Entering a Rally trial

[Tazwell]

Hi guys, I'm a little embarrassed to ask this question... I've never entered a dog into a rally trial... But I know that there's one coming up later this month in an adjacent county, and I decided to enter it.

It took me a while to figure out how to enter one, and I read that I had to fill out the form in the 'show premium'. So, I googled the Show Premium list and found it on infodog.com. I entered the trial on infodog.com in the Rally Novice A class, and that was that.

But now I'm wondering, since it's a big conformation show, maybe I needed to be part of the kennel club or something to enter? I didn't see anything like that, but now I'm worried that I wasn't permitted to enter. It did show up on AKC's event and award search, And didn't say anything about being limited to anybody...

I'm not a show person, if you can't tell :rofl1:

 

[Shai]

Check the front page of the premium. It should say if it's open to all breeds, all breeds + mix breeds, or just one breed. Those are their only options...you don't have to belong to any club, your dog just has to be registered with AKC. Hope that helps

 

[Tazwell]

Yep, it's an all breed show. Whew! That makes me feel better! Thanks

 

[Saeleofu]

Good luck with your first trial!

 

[Shai]

Yep, it's an all breed show. Whew! That makes me feel better! Thanks

Sure thing And as Saeleofu said, good luck!

 

[MicksMom]

Good luck!

 

[Tazwell]

Thanks, guys! Fleetwood has had health problems his whole life, supposedly autoimmune disease (recently the vet said crohns) which has prevented him from being able to do any sort of show or event.

The doctor started him on a new med, low dose naltrexone, that were hoping will work for him-- and although I have no idea if he will be fit for a trial on that date, I thought the hell with it. He's almost two already! I'll take my chances

 

[BlackPuppy]

Good Luck!! Rally is fun.

 

[~WelshStump~]

Good luck!
And yes, the only thing you need to enter is that he's already AKC registered (or registered with whatever club you're entering the trial). It should be easy, we entered our first Rally this year, got there early and waited till they opened the table to began Rally to pick up our arm band number (don't forget that) and get a map of the coarse, although I always find them impractical with Rally after walking the coarse. I did have problems with Enda, she's decided out of nowhere, she just wont sit! So I spent several moments waiting at each sit station coxing her in ever way possible to get her to sit. It's otherwise pretty easy if you have all the basic obedience down, and I much prefer it to formal obedience, it's a lot more casual and fun.

 

[Moth]

Good luck...

I hope you and Fleetwood have a great time at the trial.

 

[elegy]

I had to ask about a hundred questions when I was entering my first trial, and then I was having a nervous breakdown because I didn't get confirmation until like two days before the trial. But it was all fine!

Good luck! I hope you guys have fun!

 

[Tazwell]

Hi guys! A few more questions-- We are going to our first trial tomorrow, and we got a letter that has his reg. info, and it says
'RALLY NOV A CTLG #: (0-5)'

Does that mean that we're #5? LOL! I'm so embarrassed to ask such a silly question! And when we go in, what do we do? Check in with somebody, or just wait until the walk-through, or what? How long before should I show up?

And one more-- I have nobody to go with me, so I suppose I bring a kennel and set him up ring-side somewhere during the walk-through?

 

[Emily]

You'll check in with the ring stewards, who will have a table set up ringside. If you're not sure about your number, bring the letter with you. Tell them this is your first trial and they'll be happy to help. Check the judging program (should have come with your confirmation) to see what ring you'll be in.

Yes, bring a crate. Also, bring a folding chair (the kind for camping are perfect). Made that mistake my first trial and ended up standing for way too long. LOL. Bring a bowl to give him water also.

I like to give myself 30-45 before my class, get my crate and chair set up, get my dog pottied and then crated. Personally, I don't mess around too much before we go in the ring. This of course depends on your dog and you, but I will only pull the dog out once or twice, do some focus games and some peppy heeling, and then back in the crate. Whatever you do, try to remember that even though you want to rehearse things into the ground, it's too late to fix anything that's broken and your best bet is to keep the dog happy and engaged.

Good luck! I'm excited for you. I love trialing and I hope you do too!

 

[Saeleofu]

Hi guys! A few more questions-- We are going to our first trial tomorrow, and we got a letter that has his reg. info, and it says
'RALLY NOV A CTLG #: (0-5)'

Does that mean that we're #5? LOL! I'm so embarrassed to ask such a silly question! And when we go in, what do we do? Check in with somebody, or just wait until the walk-through, or what? How long before should I show up?

And one more-- I have nobody to go with me, so I suppose I bring a kennel and set him up ring-side somewhere during the walk-through?

Yes, bring a kennel for the walk-through. When you get there, if you have trouble finding your ring check with the superintendent and they can tell you where to go. When you find your ring, check in with the table steward. They'll give you your armband and a map of the course. The judge will tell you when it's your class's turn for the walk-through. If you have ANY questions while you're there, most people are willing to help, I've even taught my competitors exercises ringside because they didn't know what they were. The vast majority of the time if you tell someone (steward, judge, competitor, anyone) it's your first trial, they're more than willing to help you with whatever you need.

Good luck!

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Good luck!!

 

[Tazwell]

Thanks for the help, everyone! It was confusing at first, but we managed to survive and take first place with 98/100! I'm so proud of him!

All of the information you all gave me made it much easier

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Woot, yay that is rocking!!

Obligatory ribbon pic with pup is needed now! Or better yet you, pup and ribbon Go, take one, hurry

 

[SaraB]

Very cool!! Congratulations!!

 

[Finkie_Mom]

That's awesome! Huge congrats

 

[sassafras]

Congratulations!