First HT in 6-ish weeks

[teej89]

Alright guys, I'm nervous. As soon as sign-ups open I'm signing Boomer up for his first HT in February down in NC. With that being said.... He's ready, but I'm overthinking(my personality) it and nervous as all hell. Boomer is steady at the line (I know not req'd for JH) but I figured I ought to tab him anyways on the first mark or two. He's finished all his pile work and starting the Double T and has done water marks and land marks over 100yds and he's been doing land doubles past 50yds without a problem.

Boomer I feel is fine, however I need to go to some more training days because his this is when he's sitting in the truck for an hour or so and hearing the gun shots and the whistles he gets himself so revved up. And being so revved up he wants to break or his marking gets sloppy because of the adrenaline.

Any advice to me the handler on what to do and not do at the test? I'm going to start reading the rules. Also any advice what I should work with him on the next couple of weeks?

Thanks guys!
T.J.

[TuMicks]

I am a rank beginner having run my MH in Senior exactly twice. One stupid thing I've done... don't point the gun at the judges. Otherwise, be there when the judges explain the test and watch the test dog. When you come to the line, the judges will ask you if you understand the test, if you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask.

I will tell you something that a friend told me she used to do... night before HT, she writes out a 3x5 card. It has stepwise the things she wants to remember. She goes over it in the holding blind (because it gives her something to focus on instead of getting wound up.) Can't remember exactly what she puts on it, but it's something like.

* walk to line
* sit dog
* tell judge my dog's number
* get instructions from judge
* tell dog to SIT
* call for birds and shut up
* WAIT for number
* Take a breath
* Send dog (She writes dog's name on card because sometimes she's running more than one)

[Annette47]

I am a rank beginner having run my MH in Senior exactly twice. One stupid thing I've done... don't point the gun at the judges. Otherwise, be there when the judges explain the test and watch the test dog. When you come to the line, the judges will ask you if you understand the test, if you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask.

I will tell you something that a friend told me she used to do... night before HT, she writes out a 3x5 card. It has stepwise the things she wants to remember. She goes over it in the holding blind (because it gives her something to focus on instead of getting wound up.) Can't remember exactly what she puts on it, but it's something like.

* walk to line
* sit dog
* tell judge my dog's number
* get instructions from judge
* tell dog to SIT
* call for birds and shut up
* WAIT for number
* Take a breath
* Send dog (She writes dog's name on card because sometimes she's running more than one)

I’ve never run a HT, but I have done something very similar to this when nervous about Obedience trials, except my list is usually things I want to remember about handling the dog like “bring hips forward on Figure 8, keep body tight on fronts, watch speed of drop signal, etc.” I do find it helpful to have something specific to focus on. And had to LOL about writing the dogs name on the card, because that will probably be me when the puppies are ready to show. Fortunately, they both seem to answer to either name at this point

[Labradorks]

Try to go to a test beforehand. Marshalling helped me understand the rules much better because I had more access to people in the know. Pay attention to what is happening. Ask questions to those around you. When it's time to ask questions to the judge, ask. Even if you think it's stupid (there are no stupid questions).

Have you gotten your dog's WC? If there is one between now and then, you might consider it, just for the opportunity to be in a similar position under a less stressful, but still kinda stressful situation. WCs are typically pretty laid back, lots of really young dogs and novice handlers, but there are still rules, dogs, a gallery, etc. Do you have picnic tests? Also a good way to dip your toe in the water. If you are working with a trainer, or know someone with lots of experience, do a run-through, pretending that you're at the test, even without your dog. I pay for runs in obedience without my dog all the time so I can work on myself.

One of the hardest things for me isn't the actual competition, it's learning how to deal with myself and my dog BEFORE our turn. How early do I need to get there? Where is the best place to crate? How long should he be out of the crate before our time? Can I get him to poop before our run? Do you have the proper equipment to keep him comfortably crated in your car for five hours or more? Do you know what you need to bring to keep both of you comfortable? What if it's hot? What if it's raining? Etc.

I go to obedience matches and picnic tests nearly every time they are offered because I like being prepared and the only way to prepare is to practice. If I am not worrying about my or my dog's comfort, I can relax and focus.

[TuMicks]

Do you know what you need to bring to keep both of you comfortable? What if it's hot? What if it's raining?

Ditto this, for me. But if you hunt, you may not have as much trouble with this as I did. I think I have it down better now. It's taken me years it seems to know what all to bring to meet our needs. (But then, NV weather is so incredibly unpredictable. Same week in two consecutive years... once was sideways sleet barely above freezing wind gusts to 30 mph. Next year blazing sun, dogs and handlers at risk of hyperthermia.)

[IRISHWISTLER]

Work live flyers and make certain the HT is NOT the first exposure to them. Relax, breathe, and have fun. Good luck!

Cheers,
Irishwhistler

[windycanyon]

1) Not sure what you mean by "tabbing" him. No "tabs" are allowed on collars at JH. No "jewelry", no english slips, etc. allowed. I just use a regular flat quick release collar for mine.
2) Read the rule book. One of the most common JH handler mistakes is releasing the dog before the Judge says it's number (many still just say "Dog" even though they are supposed to say your number... so know your dog's number!). The 2nd most common mistake is putting a hand on the dog's head when taking the bird. You cannot touch your dog before you take it. The 3rd most common mistake is giving a line on the send.
3) Breath.

[IRISHWISTLER]

Remember that if you make a decision to "handle" the dog, you must continue doing so all the way to the bird. But remember that the judges would rather see the dog run the marks accurately.

Irishwhistler

[teej89]

Thanks for the help gusy! Sorry I posted this and completely forgot about it with the holidays lol

Yeah sorry not sure what I was thinking with the tab either, I forgot there's no collars allowed.

I need to work on him spitting the bird out on water marks. He comes back and tries to shake and the bird will tend to fall out of his mouth. But as soon as he's done shaking he picks it right back up on his own.

[Labradorks]

I need to work on him spitting the bird out on water marks. He comes back and tries to shake and the bird will tend to fall out of his mouth. But as soon as he's done shaking he picks it right back up on his own.

Something to work on for sure and is a fairly easy fix, but it will not disqualify you at the JH level.