On the Trail

On the trail, keep your wits about you. Keep an eye on your surroundings and more especially, the trail markers. The rules outline the various markers – make sure you read them well. Be aware of other teams around you. You are a beginner, so look out and learn. More experienced teams may pass. Do not hold them up. Be courteous. Everyone is there to enjoy and compete, so do not stand for ignorance or rudeness from others.

If you feel it necessary, you may have taken some water and a bowl with you. Water the dogs if this has been part of your training, not usually in the normal length of a competition trail, but perhaps for a trek.

Do make sure there is water available for them when they return. A treat at the finish can make a useful habit and incentive to bring the team in.

And just when you are beginning to enjoy matters, the finish approaches. People yelling and shouting (it was worth making sure that you team were not nervous about crowds and noises when they were puppies) and … it’s over. Until the next time…

No wonder they call it a bug!

Date:01 Oct 2000