Fun Days and Trials
What are they?
Fun Days and Trials are special days held several times a year (see Calendar of Events) at the usual training time and location.
Two things happen at these special days:
You can choose to show your abilities in the Trial ring. You can enter the competition ring with your dog and one of our Instructors will ‘put you through your paces’ to see how your obedience training is progressing. The test exercises depend on your class level.
If you choose not to be part of the competition you can join our special Fun Day classes and activities. A challenging and enjoyable group class, or a special run through simple agility equipment, will test just how well you know your dog.
What are the benefits of taking part in Trials?
Entering Trials will give you precious one-on-one time with an Instructor. You will receive valuable feedback and encouragement to help you in your quest to develop your dog’s obedience skills. AND …if you score in the top three competitors at each level, you can win trophies and prizes!
How do we register?
Registration for Trials open at 9:30am on the day of the Trial, and the competition will start soon after that. You will be given a number, which you will wear into the ring when the Instructor asks you to enter.
If you are joining the Fun Day class and activities, you just need to register at the desk as you would for a normal class.
The cost for all activities is the same as for usual training days.
What else do we need to know about Trials?
Members must achieve a pass at each level before they may trial for the next level (even if they have moved up to the next class level in the meantime). For example a member may proceed from Bronze to Silver or Silver to Gold or Gold to Diamond at any time they feel they have achieved to skills outlined for their current class, but members are required to trial and pass at each level before trialling at the next level.
Members can only trial at one level on each trial day. Members must first pass the Bronze trial then at the next trial day pass the Silver, then Gold, then Diamond.
On the day of the trials an area is marked out by cones. Owners and their dog are given specific directions to follow by the Instructor who will score their performance on each specific activity. Marks are given or subtracted accordingly. The effective control of the dog by the handler is the measure by which success is measured for each specified activity.