Seventh Trial of the Season
Keystone Agility Club
October 10 & 11, 2009
I have not entered a USDAA trial since March 2003 when Crumpet got hurt and was retired. After returning to the sport after that much time, I was really
looking forward to seeing how Niven would handle the multiple runs and different class rules. I entered this trial with ‘fun’ in mind, forgetting that the
poor thing had to jump 26 inches instead of the AKC 24 inches.
On Monday I finally pulled out the drill and made the necessary adjustments to my homemade, flimsy Jumps. The new yard is not the best for setting nifty
courses, as it is long, just not very wide. Niv did not seem to care, happy to be heading outside at least once a day to work her brain. I was surprised
at how well she seemed to adjust to the bar increase of two inches, even her training class performance showed a remarkable improvement. Feeling more
confident, yet realizing so many things could go wrong, the alarm went off at five in the morning on Saturday.
The drive to the trial was short since this one was closer then ‘down the road’. The tent and ExPen were set up and dogs walked before it was even time
to really show up.
The practice Jump set up for use was an unusual Jump called the Viaduct, constructed with similar psychology as the Panel or a Wall Jump. I was not sure
if this equipment would appear on a Novice course, but figured I would play around with it any way to see what Niven would do. I was very happy that the
four or five times over, she did not seem to care and lifted all four feet pretty high.
Starters Novice
Looking at this first thing in the morning, I was pleased to see flowing movement without a lot of ‘over handling’ needed on my end.
We were the second dog to run, so there was no seeing where the pit falls of the course design was. What I was happy about was that Niven did keep her
feet up, ran under control and moved with relative speed.
The Weave entry coming from #4 was missed and I am not sure how she confused the blatant Front Cross I did to mean ‘run straight’, but by the time she
came back around time was wasted getting lined up for another go.
Another point I had not considered was the A Frame height. This is increased to 6’3” for USDAA and I have never had Niv go over one that high. I was very
pleased to see her haul up and down without indicating there was a difference.
She did give me a dirty look when I asked for a down on the Table, but that seemed to disappear quickly. I also figured at that point I would make a
longer arc around to the Teeter to get on the other side ( to be on the left of the Teeter ), but since it was last minute, I never did. Instead, Niven
got a better line up for the obstacle and we continued on.
Qualifying Run
2nd Place
“Refusal” at Weaves ( no refusals on Novice USDAA Level )
Starters Gambles
This would have been an easy Q had I heard the whistle and reacted to it. Instead I decided the whistle came from the other ring and continued on until
the Judge called out to me to complete the course. At that point, I figured I paid my money and sent Niv on to the Gamble which she completed without
issue.
The only bar knocked was the first one, that when the Judge yelled “Zero”, Niven pulled off the Dog Walk thinking I was yelling at her. I was able to
turn back around and we kept going without further issue. Like the Standard run, Niven preformed both Frames perfectly.
Unfortunately, the whistle blew and I did not hear it, but when Niven sent out, out she went, clearing the Double Jump with ease and followed by the
Single. I really could not be more happy….just wish I could hear.
3rd place
Missed the Whistle
Steeplechase
Where to start with this run? First, they changed the running order and Championship was to run first and I never heard the announcement.
I missed the walk through and only had enough time to make it around the once. This would prove to be not enough for me, but the course was
cleared of people and Niven was too be the fourth dog run. Like I said, at that point in the day, I was having a hard time hearing stuff.
The opening of the course was not easy, but Niven held it together. I believe the first bar was knocked, but the Weave entry was found easily.
The Broad Jump is different for USDAA and this may have helped Niv to sail over it to continue to the Tunnel. Coming from the Tunnel, the Viaduct
Jump followed, me having enough time to watch her jump over with height and accuracy….only to clear the next Jump and miss the Weaves…….
From there, Niven had to stop and sniff wood chips that were filling a small hole and then knocked one more bar heading to the Frame.
