12 replies to this topic

[jarrod]

Hank turned two a couple weeks ago and I decided that I would take him to the next local Earthdog competition for his present.

That is this Saturday. I have to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I'm not a show dog person and we don't know the first thing about any particular etiquette that may be expected in a situation like this. We are going simply to have a fun time and do something together. Is there anything I should know or do before we arrive on Saturday?

Thank for any advice :-)

-Jarrod

[Dempsy's Mom]

I have no advice, but it sounds like fun. Just remember that you're there for a new experience and to have fun. Good luck!!

[Tracy A.]

jarrod, on 11 November 2010 - 08:22 PM, said:

Hank turned two a couple weeks ago and I decided that I would take him to the next local Earthdog competition for his present.

That is this Saturday. I have to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I'm not a show dog person and we don't know the first thing about any particular etiquette that may be expected in a situation like this. We are going simply to have a fun time and do something together. Is there anything I should know or do before we arrive on Saturday?

Thank for any advice :-)

-Jarrod

My suggestion, is that you have a 'high value' treat in a ziplock in your pocket to help assit with recall.
If I was in your place, my high value item would be a plain hamburger from Burger King.
All I have to do is say "hamburger" and my two turn into German Shepherds with excellent recall.
otherwise they are my little terrorists.

[jarrod]

Aha! Yes, the recall is the big question mark... I know he'll want the rats, that he'll do pretty much anything to get to them, including scamper into a dark and unfamiliar hole, and I'm pretty confident he'll work the quarry, but it's that recall part that I'm not so confident about... Hahaha. Oh well, should be fun no matter what!

[Nikki]

I went to earthdog event last year for the first time. There are alot of fun. The one I went to was fenced in I am sure the club's website will tell weather it is fenced in or not. The people at the earthdog event are pretty nice and helpful. Are you doing the IQ? or the JE test?

[jarrod]

Hank is going to do the IQ. I spoke with someone from the club last night and she said that it often works out that if Hank does well in IQ, I may have time to enter him in JE. We will see... I'm very excited.

I'm trying to think of some way to get him a little experience today.

I found this site which has sooooo much information!
http://duffyscavern....o_the_earth.htm

[bradl]

Be on time with entries (never ask a secretary to accept a late entry - the club can be fined).

The secretary is the linchpin to the entire test. Make sure your entries are complete and following any printed instructions; try not to have complicated transactions, ask questions about aspects of the test not related to entries of a test committee member rather than the secretary.

Read the rulebook.

Listen to the judge's orientation before the class. Ask any questions you might have. Sometimes a good idea is to ask the judge where in their experience most HANDLERS fail their dog - that way you can ensure your experience is more about the dog, and you can avoid any handler pet peeves a judge might have. At the Intro level most judges are very sensitive to the beginner instinct to "throw" or "launch" the dog toward the den entrance, in an attempt to get them moving in the correct direction.

Keep your eye on the running-order whiteboard and be ready when it's time. You can help the gate steward keep things running smoothly by keeping track of who's in front of you and making sure those folks are nearby and watching the board also.

Earthdog is (or can be) a very interactive and self-service kind of event. If you have someone to watch your dog, go out and help the den crew if they're out making changes or putting finishing touches on the dens. While I can't help my dog do his or her part in the den, it helps me visualize when I know every inch of the den area, including what's under the den liners. I'm sure my telepathic instructions help my dog

Have fun! Earthdog is a blast!

[hheldorfer]

How exciting for Hank! I'm sure he'll have a great time. Any plans to do the same with Merle?

[jarrod]

Yes! Merel will be next. Although I don't know if he has what it takes. His hunting instinct is definitely not as strong... I think he may do well with Agility or Rally though. He's very quick and has great traction and a tight turning radius

I'm on my way to drop him off with my sister for the weekend so Hank and I can get some quality time together this weekend

They are doing well together. Hard to believe Merle is only 7 months old! He is already over 20 pounds!!! He's really bidding for that lead role but Hank doesn't seem to have any plans of giving it up They are quite the pair though!

Thanks for the info Brad. That is exactly what I was looking for. I've read the rules and feel like I have a good grasp on the event, but I'd hate to show up ignorant to the process and be 'that guy'...

I'm so excited for tomorrow! I'll post pics soon.

Edited by jarrod, 12 November 2010 - 01:55 PM.

[hheldorfer]

Good luck tomorrow. Buffy and I will be cheering for you and Hank! Can't wait to see photos and hear about your experience.

[cairnsby3]

Waiting for word on how the earthdog event went?

[Dirtdogs]

jarrod, on 11 November 2010 - 08:22 PM, said:

Hank turned two a couple weeks ago and I decided that I would take him to the next local Earthdog competition for his present.

That is this Saturday. I have to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I'm not a show dog person and we don't know the first thing about any particular etiquette that may be expected in a situation like this. We are going simply to have a fun time and do something together. Is there anything I should know or do before we arrive on Saturday?

Thank for any advice :-)

-Jarrod

[Dirtdogs]

So...how did the earthdog test go?