How does a newbie get started in field trials?

[crebralfix]

I've been poking around the 'net for a few weeks researching on how to get my beagle started in field trials and hunting. Many of the websites I have gone to had outdated contact information or the recipients never responded to my queries. The main resource I have found are the field trial schedules.

What are your recommendations for getting involved in the sport (field trials and/or hunting)?

My current strategy is to take the dog to a field trial and see what happens. A basics seminar would probably be more useful, though.

[WestmorelandsKennel]

all i can tell you is run your dog alot and you will see results
but my recomendation is go to one first dont take a dog just see how it is and if you like it
let the veterans tell you what you need to do
but as far as what you need to do is make sure your dog is 15 inches or under
you also got to register it to which you can do that at the hunt take your hound too
if you have any questions just ask
ricky

[WV Jaz]

Where are you located? I agree, go to a trial without your dog but it is easy to feel lost unless you know someone there or are willing to let someone know you're new. I think you'll find that everyone will help you if you let them know you're just starting out. What kind of trialing do you want to do? UKC, Brace, SPO???? Another resource is to contact a local beagle club officer. Let us know if we can help. Good luck!

[Beaglemomma]

Go to a trial, and meet the people. The people I have met at trials are the greatest. Just ask and ye shall receive. That's what I did. Danny Van Sickle gave me the advice to go and have a good time. No one minded that my pup had no idea what she was doing. The second trial I went to was progressive and the people were wonderful. We had snow and it messed up the dogs, but we had a great time. The more exposure, the better. My angel doesn't want to play with others, prefers to do it herself. Still, had a great time. Be sure to support the clubs and enjoy the food. Usually the peolpe running the hunt will introduce you to otheres. Besides that you usually stand out like a sore thumb since the club people know each other. I have been to three trials and have met some of the most wonderful people. Kind of like the one's on the forum! By the way, welcome to the beagle world.

[green river]

Post on here where you're from and I'm sure someone can tell you what kind of clubs you have in your area and what format they have and what kind of dogs they run. Maybe hook up with someone that trials and do some running, see if you like that style dog.

[tinymwoods]

We frun both ARHA and UKC here and would be happy to have you run with us and visit us at one of our trials. Just give me a call if I can be any help.

[crebralfix]

Thanks everyone for your replies and support!

I found Poole's Foxhound Training Preserve (http://www.poolesfoxpen.com/) and they're running a puppy trial this weekend. I am going to call them to find out more.

tinymwoods: It's a long drive to Saltville, so it'll have to be a weekend thing. I'll plan something for the summer.

My goal is modest: get the dog chasing rabbits in a way that allows someone to shoot the rabbit! I have until this fall to get him going...hopefully, he'll perform in a decent way. In the mean time, we've been PT'ing several times a week...which means for 1-3 mile runs up to four times a week (plus Doggie Ju-Jitsu and other fun like "Kill the Kong" and "Destroy the Furniture" ).

[crebralfix]

Capo practicing going through rough terrain


Sniffin' around...smells like GOOSE!

[Murphy's Kennel]

Thats an aweful pretty pup you got there...