OB480 Train to Trial

How do I get the same performance in training and in the ring? That is one of the most common challenges in competitive sports. It is something everyone struggles with. “My dog ONLY does that in the ring”.... How often have we said and heard that? The truth is, you CAN get the same dog in training and in the ring! Does your dog work well at home and in your training building, but seem to struggle at trials? Do you have a "different" dog when trialing than when training? Are you getting ready to compete and want to be sure you get the most out of your dog at the trial? This course provides you with critical skills that will improve confidence and consistency in the ring for both you and your dog. The information in this course is relevant to all competitors, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

Course Details

Note: This class is suitable for multiple sports but generally most examples will be obedience-based.

Teaching Approach

This class will have written and verbal video lectures each week. There will be video examples demonstrating all exercises. Because everyone has their own learning style, I encourage students to move at their own pace. For the first few weeks, students can work in a smaller space. Later in the class, students will need access to a space large enough where they can perform a full obedience exercise, or a space that can mimic a trial setting (for example, an obedience ring which can be in your yard or a training building).

Students will need to move around with their dogs as is required for typical obedience exercises. Modifications can be made (such as sitting in a chair instead of standing and bending). I will work with you to modify the exercises to your abilities. A few of the exercises will require quick physical movement from the trainer for short periods and distances.

Syllabus

Week 1: Preparation:

Performing an objective analysis
Are YOU really ready for the ring?
Handler Preparation
Mental Management
Planning
Honest assessment of your dog’s readiness
Pretrial and trial routine
Fluency
Moving reinforcer off our body

Week 2: Winning Warmups

Connection
Acclimation
Develop a tailored warmup
Same in training and trial
Different environments
Successfully handling unique environmental distractions
Managing pressure: handler
Recognizing and handling environmental pressure and distractions

Week 3: Entering the Ring

Getting to the ring
Ring entrances
Transitions
Reading and Adjusting Drive State
Handling for success

Week 4: Transitions!

Precues
Determining best transition for your dog
Using the transition to help your dog
Read and adjust on the fly
Recognizing what your dog needs to stay in optimal arousal
Managing ring nerves: dog and handler
Positive Association with judge

Week 5: Chaining

Chaining for mental endurance
Teaching dogs that no information means you are correct!

Week 6: Putting it all together

Realistic goals and expectations
Full run-through
Handling the unexpected
Fix n go

Prerequisites & Supplies

Later in the class, students will need access to a space large enough where they can perform a full obedience exercise or a space that can mimic a trial setting (for example, an obedience ring which can be in your yard or a training building).

Sample Lecture

Objective Assessment:

Some people go in the ring too soon and have a bad experience. Either they weren’t fully prepared or their dog wasn’t. When things go awry in the ring it’s always challenging. We are limited with what we can do to help our dogs. We are often already nervous and stressed before we even enter the ring. And, of course, being human it brings a host of emotions that we would rather not deal with  Other people are so afraid of what might happen they avoid going in the ring. In both cases, a good place to start is making an objective analysis of your dog’s skills and your own skills. I’m doing that all the time. When I’m training I’m observing my dog’s skill level. Is my dog really solid on every piece of the exercise? Can my dog perform it well every time? Without “extra” help from me? Does my dog understand how to handle distractions? And can my dog work at a level that meets my criteria around distractions? Have I taught my dog how to handle pressure? Does my dog have a positive CER when exposed to pressure? How are my dog’s ring entrances and transitions. Can I string multiple exercises together without losing my dog’s attitude or focus? You also need to perform a self-analysis. Are you familiar with all the rules? Do you practice the exact same handing every time you train so it’s a habit? The large majority of handlers aide their dog when training without even realizing it. A verbal cue added to a signal, cuing the dog to reconnect, redoing a front, etc.

Do you know how to read your dog? Do you have an established warmup routine? Do you work consistently on mental management strategies? Are you familiar with the trial site? Does the site have unique characteristics that you need to be sure you expose your dog to first. For example, I trial mostly indoors. If I were to enter an outdoor trial, I would make sure to train outdoors until my dog is comfortable working outside.

Many times I’ve overheard people talking at trials “hoping” their dog would qualify. Which means the dog wasn’t rock solid in training. And if that’s the case, odds are very, very poor that the dog will “pull it off” in a trial environment. I know for a fact that if anything I’m training is not rock solid, it won’t be rock solid in the ring. That’s just the way it is. And if it happens in the ring, often I can’t do what my dog needs. We do have more options with the “Fix N Go” and I think that’s an awesome addition to obedience trials. But at the end of the day, I’d rather have it worked out before I enter the ring. Of course, often things happen in spite of great preparation. And that’s ok. That’s part of training and competition.

Take some time to reflect and make an honest assessment. If you come up with areas of weakness, that’s great. We now know what we need to focus on!

Instructors

Petra Ford

I have been training and competing for several decades in a variety of sports including Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Nosework, Agility and Rally. My first love has always been competition obedience. I have been fortunate to win the AKC National Obedience Championship four times with three different dogs. (Click here for full bio and to view Petra's upcoming courses)...

Registration

Choose the plan that fits your goals and start learning at your own pace.

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