Description: A beginner's guide to help first the time competitor who may be beginning to think about entering an agility show for the first time. Describes who and what at a show as well as what they need to do. Also written for trainers to ensure that they tell their classes everything they need to know about going to shows.

Contents include:-

• Application for Registration of One Dog in Obedience & Working Trials Register
• Know How to Fill in an Entry Form
• Know Your Ring Personnel
• Know the Rules
• Judging Rules
• Competition Equipment Rules
• Amendments to Rules
• Know What to Take With You to the Show
• Know What to Do on the Day of the Show
• Pre-Show Checklist
• Day of the Show Checklist

Best Features: A 'user-friendly' booklet which guides the reader through the most mind blowing part of agility with clear, concise instructions, namely filling in forms from Kennel Club registration to the show entry form.

A brief resume of ring personnel is also useful for the first time competitors as is a sample copy of the scribe sheet. Judging rules are clearly and concisely set out, explaining any jargon that one wouldn't have a clue about when first starting out such as 'banking' and 'flying.' The list of what to take with you is very useful for the novice competitor as is the run down of what happens at the show which includes such things as exercising your dog and Judge's briefings etc.

I thought the most useful part of the manual is probably the Day of the Show Checklist.

Worst Features: The only point I thought was unnecessary was advising competitors not to wind the dog up with toys in the queue. I feel that if people have a reasonable working relationship with their dog, it should not present a problem. It has never upset me or my dogs because they are wanting to pay attention to their owner. Apart from this very small point, it was an extremely well thought out guide.

Design & Format An extremely well set out A4 spiral bound manual with a plastic cover front and back. Page numbers would have been useful for reference or a quick reminder on a particular subject. 22 pages.

Overall Rating: Very good. I would have found this guide most useful when I first began competing. Price: £4.50 each; A special discount for clubs buying ten (10) or more copies: £4.00 each. Postage & packing extra

Value for Money: Reasonable

About The Author...
Lois Harris Has always kept dos, but was originally involved in showing them. Her husband, Danny, introduced her to agility when he began taking one of their dogs who was causing problems at the time.

She started in 1988 with her Belgian Shepherd Cyda and was very quickly addicted to the sport. As a partnership, it turned out to be very successful with regular placings in the top ten. Although they had many Seconds, Cyda did not have that extra bit of speed to win a class. Competitive by nature, Lois then decided to try a Collie, and a 'Black and WHite' called Dylan joined the household in 1992. Lois decided that Dylan would be trained 'her way' initially. before being taken to her regular club which is Chippenham, for final touches. They won out of Starters within three months.

At that time, Lois was a teacher in a secondary school, in charge of a large department. With the advent of the National Curriculum, she found she that she had more and more work (and less time for agility) and in 1997 she had a nervous breakdown and left the profession. She decided to concentrate once again on training and over two consecutive weekends in May 1998, Dylan went Senior.

Having been an agility trainer for several years and have run training days for other clubs, the next step was obvious. With a little push from her friends, she found a venue, bought a full set of equipment and a trailer, and in October 1998 started advertising.

Lois runs regular classes in Millfield School in Somerset and Larkhill in Wiltshire and offers private lessons for those who want to work in ones or twos. She also has links with the South Western Canine Activity Centre in Woolavington in Somerset and has managed to fit in at least five judging appointments per year, covering all levels and sizes of dogs.

The Reviewer
Chris Mancini is a partner in Puppy Pals. She is a vet nurse and lives in Enfield.

When you get on the starting line, remember to... ~~~ BREATHE~~~
Linda Nemec

Run fast, run clean, have fun.
Becky Harstad

Go there with the intent of having fun... Make your dog feel as though he/she is the best one in the world.
Barbara with the Minpin

Go to the bathroom as close to run time as possible. Before and after...
Coral

But never DURING the run! Eliminating on course will disqualify you!
Sherry Wargo

How many times have we ABSOLUTELY HAD TO PEE just before going in the ring only to be forgotten for hours afterwards? Because of this, IMHO the first most important being to potty is your K9 team mate. Be very attentive to this with your dog and make every effort to develop a little routine - that makes it easier for both of you. However, as usual, this too is one of those little Golden Lessons that you have to learn through experience! This kind of 'elimination' can stop even the most beautiful run. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go!
Ginny Deppe

And finally...

• Don't forget your dog when you leave for a trial!
• Go to a trial on the right date!
• Check before you leave after a trial you have everything packed again!
• Check where the trial is so you don't end up at the wrong place!
• Before all that don't forget to subscribe!
• This one is for the organizing club - Don't get your date of trial wrong when you send a confirmation.

Guy Blancke who has only experienced one of the above himself but has seen the others happen!

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