At this point and with the sniffing, missed Pole entry and each Jump dropped, my worth as a Handler went with it. LOL
As we cleared the Frame, I got lost and Niven was sent over Jumps sideways as she kept looking back for direction. I found myself performing a Front
Cross that caused one more bar to drop and was happy to see Niven haul down the Jump Chute to complete the course.
No one clapped.
Relief at last.
In a class of 26” Jumping dogs, this was one of the most competitive groups, so coming in dead last place was not as harsh as it seems. At least we were
not eliminated by going off course. Later when I went to see who had Qualified for round two, I was not surprised to see the top five dogs smashed into
one “score box” indicating the dog’s time. Had Niven a perfect run, her speed and time would not have been good enough to Qualify.
What I had intended to get from this run was what I did get. Once more time in the ring, experience for Niven going back into the ring, and working a more
advanced course to see where we are as a team. I think we just need more practice and experience running the maximum height.
Non-Qualifying to Second Round
Starters Pairs/Relay
I had two really cool things happen with this run. First, I had arrived at the ring knowing my Partner was a “draw”, that an odd number of dogs had
been entered and someone would have to offer to run a second time.
Standing outside the ring, one of the girls from the our training club found me, saying her partner had scratched and that we could partner up. In the
meantime another woman also had the same problem. The Judge asked if anyone would run a second time and after a few minutes of silence after, I figured
it to be an “Oh what the hell” and offered….if only she really did not mind if our performance was lack luster with lots of knocked bars. She said she
was there only for practice and this was a “what the heck” run for her.
Judy and I walked our course, she taking the first half ( white ) and me taking the second ( black ). I was worried about the long day and Niven jumping
at 26”, but when it came time to go, we hauled.
While our Partners ran the first half, I did keep Niven on lead purely because it would be easier if she decided to chase Jenny down. That never happened
and we got ready for when Judy handled me the baton, just before they came into the ‘exchange box’.
Since we had never had another dog on our course and Jenny the Kerry Blue was running straight towards us from behind, it took a moment or two for Niv to
get her attention back on the first Jump. I do not think she liked the new routine and found barking at me more important then finding the Weave entry.
Once attention was quickly centered, Niven was ‘on’ and we tore through the inside of the course, her jumping clearing each bar with grace and speed.
Completing Jumps #7 and #8 was done with Niven cutting across me laterally to finish our Pairs Run.
Qualifying Run
1st Place
What was unusual with this run was that I had signed Niven up to run with another woman with a Border Collie. Ironically, it was me who had the “draw”
still as a partner, but both Judy and Lynne had theirs scratch. Although I was running a second time, this would not be for ribbons or a second Q, but
purely for fun. Lynne at least got a partner to allow her a qualify if both dogs did, as to run alone would be an automatic elimination.
We came out of the ring, got a handful of dog snacks and immediately got back in line for the next run. There was no time otherwise.
Since I had handled the second part of the course with Judy, I had to take the first half with Lynne. This time, Niven was more shocked to go back into
the ring so fast. I was so glad the first one had gone so well, as my own excitement about bars staying up and a full set of poles completed at mach six
fueled the desire to run again.
Niven kept this together and completed the poles faster then I was expecting, sent on to the #3 Jump and then Tunnel with me still hanging back. She did
anticipate a Frame call and we nearly collided, but we both recovered for the ending. I did try to stay between Niven and our pairs partners to keep a
“free for all” from happening. It just about worked…..
I think Lynne delayed her start to work the Start Line and I was too busy keeping Niven focused on me to really watch how the rest of the run went. I
did see Leica jump the Frame contact and the judge making the call.
Non-Qualifying Run
4th Place
Leica jumped the Frame Contact
The day ended on a positive note and very late. Despite the trial being close to home, I rolled out of the parking lot at 6:45pm. I was glad to be home by seven.
The alarm went off at 5:30am the next morning.
Uggg.
