Q&A 2

Q&A 1

Q&A 3. Lisa Webb asks:

Okay, I read your 2 - Q&A on your website.....SO what is the appropriate time/place to do Novice/ProNovice activities, in YOUR opinion. It was not so long ago that I was novice, so I still want to include them in my trials. However, in the past, I have experienced more complaining from some novice/pronovice level handlers than I have from the Open entries. Tell me what your thoughts are on including these classes..... Lisa Webb

I know that by responding to this question I will anger a lot of people. This response reflects MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION. I am NOT taking shots at any particular individuals, nor is it my intent to make people mad. This is just how I feel things should be handled after many years experience.

First, let’s take a look at the purpose for having field trials. IN MY OPINION we have, and participate in, trials for three basic reasons. One, as a sport where we pit the skills of handler and dog against our peers in competition to see who is best on a given day, in differing venues, with differing livestock. Two, as a measure of our success or failure in developing and training our dogs to the maximum of their potential. And three, to present the Border Collie to the general public in such a fashion that displays their ability and usefulness as working partner in agricultural endeavors.

I view the Novice Class, or Novice activities, as the INITIAL step for new handlers to start gaining experience for field trials. Very little is to be learned at this level in terms of developing handling and trialing skills. Courses are typically set very short and do not allow the time or distance for things to get right. The Novice activities serve more as a measure of what you can accomplish with your dog. In truthfulness, they serve more as recognition of what you CANNOT ACCOMPLISH with your dog. Hopefully, this realization leads to more concentrated training and motivation to improve.

From a developmental standpoint, I would prefer to see Novice level activities conducted separately by way of “Fun Days” or organized activities where handlers/dogs are judged and informative critiques are given to each handler immediately following their run. I know that I would have benefited greatly from something like that in the beginning and I’m sure that others would as well.

Our sport has grown dramatically in recent years. The numbers of people and dogs competing in the Open and Nursery classes alone are more than trial hosts can accommodate. The day of the small “local trial” where a day’s activity can include Novice, Pro-Novice, Open Ranch, Nursery, and Open classes are gone forever. The down side to this is that entry level handlers/dogs have to work much harder at finding a time and place to get their feet wet. The up side is that those who are making that effort and learning from it are advancing to the higher levels in larger numbers. Proof of their desire to maximize their abilities. I am very pleased at the number of handlers in the MPBCA that have moved up over the course of the last year or so.

I think you see where I am coming from. In a nutshell, here are MY PERSONAL views.

1. NOVICE - Conducted apart from major trials as a separate organized activity with constructive evaluation available.

2. Pro-Novice – Held in conjunction with Novice activities AND at major trials where time, facilities, livestock, and help will allow. (I think that this class will be edged out of major trials in the future as well.)

3. Hosting a major trial that is intended to attract top level handlers from a broad geographical base is a MONUMENTAL Task! Until you have done a few you have no idea just how much time, effort, and personal funds go into it. As participants we must recognize the sacrifice that these Hosts are making and be supportive of their efforts to put on the type of trial that achieves their objective and puts the Border Collie in the public view in the best possible way.

It has not been my intention to be harsh, just realistic. Make no mistake, I started just like everyone else, Novice class and all. In looking back I know that little, if anything, was gained at that level that I would not have learned even better if I have would have had the opportunity to develop a few of the skills away from the pressures of a more public trial.

Being totally prepared (both handler and dog) to deal with the inevitable circumstances and wrecks that occur at a trial away from home, in front of a large crowd, with strange sheep, etc., etc. is an obligation that we ALL must accept. If you’re not ready, go as a helper rather than as a contestant. More often than you think, you can learn MORE by observation than by doing if you view runs with an open mind and ask yourself, “can I do that”, or “how would I have done that better”.

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