OB/Rally Run-Thru

Merrimac’s Saturday 10 October Obedience and Rally Run-throughs will be open to both Members and non-MDTC members. Our “Members Only” August run-through tried out a number of new/revised procedures and the September event went reasonably well.  These resulted in changes to procedures as listed below.

All registration MUST be submitted by email by 3 days before the Run-through to provide time for processing (received by WEDNESDAY 7 October).

Payment will be the day of the run-through by check or exact change to minimize handling of paperwork and money. Fees are the same as always ($8 / $7/ $5 for each dog for Obedience runs and $5 for each Rally Run). If you forget exact change there several ATMS (i.e.7011 on Pembroke Ave.). Close by.

Only persons entered in the run-through are allowed in the building (exceptions on a case basis for persons providing transportation). Each non-member must sign, and submit at time of registration a “Waiver of Liability and Informed Consent --   COVID-19” (see the attachment). To avoid delays it is suggested that these be printed out and completed ahead of time but they will be available “at the door”.

1. Everyone (people only) must properly wear a mask (covering both mouth and nose) at all times inside the building.
2. Due to only using 2 rings, we will be limiting registration to an absolute maximum of 50 Obedience Runs with a limit of 10 Open, 10 Utility runs, and a total of 30 BN and Novice combined. If the 50 total is not reached, we may adjust the class limits.
3. Rally runs will be in order of class and jump height to minimize resets.
   Subject to change, the current plan for the Obedience ring is as follows.
   Beginner Novice Course walk-through         9:00 AM
   Beginner Novice Obedience                          9:15 AM
   Novice Obedience                                          To Follow BN
   Open Obedience                                             11:00 AM or following Novice
   Utility Obedience                                           To follow Open or when Rally finishes
4. Everyone will be notified of the earliest start time for your earliest class via email, as soon after we close registration as practical. Runs will be grouped by class/ jump height to minimize crowding in the building.
5. Crating in your own crate is allowed but please space out with at least 8 to 10 feet between crates. You may bring your own chair. We ask that you not arrive too long before your run to minimize people in the building at one time stanchions or chairs for figure 8’s.
6. Stewards will not handle leads except with tongs or clean gloves.
7. Utility articles and gloves will be handled by stewards only with tongs or clean gloves.
8. Due to the limits imposed by only having two rings and judges, the time in the ring will be limited to actual run-through without excessive training in the ring. Training equipment  (e.g. go-out targets, “Place” mats, “front and finish boxes”, etc.) will not be allowed except if specifically approved beforehand by the judge and their use will normally be strictly limited to one repeat. Handlers are expected to respond to judges commands as they would in a trial. Repeats of exercises will be limited to one repeat and will only be allowed for a few exercises.
9. Due to limitations of the event, we will only support AKC Obedience and Rally classes.
10. Use of bait and toys for training is SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED.

If you wish to sign up for the Saturday 10 October MDTC Run-through, please submit the following by email to Jim Swimme (vestra@verizon.net) at the earliest possible date. We will accept telephone registration from those who do not have access to email within limits.

Please provide the following information for each dog you wish to run.

Handler’s name

Dog’s name

Breed

Each Obedience and/or rally class entered and number of times you wish to run in each class

Jump height where applicable

Whether you want to run A or B for Open and Utility Obedience

Registration starts at 8:30 AM and showing starts at 9 AM. HOWEVER, a judging schedule will be sent to you after registration closes to help you plan to minimize time in the building.