Signed up for my first trial (in Nov).

[k9kreationz]

Yeah, my front and rear crosses were a bit sloppy in that first trial. Honestly, I literally learned how to do them 2 weeks before the trial so I was still figuring them out.

Darn, so if mine look all crazy, I have no excuse. I'm such a klutz anyways. I'm impressed I haven't tripped over Koji, the equipment, or my own feet YET! lol. Don't worry, I will. Oh wait, I have run into the equipment doing turns.

After reading that book recommendation "least likely agility dog", I have to say, I have perspective. lol. As in, don't expect a lot, have fun, it's all about them, etc.

I haven't really run NADAC yet so I really don't know. I do know that CPE doesn't use a Teeter or Weaves at Level 1 and their table is used more to stop the clock during the games. I've never seen an actual Pause Table in a CPE standard course even at their 4, 5, and Championship (C) levels.

As for their rulebook, I've only seen it on their web site, http://www.nadac.com/rules.htm. There is a link on that page, left hand column, to download a PDF of the "Exhibitors Handbook", which is what you'd want.

Thanks for the info. I did see that, but a lot of it's hard to read because I don't care how far apart the equipment is. I guess I need to pull out the rules I really care about. The ones that'll get me a Q. Just kidding. I just want to make sure i don't blow the rules in the first run.

 

[k9kreationz]

My biggest fear is that I would forget the course

Okay, that's one of my fears. During practice, I'll forget where I'm going. However, I realized that walking the course really DOES help me.

Looks like I'll have two Show-n-Go's prior to the trial, so I'll go to those and see what happens.

 

[k9kreationz]

Yes, Nadac has all the equipment.If you want to watch some videos of AKC and USDAA runs go to www.hycalibervideos.com . It has not just Excellent and Open but Novice runs to.You can learn alot. Actually their is a video of Shadow last year at the Thanksgiving Cluster in a JWW run.

I'm going to assume, this is why my instructor doesn't want me to run him in Standard. I'll check out the videos. I forgot about that site. Thanks. I'll definitely watch the Novices. Much more my speed.

 

[Ania]

How exciting for you! (and nerve racking) I just started training with Maia. How long have you been training? I cannot imagine how nervous I will be, but I will get through that hurdle when the times comes. Good luck and please let us know how you do!!! Good luck!

 

[k9kreationz]

How exciting for you! (and nerve racking) I just started training with Maia. How long have you been training? I cannot imagine how nervous I will be, but I will get through that hurdle when the times comes. Good luck and please let us know how you do!!! Good luck!

I believe I've been training for about a year. I think. LOL. Or maybe a bit over a year. I cant recall when I first started.

I looked at my calendar. I started foundation agility at the beginning of Sept 08. So yup, it's been one year. Honestly, Koji didn't start progressing until about 6 months ago, when I made a deal with my instructor (basically, free lessons). But I'm happy with his progress (okay, I'd love to start running standard courses, but we're not ready).

Enjoy the foundation and make sure you GET that foundation. I'm seeing now how important it is...even with the regular obedience (sit, down, stay, etc).

 

[mbfrench]

I wished there was something closer here,only classes in Columbia,and Spartenburg for this. I would be ever so interested,just to be involved,and give another outlet of excersise for Trapp. There are not even any groups,or organizations that are close to us regarding obediance,agility.Nothing!

 

[k9kreationz]

I wished there was something closer here,only classes in Columbia,and Spartenburg for this. I would be ever so interested,just to be involved,and give another outlet of excersise for Trapp. There are not even any groups,or organizations that are close to us regarding obediance,agility.Nothing!

Awww....I guess I shouldn't complain about trials being 60+ miles away...when I can at least GO to it and have classes available locally.

Bummer!

 

[k9kreationz]

Yay! Got my hotel reservations. Was thinking about going to the nicer hotel, but further away, but figured with this being my first trial and all. I'll take motel but closer.

I also now have the premium (I guess that's what the info/reg pack is called), so I can sign Koji up for whatever my instructor feels we're ready for (I think for NADAC it's going to be Jumpers, Tunnelers, maybe Weavers and that's it. Not 100% sure what Chances and Touch 'n Go are, but she'll let me know if we're ready.

Oh yeah, and Koji officially has his NADAC registration number. Yay!

It's still only Sept but I'm excited. One day, we'll progress to Standards. Until then, we'll work on Jumpers and whatever else.

 

[Ania]

Yes, at the seminar I went to it was repeated over and over how important 'foundation' is. I just finished the first 6 lessons with Maia. The next set start next week. However, I am not sure what will happen in the winter here. My instructor does not have an indoor arena to train. She uses this other agility instructor's arena when she is not using it. So, my instructor only takes the 'serious' students over winter. By serious, I am not sure if she means the intermediate and advanced students only. (that is what I gather) so I am not sure if Maia and I will 'qualify' for that. I hope so. The other instructor that has the arena is all booked and has a very, very long waiting list (as does mine).

Speaking of foundation classes. Does anyone here use 'shaping'? That is what we use. I am having trouble with it a bit, as Maia is not quite used to 'pure' shaping, I've always lured her in one way or anther, even with just a hand movement. I find that she does not know what she is to do and does not 'offer' up any behaviour, other than sit or down, and just waits there. Any advice?

 

[k9kreationz]

Ania,

Okay, I'm grateful that I don't have to deal with the winters (I'm in SoCal and training facilities are indoors). Good luck with getting into the class and being able to continue.

As for shaping, that's how we did everything. I cant say I have any advice. Koji has always learned by shaping, so he's always offering up pretty much anything he can think of. It's quite funny at times.