Vital stuff to take to shows - what do you take?

Maddie

Apart from the dog!! Confused

I am off to my first show next weekend. I am having to go by myself and I am a wee bit scared, to put it mildly - not of doing the "biz" but the getting there and spending the day alone (cos we aren't allowed to leave before 5.30 pm regardless of when our class is) and that fact that I am slightly aggrophobic (but good at hiding it).

Is there anything that YOU would not be without at a show? How much stuff do you take? How do you get it from the car into the hall?

I am sorry if these seem like stupid, stupid questions but it would help me enormously to get myself organised and squish my fears into proportion a bit.

my4labs · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:18 pm Post subject:

Hi maddie

The contents of my show bag includes.......show lead/s, treats, dog brush, cloth- chamois leather, towel., Show pin, water for dog and bowl, poo bags. A calm handler if you can but remember and go out and have fun.

Wish you the best of luck and let us know how you get on. Very Happy

annj · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:47 pm Post subject:

Hi Maddie

Apart from what Colette has adviced, the only bit of advice I can say is that, when you first go into the hall to register leave your dog in the car - get a feel for the place first without beening stressed by having them with you. And I dont know how many classes your entered into but if there is a break in between classes put them in the car again so that they can have a rest.

Ive only done a couple of open shows and this is the advice I have learnt whilst I've been doing them. I also have to take my disabled daughter with me as she is a junior handler and next weekend will be the first show for her where she is going to be in 3 classes and doing it all by herself, of course if she gets tired I will step in.

Good luck for next weekend - the most important thing is go and have some fun and try and relax and you will always be taking the best dog home despite what the results will be.

All the best.

Ann

Maddie · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ann and Colette
I have to take my dog in with me fairly early really as she has to pass a vet check I believe. She will also have a cage/crate reserved for her in the hall. I have no idea how far the parking is away from the main event as it is a pretty huge show with nearly 2500 dogs on one day (I am more used to 100 dogs at my agility competitions!)! The dogs are not allowed out of the venue in the day either so I can't leave her in the car, I don't think.
We only qualify to enter one class (female puppy) and even then it's one where there are no placings (I must be bonkers to travel so far!!). All I will find out is if she's very promising, promising, good or ok! Confused

7 hours travelling for that!!

annj · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:42 pm Post subject:

Oh Maddie your in for a really long day - dont envy you, but lets just hope you come away with a result thats good for you - good luck and just try and get some rest time in for yourself.

Ann

my4labs · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:58 pm Post subject:

I make 2 journeys from the car to the hall or where ever the show is held.
the crate and the bag go first and then the dog, me and the chair(fold-up one i find is best) last.