Hi

Have now been to two agility competitions with Holly and won 3 out of 6 clear rounds! The courses were all quite easy and I know she could've got them all. The only problem I'm finding is when she goes in the ring, she doesn't pay any attention to me! I've tried calling her name and waving my hand pretending I've got a treat but it doesn't work and theres only a few secs before we have to start. All the rounds she didn't get were because she wasn't listening to me at the beginning but after she's gone under a few jumps or taken the wrong course and got eliminated, she realises what she's supposed to be doing and does the rest perfectly!

Has anyone else had this problem and do you know what I can do to help get her attention in the ring??

Thanks

The atmosphere at a show is very different from training so she is bound to be overawed by it and find it difficult to concentrate at first.  The more shows you go to the more she'll get used to it. 
I am lucky because my dogs start going to shows with the older dogs so they are used to the atmosphere and they can't wait to have a go when they are old enough. :)
Taking her to different places to train, if you know of others is always useful.  We get on very well with other agility groups in our area and I have access to at least six different places to take my young  dog to train if I need to.
We are also involved in a league and running in a match is good practice and gets you used to competing without the pressures of a big show.  Suggest to your trainer about inviting another club for a match.
I don't know about other parts of the country but here in the south there are a few really small, freindly (not that the big ones aren't friendly) shows where you would probably be allowed to give her more help in the ring, even if it was NFC.  They are usually closely, guarded secrets though ;)  You are not allowed to train in the ring at a K.C. show.
When you are waiting to go in the ring you could either get someone to queue for you so that you can take her away and 'wind her up' or  get someone to take her away from you whilst you queue so that she is excited to get back to you as you go in the ring.
Although you are not allowed to take rewards into the ring you could try using other rewards for training such as the scrunchy that ties your hair back or your hankie. ;)
And anyway three clear rounds at your first two shows is pretty good going. ;)  I hope I do as well with my new dog.
Sally

As she has only just started in competition it could be a lack of confidence, I would guess she is getting a bit worried and is trying to find a distraction to take her mind off it.

You may have to throw a few classes to get her over it, or use a pay on the day ring and just concentrate on the set ups.

I am assuming you are setting her up at the start in a wait.  Drop that for a while and just go up to the start line with her, without going over the top with your voice, bend down with her and say are you ready, then take off with her saying let's go, or similar.  She will not have time to get distracted then, you will have contact with her to reassure her and keep it all flowing. 

If you can find a practice ring, I would just do one jump, pull her out, plenty of praise and do it again.  I am sure the judge won't mind if you say you would like to do three or four starts rather then the whole course.

Hope this helps,
Sandra