go. If you run before the scribe says you can your run can be E'd as the judge may not be ready to judge, timer may not be ready or scribe may not be ready to mark down how you do! I learnt the hard way!!
No treats in the ring at all! I have titbits in my hand to keep Luna focused on me in the queue and give her the last one when we are last in line. In the intro class you can run with a toy so I have Luna's football in my pocket to give her at the end of the run - DON'T THROW a toy while in the ring -Learnt the hard way again!!!
Just had a look at the ring plan and we don't have a run until after your first class so can be around to help you out if you want!! ??
It seems an awful lot to take in but you learn A LOT from being brave enough to do that first show and a lot comes easily when everyone is doing the same around you!!
Tis exciting!!!
I just read on the info that the toilets are open overnight (it's the little things that please me!) Hope Tucker enjoys camping....!
Laura, thanks so much for that and for all your advice - it has made things a lot clearer! I'm really excited about giving it a go now!
Not sure if I will have a chance to catch up with you before our first class - I will have husband and 6 month old baby in tow so it may be a bit of a hectic morning!!! I'm going to try to have a go in the practice ring first to calm my nerves and Bamber's excitement a bit! Will definitely seek you out during the day though - looking forward to meeting Luna and your gorgeous new boy!
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(I went on the Judges training course - and recommend it if you want to learn more 
Tell them it's your first show when you turn up and you'll usually have someone nicely explain what you can do
