First Agility Trial

[Cass C]

I'm really excited, my trainer told me I will be ready to start competing in time for the November trial! I was wondering if anyone has any advice for things I need to bring or do that people always seem to forget about. I know November is over a month away, but I want to be prepared.

 

I've been to trials before as a volunteer, so I know the basics of a crate for the dog, a dog toy, snacks, water, collar, leash, Poop bags, and a blanket or rug to lay down since the arena is an indoor dirt ring. Anything I'm missing?

 

Also on the topic of crates does anyone have a favorite type/brand of soft sided crates? I'm going to be purchasing one and want to make sure it's one that will last and work well.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[CptJack]

Tylenol/pain killer.

A small first aid kit with things like bandaids and antibiotic cream.

 

I'd also take a sheet or something to cover the crate, even if your dog is good. The break from stimulation is really useful to a lot of (even many) dogs.

[RemsMom]

I have this crate and I love it.

 

http://elitefield.shop.rakuten.com/p/elitefield-sage-green-36-3-door-soft-dog-crate-with-a-carrying-bag-36/235821443.html

 

I always bring hand soap and paper towels. The restrooms at our trials are out half the time.

[GentleLake]

There've been 2 threads recently about preferences for soft crates, although I think they may have been in the General Border Collie Discussion forum..

 

I have Dog Diggs and like them.

[Cass C]

Oops I was looking in the wrong place then! I will see if I can find those other threads. Thanks for letting me know.

[Cass C]

What are thoughts on a soft x-pen type containment with a zipper roof vs an actual soft dog crate? Is there a real benefit to using one over the other?

 

ETA: Lily is crate trained so that is not an issue. I'm just wondering if the extra space would have a benefit for her or not.

[CptJack]

It really depends on the dog and the owner and how much time you're going to be with her, and how stressed out she's going to be by all the activity around her. For me, I just use a crate and take the dog out before the run, potty her and spend some time with her and we're good. Too much time out and moving around and watching and she goes flat. Another dog, one that stresses high, or has an owner who isn't hanging around their set-up because they're volunteering in ALL THE THINGS might benefit from a little more room.

I will say that space can be at a premium at these things and trying to give your dog 6 feet when you get a total of 10 (maybe, sometimes) can be awkward, but that's another thing altogether.

[rufftie]

just a quick thought- some trials do not like x-pens for just one dog. it takes up a lot of space when crating areas can be tight. I use one when I travel with all 3 dogs, but use a soft sided crate or/and a pop up tent when traveling with 1 or 2. carry on.

[gonetotervs]

Make sure you have a chair for yourself and a crate cover. I like to position my chair in front of my dog's crate to give her/him a bit more space from dog noses coming close.