Record Keeping -

If you are just starting to trial you want to think about saving those course maps. i use to keep all of the maps in a folder. Now I scan them and keep a computer file on them. I also mark the map as to what we did, where I crossed, type of cross, errors on my part. If the dog did all of his contact, weave poles, etc.......... Reason to do this - If you start NQ'ing, you have a resource to see if there's a pattern. I'm attaching one of my maps for you to see.

Besides keeping records this way, you should keep track of legs earned in a record book. Sydney and I have books that are available through Clean Run. I note in this book our legs, with important information such as the judge. Since when you earn a title you have to have at least 2 different judges. There are also computer programs for this purpose. Another think to calculate is yards per second, but we'll get into that later. You could also keep am Excel spreadsheet. I like the book because I take it to the trials with me and write the information in at the time. I have also started putting green stars on the qualifying runs, and colored blue, red, yellow or silver to designate a placement.

One last comments, you can also check out your dogs standing on the AKC web site.