Trial Time: 03/04-06/2011 NADAC Trial - Friday Night

Blocking the view helps keep Brego calm

Tonight was the first night of the Austin K9-Xpress Dog Training Club spring NADAC trial.  Olivia and I arrived at the trial site at 6:00 pm, just as they unlocked the gates to the parking lot.  Olivia and Brego jumped out of the car and ran into the trial facility to secure us a good spot with a power outlet nearby.  Luckily, we were able to snag a spot directly in front of our ring (the trial is divided into two rings) and there was a power outlet right above us, so now we can plug in our fan and charge camera batteries.  We unloaded the car in record time and set up our area--which is more involved than it sounds.

First we rolled out our pretty awesome, colorful mat that is made out of recycled plastic bottles and looks like an area rug; then we set up the x-pen in a circle around the mat clipped to Brego's crate at the back of the area; the x-pen got covered completely with towels to block the visual stimulus and reduce stress; and then we set up folding chairs and tables.  Overall it sounds like a lot, but we've got it down to about 5 minutes of set-up, and then it's just a whole lot of comfortable relaxation (well, as much as possible) for the rest of the trial.

The inside of our set up.

Before heading home for the night, Brego and Olivia ran their Open Touch 'N Go course:

-- Emma