I’ve been judging for the World Cynosport Rally program for about two years. That judging has primarily been at our facility and so that we could keep entry costs as low as possible for our exhibitors. A few times I’ve been asked to judge elsewhere but usually those requests come in for events 12+ months into the future and I’m hesitant to make commitment that far out – I have no idea what my dogs and I will be doing at that time!
Early in the summer I was asked to judge a November trial in NE Ohio. I had my first experiences:
- Judging away from our home base training facility
- 2 days of judging in a row
- Staying in a hotel for judging (and first time for Tonks to do a hotel stay!).
- First time judging the Veterans class (for dogs 7+ years old)
It was a great experience for us – the dogs did really well in the hotel – they were quiet and mostly tired by that point. The trial went fairly smoothly, exhibitors seemed mostly happy. We had new titles earned from brand new exhibitors and an experienced team getting their highest level championship.
I’m probably doing one out of state judging assignment next year – possibly more. I’ve had a few more requests, but again – fitting things into my lessons, trialing schedule for my own dogs, and scheduling around any other events I may want to do.
Viktor likes hotels. I put a sheet from home on the bed right after the picture.