Trials / Certification

So…. you’d like to enter a dog trial.  Are you ready?

READ THE RULES

You are responsible for following the rules whether you have read them or not.  Rules for the AKC dog sport you are interested can be viewed and downloaded at AKC.org – Sports & Events – Rules & Regulations – Sports – Regulations

  • Here you will learn about all classes offered in that sport, what class you should enter, equipment that is allowed, what you need to do to qualify, how you earn titles, etc.
  • If you don’t understand the rules or feel like you’d get a better understanding of them if they were reviewed as a group, contact your sports training director and they can set something up.

ATTEND TRIALS AS A SPECTATOR

To find Trials, go to AKC.org – Event Search

  • Agility, Obedience, Rally and Tracking are listed under “Companion Events” Scent Work is listed under “Performance Events”.
  • Search by State or Search near a City (distance options and date range options are available)

DOWNLOAD THE PREMIUM

The premium is the detailed information source for the trial you want to enter.  Like the AKC rules/regulations you are responsible for the information contained in the premium.  Read it!  The premium contains everything you need to know about the trial.  How entries will be accepted, when you can send entries, the cutoff date for entries, who to make your check out to, judges, crating, where to park, where to stay, emergency services, etc.  It will also state specific rules for each trial venue.

COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM

To enter a trial print and fill out the entry form

  • Fill out the form completely
  • Fill out form legibly
  • Sign your form
  • When you have the form filled out re-read it – if the trial Secretary did not know you, could they enter your dog correctly? (did you mark every class you want to enter, the height, etc. did you include your dogs registration number, their AKC registered name, etc.)
  • Did you include the correct amount to cover your entries. Use a calculator if you need to.

Once you’ve submitted your entries, you will receive a series of confirmation emails from the secretary.

READ YOUR CONFIRMAITON.  Is your dog’s name and registration number correct?  Are you entered in the correct classes?  Are you entered in everything you wanted to be entered in?  NOW is the time to make corrections.

After the trial has closed (entries are no longer being accepted) you will receive a final confirmation.  This will include your entry information as well as other important information about the trial.  What time you should arrive, when you are allowed to set up your crates, is there food available, etc.

DAY OF TRIAL AND TRIAL ETIQUETTE

Arrive early to set up.  You will need a crate/xpen for your dog.  If your dog is excessively loud or reactive cover your dog’s crate/xpen and set up further from the ring.  You will need to bring water/snacks for both you and your dog.  Helpful things to have: chair (camp chairs are great), extra clothes (temperatures vary), portable propane heaters, shade tent, etc.

Check in.  This is usually done at the ring gate.  Remember it is your responsibility to be ready to go in the ring when it is your turn.  It is advisable to be to the trial at least 45 minutes before you expect to run.

VOLUNTEER! In Agility, it takes a MINIMUM of 11 workers in order for you to be able to run your dog. There is usually a sign up sheet or board, training is provided!  All trials need help and you should expect to help especially if it is your club hosting the trial.

There is typically a general briefing in the morning.  Attend.  This is your opportunity to learn what you need to know for the day. Before your class, check in, attend the class briefing/walk through.  Be prepared when it is your turn so the judge and workers do not need to wait for you.

It is not appropriate for you to allow your dog to be a distraction to the dog in the ring.  This means stay at least 10 feet from all ring gates/fencing.  Do not allow your dog to bark, growl, lunge, or get in another dog’s space.  Be extra vigilant when going into and leaving the ring.

After your run: 

DO NOT linger in the ring after your turn ie: visiting with others outside the ring while you are still in the ring. Quickly put the leash on your dog and leave the ring and the ring area.

DO NOT approach the table crew (timers, scribes, etc.) they need to give their full attention to the next competitor.  Everyone deserves the attention you just received.  Your unofficial results will be available at or near the secretary table once the class is completed.  In agility, if you would like to see your results, you will want to check a few minutes AFTER the last dog in your height class has finished.  In Scent work it will be a few minutes AFTER the last dog in your class runs, etc.  In Rally, your score will often be posted on the gate sheet (but not your time), etc.

Awards, ribbons, stickers, etc. will be available AFTER the judge has approved the results.  Ribbons are printed in Agility and Scent Work so that you can keep track of your Q’s.  This way you know when you are eligible to move up to another class.  NOTE: It is your responsibility alone to make sure you are entered in the correct class.  If you enter the wrong class and qualify but were ineligible for that class, AKC will pull your Q.  They can pull several Q’s and even titles if you were ineligible.  Keep track!  (if you lose your stickers/can’t remember/want to verify, you can do that on the AKC website under Sports & Events – Points and Awards.)

If you have earned a title and wish to move to the next class in the current trial go to the secretary’s table and ask for a move up form.  This form needs to be filled out and given to the secretary that day so that you can be entered correctly the following day.  If you earn a title and have already entered future trials, you will need to email the trial secretary and ask that your dog be moved to the correct class.  You will need to include your dog’s name and registration number and ask that you be moved from x class to y class.

Make sure you clean up your area when you leave.  Do not leave garbage etc. for someone else to clean up!

Have fun!  It doesn’t matter if you qualify and earn titles, what matters is having fun while spending time with your dog!  Your dog will be happy just to be with you!  Focus on what went right not what went wrong!

Upcoming Trials and Certifications

The following trials and tests will be hosted by Upper Snake River Valley Dog Training Club (USRVDTC).

Registration/Premium

December 2-3, 2023 – Agility Trials

October 27-29, 2023 – Agility Trials

October 7-8, 2023 – Scentwork Trials

September 24, 2023 – TD & TDU Tracking Tests

August 18-20, 2023 – Obedience/Rally Trials

June 15-18, 2023 – Scentwork Trials

April 14-16, 2023 – Agility Trials

April 15-17, 2022 – Agility Trials

June 16-19, 2022 – Scentwork Trials

August 19-21, 2022 – Obedience/Rally Trials

September 25, 2022 – Tracking Test

October 28-30, 2022 – Agility Trials

December 3-4, 2022 – Scentwork Trials

Maps

Agility Trial Location

Scent Work Trial Location

Bonneville County Fairgrounds, 4H Building

University Place – Tracking (TDU and Starting) Location


Brad Reed Farm – Tracking (TD) Location

Blackfoot Fairgrounds – June Scentwork Trials