Firstly well done on completing the training to even put in for the Gold award with your young dog. I managed to get all three awards with Flame (my oldie girlie) before she was 12 months old, so know the work and dedication that goes into it
I wish you the best of luck for tonight and hope that you and Oakley manage to pull it off. Many shepherds don't enjoy the down stay out of sight of their owner - as they are such people dogs. Let us know how you get on ... and we need pics too of course