It's a training trial which creates a very unique environment for both the dog and the handler. No matter what happens, the trainers on the field make sure that your dog leaves a winner even if that means they stop the trial to re-arrange a senario or to have someone hold the leash or help get the dog past a "scarey" part of the senarios. Decoys work with whatever your dog needs, if the dog is new to bitework they might wear a sleeve or use a tug. You can physically out your dog if necessary or use toys or other aids. Of course, if you need that kind of help you lose points but that's how it goes.
I'll be shooting the trial again this year, so there will be plenty of pictures to share! Here are all of them from last year:
http://www.pitbulltalk.com/galleries/DSO/beginner/
http://www.pitbulltalk.com/galleries/DSO/intermediate
http://www.pitbulltalk.com/galleries/DSO/advanced
My DSO writeups:
http://www.pitbulltalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=88676
http://www.pitbulltalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=70626
(I never did the advanced.
)
If you are within reasonable driving distance from the event I highly recommend you make the trip. Even if you're not into bitework you'll learn a lot watching and following the commentary and the judging.
More about the event:
http://www.ccdsa.info/dogsportsopen.html
Hope to see some of you there! (LIZ)
