Before you enter a fun match or agility trial, it can be a good idea to attend one on your own, without your dog and watch what happens. Pay special attention to the Novice ring. If your dog doesn't have a good grasp on commands, its best that you spend some more time on training. The majority of these events are held outdoors and many don't have fenced competition areas. If your dog doesn't immediately respond to the "Come" command, you could have a problem on your hands, so it is best to deal with that before it becomes an issue.

Contact the host organization beforehand for a copy of the official rules and regulations. Go through them carefully to make sure you are in compliance with all of them. It would be very disappointing to enter your first trial only be disqualified due to a technicality with a rule.

The easiest method to find a fun match or agility trial is to talk with people in your area who are involved in this fun activity. Maybe you know a trainer from classes you took your dog to, or maybe there is an obedience club in town that knows about agility trials. These resources will provide you with all you need to know. Check their websites too you may find announcements, a calendar or other information you need there.

If you've never been to a trial or other similar event, you need to know that they can last anywhere from eight to twelve hours. If you bring your dog to compete, the amount of time his individual competition will take is only about five minutes. It is best to bring their crate so they have a familiar comfortable spot to relax. You may also want to bring a canopy tent or other form of sun protection and a folding chair so you can sit. Don't leave home without enough water for you and your dog. Dog treats are also a good idea.

If at all possible, volunteer to work as a pole setter during the event. This will expose you to the ins and outs and you will be able to see the courses and obstacles first hand. While there will be a lot of new information to take in, don't get so absorbed in your surroundings that you forget about your partner! Set aside time for you and your dog to play some fetch or Frisbee, and if possible allow them to spend some time with some of the other dogs.

The dog agility trials use a scoring system called runs. These runs are based on the "fault count". Fault count includes the course faults like knocking down a bar during a jump or exceeding the standard course time (SCT). The faults are also decided on the basis of competition level and course toughness. Keep a diary to track your dog's progress. Try to get hold of a copy of the course to keep for future reference. This will be invaluable later as it will help to highlight any problems and allow you to deal with them effectively.