At least it was not raining like it had been the day before. Oh yeah, it rained for most of Saturday morning and I was very glad to have the new tent….and stuff.
Starters Standard
I was not thrilled with the opening of this course, the Weaves set on a severe angle that almost called for being missed. I had planned a Front Cross for after the Poles, but
realized I could risk a Rear Cross close to the Teeter. This was something I had not done before in practice or on course, but the Line I had to run would keep me close to the
obstacle and hopefully give Niven confidence of me not totally ditching her.
The opening went as I expected, Niv did miss the pole entry but handled the Rear Cross to the Teeter as if I have always done this. Ironically, it was the Table that gave us
problems, Niven deciding that “Table” meant “go under” it.
Once past, she keep her feet up for all Jumps and I managed a Front Cross after she had come off the Frame, so I did not have to send her on to the next Jump while cutting
behind. I was definitely pleased with this run……….
Qualifying Run
2nd Place
Missed Poles
Under the Table
Starters Snooker
Elaine and I were the only two people running in the 26 inch class and I have to say it was weird. Too many times has she set my butt straight on how to handle these
courses with Crumpet and this was no exception. We managed a super easy course that did not allow for a lot of point gathering, but I am all for that. Long ago have I
adopted the philosophy that a Novice, Green Dog will scramble its brains trying to go for the highest point valued obstacles when in reality the Handler is looking for experience
on in this class.
There were the few times where we had to run past obstacles, but their distance really did not allow for a lot of confusion. What it did allow for was a “learning to focus” and
“wait for the command” while running at full tilt.
Our idea was to start at the Red Jump closest to the backside of the Tunnel and go from there, but Niven knocked the bar and we defaulted to the next Red one. Once moving, Niven
did run in control and jumped with height over oddly placed Jumps, through the “closing”. Even then, she was moving with determination and speed, only to have the run end when
she decided to jump the Frame contact…the first one of the weekend.
Something amazing happened………..the Judge blew the whistle and I hauled off. Niven looked as if someone had shot her hard with a rubber band, totally confused as to why the game
had suddenly ended. I wonder if she was spinning memory about the DVGSD weekend where the Open Standard Run was halted after she had done the same thing. In this case, one
other element of “bad dog” screamed out in the form of a whistle. As if to compensate for the awful deed, Niven did find the Weave Poe Entry in direct sunlight and totally hard
to see angles…………….Poor Doggie.
Non-Qualifying Run
Not enough points 25pts out of 37pts needed
One Dropped Red Jump
Jumped Frame Contact
Starters Jumpers
Oh my god on this one. The opening proved a challenge to everyone followed by an ending that nailed those who got through the first half.
I chose to stick to the left side purely to Rear Cross after the #4 Jump to pull Labrador attention from back jumping #7. I figured a Front Cross between #7 and #8 would set a
better line, but it never happened and I settled for a Rear Cross instead. The rest was handled with prayer, really. I hung back at #13 and sent Niven on.
Now the highlights and pit falls. Niven handled what I was doing better then I was. She did however take down the #3 bar and could not get into stride, taking #4 and #5 Jumps
down. Once back in stride, she handled the Rear Cross while sailing over #8 to the Tunnel.
Nearly colliding after #11, I was able to get her to spin to the right to line up for the closing four Jumps. I did hang back after #13 and kept calling “go” while Niv gained
confidence to clear both Jumps with height and speed. That was something I could not have asked anything more for!
Non-Qualifying Run
Dropped Bars #3, #4, #5
1st place
Despite Niven lacking experience in jumping at 26 inches and not having run courses like Steeplechase, Pairs and Snooker, I really thought she did well. There are a lot of
things we still need to work through, but as an over all performance there has been great progression. I am very pleased that she pulled off three Qs, two of which are
Standard. It should make next year so much more fun!
Now we go back to AKC to finish off the year. Should be interesting.
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Last Updated on
October 14, 2009
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