What to expect at your first AIM Trial
What do I need to pack?
It is always a good idea to be prepared for all kinds of weather (heat/sun/rain), and for mosquitos, etc. Shoes that tie up and grip well on wet grass are good. It is always nice to have shade/rain shelter and a chair. You should bring lots of water for you and your dog, as well as snacks, lunch and your dog's favourite rewards. Remember to pack a kennel, water bowl, treats, toys, collar and leash for your dog. A fan is useful for the really hot days. Depending on the venue, and if the trial is indoors or outdoors, you may be able to kennel your dog inside the building or you may be required to kennel out of your vehicle or on the site under a tent or E-Z Up.
What do I do when I arrive at the trial?
Competitors will be told what time they may arrive at the trial site in an email sent prior to the event. We recommend not arriving prior to that time as the trial committee will be busy setting up to prepare for the trial. After parking your vehicle, the first thing many people do is find the porta potty (LOL), then take their dogs for a walk in the designated dog walking area. If you have brought a shade tent/chair, etc., you can start unloading your vehicle and chat with agility friends until the check in/measuring starts.
Where do I check in?
This information will be included in the email you receive prior to the event. If you did not do a pre-trial check in, the trial secretary will ask to see your AAC/NADAC/USDAA card when you check in. Please keep this card handy for measuring. You can leave your dog resting in their kennel while you check in.
Where are the course maps?
You will find copies of the course maps taped on a wall of the building. You may want to take a picture of these course maps with your phone or tablet.
How do I get my dog measured?
At check in, let the trial secretary know that this is your first trial with AIM, mention that your dog requires measurement and inquire where the Judge will be measuring dogs. This information will be announced also. Once measuring has been announced, head over with your dog, AAC/NADAC/USDAA card and some treats.
It is my first-time volunteering at a trial, where will I find the schedule and who can I talk to about volunteer positions?
The volunteer schedule will be emailed to you prior to the trial and will also be available at the ring gate. If you have any questions about your volunteer positions, please let us know.
Who do I approach if I have questions?
AIM’s Welcome Committee will send you an introductory email the week before the trial to say hello. Someone from the committee will make sure to greet you on the day of the trial and can answer any questions you may have. If they are unable to answer your questions, they can direct you to the correct person.
How do I know who the Judge is and who are the members of the trial committee?
About 15 minutes before the official start of the day, there will be a briefing by the Show Chair and the Judge. The Judge will also provide a briefing before each division, if you have questions about the course, you will be able to ask the Judge after the briefing and during the walk through.
When should I head over to the agility ring with my dog for our turn?
Please review the running order posted by the entry to the agility ring. This will be the most current running order. Place a check mark beside your dog's name. If you require any changes, please let the gate steward and the trial secretary know. Most people usually take their dogs over when there are three or four dogs ahead of them.
How do I find out how we did on the course?
After each class (ex. Jumpers) is completed, all the scores are entered into the computer program. The trial secretary will print the results and place them on the wall near the courses. If you would like any assistance with the results, please let the Welcome Committee know.
It is always a good idea to be prepared for all kinds of weather (heat/sun/rain), and for mosquitos, etc. Shoes that tie up and grip well on wet grass are good. It is always nice to have shade/rain shelter and a chair. You should bring lots of water for you and your dog, as well as snacks, lunch and your dog's favourite rewards. Remember to pack a kennel, water bowl, treats, toys, collar and leash for your dog. A fan is useful for the really hot days. Depending on the venue, and if the trial is indoors or outdoors, you may be able to kennel your dog inside the building or you may be required to kennel out of your vehicle or on the site under a tent or E-Z Up.
What do I do when I arrive at the trial?
Competitors will be told what time they may arrive at the trial site in an email sent prior to the event. We recommend not arriving prior to that time as the trial committee will be busy setting up to prepare for the trial. After parking your vehicle, the first thing many people do is find the porta potty (LOL), then take their dogs for a walk in the designated dog walking area. If you have brought a shade tent/chair, etc., you can start unloading your vehicle and chat with agility friends until the check in/measuring starts.
Where do I check in?
This information will be included in the email you receive prior to the event. If you did not do a pre-trial check in, the trial secretary will ask to see your AAC/NADAC/USDAA card when you check in. Please keep this card handy for measuring. You can leave your dog resting in their kennel while you check in.
Where are the course maps?
You will find copies of the course maps taped on a wall of the building. You may want to take a picture of these course maps with your phone or tablet.
How do I get my dog measured?
At check in, let the trial secretary know that this is your first trial with AIM, mention that your dog requires measurement and inquire where the Judge will be measuring dogs. This information will be announced also. Once measuring has been announced, head over with your dog, AAC/NADAC/USDAA card and some treats.
It is my first-time volunteering at a trial, where will I find the schedule and who can I talk to about volunteer positions?
The volunteer schedule will be emailed to you prior to the trial and will also be available at the ring gate. If you have any questions about your volunteer positions, please let us know.
Who do I approach if I have questions?
AIM’s Welcome Committee will send you an introductory email the week before the trial to say hello. Someone from the committee will make sure to greet you on the day of the trial and can answer any questions you may have. If they are unable to answer your questions, they can direct you to the correct person.
How do I know who the Judge is and who are the members of the trial committee?
About 15 minutes before the official start of the day, there will be a briefing by the Show Chair and the Judge. The Judge will also provide a briefing before each division, if you have questions about the course, you will be able to ask the Judge after the briefing and during the walk through.
When should I head over to the agility ring with my dog for our turn?
Please review the running order posted by the entry to the agility ring. This will be the most current running order. Place a check mark beside your dog's name. If you require any changes, please let the gate steward and the trial secretary know. Most people usually take their dogs over when there are three or four dogs ahead of them.
How do I find out how we did on the course?
After each class (ex. Jumpers) is completed, all the scores are entered into the computer program. The trial secretary will print the results and place them on the wall near the courses. If you would like any assistance with the results, please let the Welcome Committee know.