Trialing...(qualifying scores)

The different trial systems have a standard they use to set a mark you need to meet in order to earn what is termed a qualifying score in the class you are entered in. If your run is scored at or above that mark then you have earned a leg. A few legs under different judges at the level you're participating at earns you and your dog a title. Most systems offer a green ribbon to mark that occasion. This criteria for hat green ribbon is set high enough so that if you obtain it you often reach the point where you get another ribbon, a placement. Those ribbons come in different colors from blue to pink, 1st to 5th place.

Qualifying scores can be difficult to obtain so when you earn one do not give it away. Now I need to explain ,so I guess I need to give you an example. Your dog is running hot, trying very hard (too hard) having realized that this is not any old training session so you step up and  get through the course and are dismayed by the fact ( you know you two have had better runs) so you look up at the judge and call time before you have finished the course. Well, if you have not received a warning from the judge during the run and have made it through the course you have probably earned a leg but by calling time, quitting, you just gave away that leg.

But you argue that your run was not as good as the ones you have seen before your run. Well , do you realize that other handlers in your class may have been in herding for years longer than you and may already have had dogs through that class. You have missed an important point. Your competition is not your fellow herders in your class but that mark set to qualify. That mark should be your goal. Once you have achieved that, then you can set you eyes on those other colored ribbons because you have learned what it takes to reach a point high enough to qualify. If you have called time, you do not know if in fact that you reached the mark of the qualifying score. Your score sheet says retired on it. You have missed the important point in your career, what it takes to qualify!

 Not having an understanding of what it takes to qualify you do not have a floor on which to build  to reach the level in your class to earn a placement. A fundamental understanding to build on and make a habit  which is necessary to have ingrained in you when you make your push for a Herding Championship.

Once you meet those requirements of  that level you begin the journey of obtain the next level's title and so it goes until you begin the quest for your Herding Championship.  This is when you are not only interested in a qualifying score any longer because your focus has to be on the requirements to earn that systems Championship.

You do not want to have ingrained in you and your dog "when the going gets tuff let's just quit."

Having said all this I need to say that there are times that you should " just quit". I may just write on those times but not here. Not in this article because here I am trying to make the point of  " do not quit your dog".

There are going to be times when something happens that is not in your control and the judge says " thank you". There are going to be those times when you get a bad draw of stock. There are things that occur that are not foreseeable that will cost you a leg so please do not give up on one that you have earned.

June, 2009  Class Newsletter