Our First Show: What to Bring...

[uhmanda00]

I feel so... confused, and I’m a little nervous because I feel like I know NOTHING.

Most people have instructors, have competed in a dog show before, or have local friends or relatives who are experienced in the dog world... I have SQUAT... except for you guys.

As many of you know, I've taught Lucy myself. I've only seen 2 dog shows, and I don't even know if you would consider 1 of them an actual show...

ANYWAYS...

I will be competing for the first time in any dog event next weekend, Friday & Sunday to be exact. This is a huge show... last year there were 2,500 dogs competing in a variety of events including junior showmanship, conformation, obedience, and rally.

Lucy and I are doing Rally Novice A.

I have some questions...

What should I wear?
What do I need to bring?

And any other tips/tricks will definitely be helpful!!

 

[doberkim]

What to wear:

something comfortable. Don't get all dressy if its going to be outside, you will be there all day, and you won't feel comfortable. You're going to be nervous and being in something you arent comfortable in will just make it worse. I usually opt for a nice pair of pants (I have shown in jeans, but I often pick nice khaki pants, or a nice pair of workout pants in black. i also sweat when I am nervous, so it has to be something that I can layer and take off later! I don't do dressy shirts and stuff for average shows - my dog is a psycho when we work and loves his rewards and jumps all over me and I will be dirty in 5 minutes!

What to bring:
Dog (don't laugh, I have heard of people leaving them!)
crate - check the program, can you bring soft crates? If not, bring a wire one - you need to have somewhere to put your dog to decompress.
Bowl and water
Treats and toys, a little of both.
I don't personally bring food because I feed raw and I train and show on an empty stomach, but some people do bring a meal or two.
Drinks and snacks for you - something to much on.
A chair - to set up next to the crate so you can hang and chill and watch what is going on.
Your entry forms that tell you your number, etc!
Directions to the show site!
Extra cash - you WILL want to shop!
A variety of leashes and collars - I always bring backups just in case something happens.
Copy of my dogs vaccine status, just in case, and his license/rabies tag and an ID tag. He doens't necessarily wear them at all times, but I try to bring them on any trip.
Pen and Paper - I always end up writing somethign down - the course, take notes, etc. or at least something to doodle on or make notes on my performance.
A camera!! You want pictures!!!!
Papertowels and poop bags - theres always some mess to clean up.
a flexi if your dog needs one to poop on leash. DO NOT use the flexi when you are in between rings and such, but i use one when i take him out to poo/pee.

Iknow it sounds like a lot, but I hate to be unprepared, and when I show I am typically there for HOURS!

 

[uhmanda00]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! This is EXACTLY what I needed. Now I'm going to print this off and use it as my checklist!

The show is ALL INDOORS, and about 30 minutes away from my house.

Where does it say whether or not they allow soft crates or not? I was planning on bringing a soft one.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

If anyone else wants to add something, please do!

Thanks again.

 

[oc_spirit]

The show might be indoor but where is the crating area? If it is outdoors it is a good idea to bring a vendor's tent (you know the ones that just have a canopy roof and no side OR just mesh for side???? So that you can keep your dog in the shade.

 

[planet molosser]

Bring Bottled water as some towns have different filters and it could upset the dog.

If the weather is going to be in the 90's get a pet cooler throw or bandana to soak in water. If the dog stresses due to heat bring Pedia lite for the water.

Bring motrin for heat headches and sun screen for you.
Dober list was a good one..

 

[adojrts]

First thing, good luck!
Here is a list of what I take to trials (mainly agility) and/or shows that was posted a while ago.

Hope you find some use of it.

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48790

Take care
Lynn

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Remember ot pack a few deep breaths before you enter the ring so you aren't a ball of nerves, and screw up your first round like me last weekend
I was given advice I never got to take.. chew gum before you enter the ring.. Apparently stress can change your breath and tell your dog you are stressed.

 

[uhmanda00]

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!! Yall are AWESOME!!

 

[uhmanda00]

In the booklet it says Rally Novice A starts at 11:45am... so what time do you think I should get there??? I have no idea how long it takes to do everything.

 

[doberkim]

It depends. I always like to watch things, and I find it calms me, so I often go early.
You want to go with enough time that you can go, get your dog set up, calm down, familiarize yourself and your dog with the area, and then warm up. If you arrive late, it may be difficult to find parking (at least close) so be prepared for that.

I like to go early and walk my dog around the site, check things out, and then put my dog in the crate to calm down. Then I bring him out, work on obedience and attention, etc.

I don't like feeling rushed!

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I also hate rushing.. Our lat show, registration sign in/ maps etc was at 8:30am, rally novice was at 9. I was there like 8:10.. It was just enough time to get ready.. wasn't enough time to settle my nerves though. We had a terrible round cause I was still spazzing..