Stuff You Should Bring to a Show
Vet Records--Everyone needs these to prove that your dog has been vaccinated against certain illnesses so they won't pass them on to other dogs or even other people. The ones you must have are rabies and Distemper/Parvo Combo, but others such as kennel cough(boratella), Lyme vac, and Giardia vac are recommended. Also, if you are traveling out-of-state, you will need to take a certificate of health that is no more than 10 days old with you.
Water--It is a good idea to bring your own water, because they might not have water there for your dog, and it is safer to give your dog tap water from home rather than from were ever you're going. Mircobes in forgien water can give your dog diarrehia and make him unshowable. Bring a bowl for it too!
Leashes and Leads--You should always bring at least two regular leashes so you can have an extra lying around just in case you need it. Do the same with your show leads, have a backup in case your first one breaks or you forget it.
Towels--If you have a big dog, you are probably going to need a small drool towel for the ring. Towels are also more comfortable to lay and sit (for you too) on than the hard floor. They can also be soaked in cold ice water and draped over a dog that is too hot.
Grooming Supplies--Take anything you think you will need to groom your dog there. If at all possible, try to groom your dog mainly at home, and do touch-ups at the show. Stuff like a straight comb, bristle brush, and a pin brush you should take to a show.
Crate--It is a very good idea to bring a strudy crate to a show. You can set it up with all of your supplies in the grooming area and everything will be pretty much safe there. You can also put a special crate top on it and it can double as a grooming table, or you can put a tarp over it and your dog has a nice hide-away from all of the crowds. But watch out, he may not want to come out!!
Treats--Bring any treats and toys you use to get your dog's attension in the ring. Make sure they are super-duper yummy so they will be glued to the treat, and not distracted by everything. Good suggestions are turkey-jerky, the popular cooked liver, bacon, biscuts (make sure the dog doesn't have to stand there and chew it in the ring), hot dog, bit of cooked meat, a tennis ball, a squeky toy (watch out not to use these too much because they can distract other juniors and their dogs), or a small stuffed toy.
Cooler--A small cooler is never a bad thing to have on a hot day. It can carry drinks, treats, toys, and ice to cool your dog down. Stock it up with a layer of froze water at the bottom, and a couple of water-soaked, froze towels. This will keep everything cool and refreshed.
Money--You will need money for parking, catalouges, and any refreshments or meals along the way. Catalouges cost about $4-6 dollars each, and parking is usually about $2-4. Meals tend not to be cheap at the show grounds, but you can always smuggle some fast food in or bring your lunch from home. And you will always find something to buy at the vendors. Make sure some of it is change for the vending machines!!
Any Other Required Paperwork--There is some other paperwork besides vaccination records your dog needs. You will need the paperwork saying you're entered and your armband number, the judging program, directions to the show, and first aid stuff like what sort of things your dog is allergic to that might affect his health (if any).
Other Stuff--Bring a camrea to take lots of pictures with and a book or something to do when you are waiting to take your mind away from showing. It helps especially if you are nervous. And if you or your dog has a problem with nervousness, my dog and I take herbal stress-relief pills to help take the stress off the situation.
Anything Else?--Stop to think about what else you might need between now and the time you get home. It always helps to visualize the show happening and to think of what things you are using to help you.
If you have anything else that you think I forgot and desperatly need at a show, please e-mail to me at Draco_CD@yahoo.com!