Agility trial, nuisance?

[ThreePs]

Ok, so it seems like my main question would than be, when is it time to advance from the classroom or general area's to a trial situation? Or what would be a good stepping stone between the two?

I'd choose calmer sports and outdoor venues before an indoor agility trial.

Agility trials can be highly arousing. Dogs running, barking, tugging & growling on the tug (this can be a big trigger!) teeter banging, etc.

First, start with outdoor trials. Wayyyyy more space to get distance, turn away, and stay under threshold. Second, what about OB or conformation shows? Confo shows tend to be more lenient about unentered dogs. In both, dogs are calmer than at agility trials. Avoid flyball tournies!!

 

[Babyblue5290]

I'd choose calmer sports and outdoor venues before an indoor agility trial.

Agility trials can be highly arousing. Dogs running, barking, tugging & growling on the tug (this can be a big trigger!) teeter banging, etc.

First, start with outdoor trials. Wayyyyy more space to get distance, turn away, and stay under threshold. Second, what about OB or conformation shows? Confo shows tend to be more lenient about unentered dogs. In both, dogs are calmer than at agility trials. Avoid flyball tournies!!

well, we aren't going inside so for us it is outside LOL

I figured hearing but not seeing all the movement would be a better start than hearing and seeing all the commotion. Than we can go to outdoor trials as more become available in the summer.

 

[adojrts]

I'd choose calmer sports and outdoor venues before an indoor agility trial.

Agility trials can be highly arousing. Dogs running, barking, tugging & growling on the tug (this can be a big trigger!) teeter banging, etc.

First, start with outdoor trials. Wayyyyy more space to get distance, turn away, and stay under threshold. Second, what about OB or conformation shows? Confo shows tend to be more lenient about unentered dogs. In both, dogs are calmer than at agility trials. Avoid flyball tournies!!

^^^ This

 

[MrsBoats]

Obedience trials may not be an option because typically they are very stringent about unentered dogs. I wouldn't put it past an obedience competitor to throw someone with an unentered dog under the bus to the show powers that be. Agility trials are much, much more open to unentered dogs on show sites than obedience trials.