Trial Hosting 101

So, even though we are in the midst of winter, many dog handlers are checking their calendars, seeing what trials they can make during the year, and making sure they can get holidays to correspond.  Those that host trials are also looking at calendars - making sure that there are no conflicts so that their trial can be the best it can be.  For those that haven't put on trials - it isn't really hard - really anyone can do it.  You just have to remember the important things.

1. Sheep - lots of them if you can.  Hairless, wool, Serta - whatever you can get your hands on.

2. Judge - ask for his/her most recent eye test.

3. A field to have it -if you can have it on a golf course - even better.  Apparently there are dogs out there that don't work in grass higher than their knees.

4. Scribes.  Ability to add and subtract is optional - there is always a backup person with a calculator checking the scores anyways. 

5. Setout people.  There are many people who want to set sheep for those whose dog is just not quite ready.  They always need the practice to run after a dog hanging off of a sheep.

6. Cheese - for all the whiners.

7.  Water.  Tubs for the dogs, tubs for the sheep, and if you can swing it, tubs for the people.

8. Two way radios.  When the going gets tough, make sure you can tune into your favorite music.

9.A stick - to draw the line in the sand.  What you say goes, and don't back down from your decisions.

10. Toilets - not that you will have time for you to use them.

11. A stiff one.  Drink that is, you won't have time for anything else.

12. Calculator - so you can work out the payouts quickly, even when three different people have dropped a class, added a dog, and cross entered. This exercise keeps your brain in practice.

13.  Another drink.

And the last requirement to host a great trial,

14.  A good sense of humor - laughter is the best medicine.  But don't overdose on it - you may find yourself in the loony bin (since all trial hosts have to be touched in some way since a normal person wouldn't go through all this for just a dog sport!).

For all trial hosts, after your trial, please look in your telephone book for your closest A.A .meeting.