Guide to trialing

A practical and down-to-earth guide to your first trial from one of our Advanced handlers

What I Wish I Knew before my first trial…

By Kim Lusby

Let organisers know if your dog is reactive – many dogs are, and most organisers will absolutely understand. Advocate for your dog’s comfort and safety.
There can be long waits between searches – plan ahead for your dog’s comfort (in the car, crate, or by your side) during downtime.

For you: food, drinks, layers for unpredictable weather (and spare clothes in case of soakings!), sunscreen, appropriate closed-toe shoes, a chair, and extra patience.
For your dog: plenty of water + bowl, food, treats or toys for rewarding (be mindful of rules around dropped food), poo bags, sunshade and magnets for the car, cooling mat if needed.
For the trial: correct harness +lead as per trail regulations, number armband if required (e.g. Dogs NZ), screenshot of the running order, a pen to jot notes.

Arrive well before the briefing – these sometimes start early and being late adds stress. Toilet your dog at the beginning of the day, as well as directly before your search.
Check the location map carefully – some zones may be off-limits for toileting or movement. Respect posted signage.
Keep the running order handy – highlight handlers you know ahead of you on the running order, so you can prepare in time.
Trials can be all-day events, often in remote or rural areas with no shops or cell coverage.
A trial may be an all-day event (including prizegiving), so plan ahead for lots of food and hydration for you both! Don’t assume plans will run to schedule.

Breathe. Pause. Start calmly. Your time only starts from when you cross the start line, so there’s no rush to leap in.
Assess the environment – consider wind, search boundaries, time limits. Plan your search area, remember not to skip corners and and to turn and work the opposite direction.
Photographers might be present – if their presence is distracting or stressful for your dog, politely ask them to keep their distance.
No post-search chat! You can use a thumbs up/down if you want to tell others how you went, but discussing searches can lead to disqualification.
Advocate for ALL dogs – if your dog is reactive, make it visible (vests, lead sleeves, etc.) and speak up – kindly ask people who are unaware to respect your dog’s space. If your dog is not reactive, still give plenty of space to others.
Talk to people around you – people are often kind and helpful to newbies.

Give your dog a toilet break well ahead of each search – not just before!
Keep them calm and comfortable during downtime – bring calming chews or a familiar bed if helpful.
Bonus tip: Stick any used-poo-bags under your windshield wiper if there are no bins – it’s gross but effective for remembering to take it home.

Save all certificates and score sheets – you’ll need them to claim titles when progressing to higher levels.
You may like to post a picture of your pup on social media with a thank you to organisers. A lot of hard work goes into a trial – mostly by volunteers.

Wear your club shirt – be proud of where you and your dog have trained!
Make friends with handlers near you in the running order – it helps reduce stress and keeps you in the loop.
You’re not alone – most people there have been in your shoes and understand it can feel overwhelming at first.
Don’t panic. Don’t forget to breathe. And most importantly: keep calm and sniff on!