Dog show: what to bring?

What is going on there, at the exhibitions? Such a closed and peculiar world… I want to go there too! I want my dog ​​to sparkle with medals and high-profile titles. And now you already grab the documents for the dog, send the forms and run to the bank to pay for the exhibition. So? How to prepare yourself and competently organize a trip? What to take with you to the exhibition? See below for the required equipment.

The first thing you should think about is what you will place the dog in at the show.

Imagine – you come to the room or to the site where the event takes place. There are hundreds of dogs around, even more people – everyone is fussing, pushing, someone is shouting: “Get your dog away!”. You are almost knocked down by a fat lady carrying two Pomeranians under her arm… Shock) Isn’t it?

 Therefore, the first point is to immediately prepare a cage or a carrier and a blanket so that you can cover the cage with them and save your pet from a nervous situation.

Next up is water!

Be sure to stock up on a bowl and bottle of drinking water for your dog. The tension around is reflected and not only on you. Heavy breathing and tongue to the floor – will not add presentability to the dog. Do not forget to periodically offer water, just try not to leave the bowl in the cage – it is better to give a drink more often than to clean up an unfolded puddle or squeeze out a wet litter later. 

The third item of equipment is ringovka.

Ringovka almost the most important part. In simple terms, this is a special leash on which the dog is taken into the exhibition ring. 

What is so special about this leash? First, it’s thin. Especially so that the lines and anatomy of the dog are clearly visible to the expert. Therefore, you cannot wear it in everyday life, since you can cut both the neck of the dog and your own hands. Secondly, the show ring is arranged on the principle of a noose, so that you can easily correct the dog and at the same time not interfere with them once again. The color of the ring should match the color of the dog as much as possible (again, so as not to interfere with the harmonious perception of the silhouette). Also, when choosing this accessory, you should take into account the weight of the dog. Obviously you can’t keep a Mastiff in a Beaver York ring.

Another indispensable thing is a holder for a number plate.

The serial number is issued on a special adhesive paper, which is glued to the person who exhibits the dog (in no case to the dog). I’ll immediately note from experience that they stick very badly, depending on the fabric to which you glue. The corners peel off, and sometimes the number flies off your clothes right in the ring, which, of course, distracts the expert and creates the image of an absolute beginner. Of course, the expert evaluates not you, but the dog, but believe me, your nervousness and fuss are transmitted to the dog, which is why you look extremely insecure in a pair and the expert (especially CACIB) cannot but pay attention to this. The most comfortable of those that I have met is a holder with a simple Velcro / elastic band on the shoulder.

Yummy!!!

The next thing you’ll need if you’re exposing your dog for treats is a pouch for all those smelly bits. Here you can get by with a good old bag for your belt or, in common people, with a banana. It will help not to spill treats all over the ring, you will be able to encourage your pet evenly, and you can always keep one hand free, which, if necessary, can correct the dog’s stance or ring line.

Stock up on wet wipes!

Not necessarily special, the packaging of the simplest children’s is quite suitable. The main thing is that the packaging should be larger – let them be better left in reserve than not enough.

If your dog is not smooth-haired, also do not forget about special brushes and combsto give the dog a little grooming right before entering the ring.

About special wax for dog pawsnot to slip. I can’t say that this is a super-necessary thing, although many would argue with me. But we are talking about the fact that you are going to an exhibition for the first time and, in principle, you can do without it. For example, I have never used it at exhibitions, despite the fact that I have it)

So your dog is ready. It remains to think about yourself. Take a change of clothes for the ring, after all, this is a show, and you, as well as your pet, should be dressed up. The exhibition is a protracted affair, if there is, then throw a folding chair in the trunk, and don’t forget to bring a couple of sandwiches with you. Who knows, maybe you will take first place, and you will be sent to the overall best.

About what and how to do when you came to the exhibition, where to go, where to register, what sequence at the show, etc., read in our next article.

You might also be interested in: How Not to Go Crazy Preparing Your Dog for a Show«