First time tips Remember you want to create good habits from the beginning. Line manners are very important. So work on having the dog sit quietly by your side while watching other dogs run. (sounds easy huh?! Its not ) Practice having the dog sit behind a blind. Work on recalls on a long line with all the excitement going on around you. Never grab for the bumper, praise your dog first, Hey he did all the work dont snatch his prize away so fast! Watch the advanced dogs run. Its a beautiful thing to see. Things to bring If you have them bring (but if you dont have them dont use it as an excuse to not come!) The club has tons of bumpers and usually people have the other stuff you can borrow. Whistle I also bring
Field Training Etiquette If you go thru a gate that is closed- always close it behind you. Many places we train are working cattle ranches. Throw before you run your dog (or inquire about what the throwing rotation is) I will be happy to show people how to use the wingers, they are actually pretty easy once your shown how to use them! Toilet your dog in designated area or away from the parking and running area. At most field training sites you dont have to clean up after your dog (no place to put it unless your taking it all the way home yuck!) But check with the land owner and if in doubt, please clean up. Set your dog up for success. Let the throwers know what you need. If you have a young dog and there is a double set up do it as 2 singles and move up close. It is especially dangerous in the summer with the heat to have a dog out running around in the field, confused, and the dogs waiting to run are overheating while they wait their turn to run. So keep it simple and build on success. This should be fun for you and your dog not frustrating! |