Gear for a show and go?

jatango · 05-16-2008, 10:36 PM

Wonder and I are headed to a show and go tomorrow with a friend, and I've never actually taken a dog to a show! <chuckle> What do I need to bring with me? I know I need his prong, his choke, his leash, some treats and his basket muzzle (sharing the backseat with a male corgi. Just in case.). Oh and some cash? Anything else?

**doberkim** · 05-16-2008, 11:06 PM

i bring everything i train with, which is everything i show with. toys, treats, collars, leashes, a bowl for water, etc. i have crates in the car all the time, so they are there by default.

**Quita** · 05-17-2008, 12:49 AM

I make sure to bring along some kind of tug toy. Risa gets bored very easily, and playing a little bit of tug helps her from getting restless between classes. I frequently forget to take water and a water bowl to our obedience class, so make sure you don't forget that.

When I go to shows, I keep the hair trimmer in the car. I always find loose whiskers that need to be shaved. I also like to have something to wipe Risa down before going into the ring. For a show and go, this might not be as important. However, this is what I do for shows.

**VegasHR** · 05-17-2008, 07:01 AM

Don't forget a chair for yourself, it's a long day on your feet. I just starting going to shows and I am also learning what I need, so far I have this list: paper towels, baggies for picking up accidents, water, bowl, cooler with ice, chair, kennel,baby wipes, toy, treats, training collar and leash, hard candy of some kind (my throat gets dry) towel, cover large enough for the kennel to provide shade if needed.
That's my list so far, I'm sure I will be adding to it after reading the responses on this post. Good luck, have fun.

**ellenm** · 05-17-2008, 07:22 AM

I throw bottled water in my training bag and then I share a bottle with Rexy at the show. Easier to carry in than a big jug....the jug I have in the car along with their water buckets in their crates.

I also keep a reflective blanket folded in my car next to one of the crates in case dogs have to stay in the car for a bit.

A definite yes to the chair!! I once had to squish on a beach towel for the day because I forgot my chair.

**velmadobe** · 05-17-2008, 08:45 AM

If it is an AKC show, leave the prong collar at home - they are not allowed on the show grounds. Stupid but there it is!

I bring a canvas lands end bag for the dogs - in it I keep poop bags, a 2 liter soda bottle filled with water, a kennel bucket, show leads, treats, small wipe down towel, small spay bottle of water.......... that is my small bag! My big bag from Cherie McNealey with a zillion pockets has all kinds of stuff in it - LOL ........... it could carry a small sink too because it really is that big.

In my car I keep a sun shade and some of those big clips to clip it on the car (forget what they are called), extra towels for my drooly dogs crate, and yes, a chair for me.... very important! I carry a small cooler with drinks and enough ice to use for the cool coat if it is a warm/hot day.

Money is a must because the shopping is usually good, and food is expensive.

**ellenm** · 05-17-2008, 04:01 PM

Good tip, velmadobe about money!
I always pack a sandwich because the vendors are SO expensive and I get sick eating greasy food when showing the dogs.... I usually just want some crackers or a peanut butter sandwich. Rexy and Cheers LOVE peanut butter, so I share with them. I do buy a dessert at the show!!

elle · 05-18-2008, 03:39 AM

so how did it go? what did you show in?

jatango · 05-18-2008, 09:13 AM

I'm not sure you could call it a show and go as much as a ring rental. <chuckle> He got exposure to a few more agility obstacles and is now a table champion! I say TABLE and he flies up there and slams himself down. He even rolled on his back on it once! Dork.

We did a rally excellent course for giggles and negotiated it quite well. We wouldn't have Q'd, but he didn't have any issues with anything either. We did do a lot that day, and I'm afraid I shut him down. Lesson learned! He still tried for me, but you could see that he just turned his brain off. In the beginning though he was focused and ready! He even engaged his hindquarters when we were doing the figure 8 for OB novice. I'm sure the whole place heard me click, squeal and drop a bucket of treat on his head. Hehe. We had lots of fun.

He is a little shy about the A frame, but I'm sure that will come. He likes the low dog walk, but also likes to bail, so we'll be working on that.

We'll be doing one more show and go the first weekend in june and then mid-june I'll enter him in RN A and OB Novice A. I just hope we're both mentally ready by then!

**doberkim** · 05-18-2008, 11:37 AM

Has he taken an agility class to learn how to navigate the obstacles?
Because bailing on an obstacle is actually important - he needs to know he CAN do it safely, and that he is able to if at any point he feels he is unable to stay on. I never stop my dog from bailing - at this point - he needs to CHOOSE to stay on, if he wants off, he goes off. But my dog also spends weeks working foundation work before we go to full obstacles, so they know how to do them safely. Rah has never even seen a full dogwalk - I didn't think Wonder has ever seen a full agility class, so you probably pushed him too far for a green young dog.

good luck in june! what show are you entering him in?