Shows are a FAMILY EVENT

Many spectators come to dog shows. Some are there to find a breeder. All are there to see the dogs. The crowds can be large and continuous...often there may be more people in the grooming area than actually at ringside.

It is permissable to put your “memory book” or yur "braggin' book" of your previous wins out on the top of your crate. Be sure it is full of plenty of pictures, even if you don't have a large kennel and only have one dog. You would be surprised at the public relations job you will do for your breeder! Yes, you can hang your previous wins or the wins of that weekend on your crate, too. Spectators come through the grooming area, some to inquire about puppies, some to pet the dogs. Be polite and explain to them if they can’t touch your dog right then because it has been completely groomed...or if they can, by all means let them. But do watch out for the drippy ice cream cones and the chewing gum!

Arrive in time to take your dog on a stroll around the area to familiarize him with the territory and if he is a puppy ( or even a jaded old timer) let everybody “make over him!” Make sure this is one of the most FUN times your dog will ever have! A happy dog shows better, and Judges LOVE to see wagging tails.

Spectators can even help you out...tell them if you have a dog going into the GROUP. Ask them to cheer when they see him come out! Handlers get their cheering sections together.... Why not you?
And HAVE A GREAT TIME....... Whether or not you win. Don’t be a “sore loser” because it won’t change a thing and only makes you bitter!

It may be true that the dog who won may not be as good as yours. But the fact is, for whatever reason, you didnt win. Keep in mind that of all the people who come to the dog show, there are relatively few that take home a big win, so count yourself lucky if this happens, and show your dog for the FUN of it, regardless. It's a great way to spend a weekend, and a lot healthier for your kids than hanging out on the street corners and getting themselves into trouble.

And Now: Here are all those handy dandy lists of things so you won't forget anything!

DOG FIRST AID SUPPLIES
Ascriptin (buffered or coated aspirin) or vet prescribed pain killer
Thermometer: normal temp is 102 degrees
Pepto bismol: administer as much as a human for the size of the dog (used for diahrea) Take Dog off of food for 24 hours, Administer Pepto bismol every two or three hours
Antibiotic ointment for dogs
Ear cleaner and ointment (if necessary)
Tweezers (for possible thorns or shards of glass in paws or elsewhere)
Vet wrap
Hydrogen preroxide (for cleaning wounds)
Vaseline (to keep your dog’s nose moist and to wipe on his toenails before he goes in the ring)
Tacky paws ( preparation to put on dog's feet to keep them from slipping)
Veterinary eye wash or artificial tears to moisten eyes or clean out "goop"
Electrolyzed water (such as Pedialite) for emergencies
A small bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy is absolutely necessary , this can be administered for times of stress, at the onslaught of a bladder infection....any symptoms of diarhea or excessive urination

DOG EQUIPMENT
Grooming table if needed for your breed
Brushes and combs as needed for your breed
Baby wipes
Feeding pans
Dog food (feed lightly before the show and feed well before bedtime)
Watering pans
Water (if you give your dog his own water from home there will be MUCH less chance of digestive upsets, if that can't be done buy bottled water)
Spray bottle with plain water for at the ringside to hydrate your dog
Spray bottle with listerine and water mix to freshen your dog's odor
Hair dryer, if needed for your breed
Scissors, thinning shears if needed for your breed
Toenail clippers or if you use them, a toenail grinder
Clean wipe rags for drooling at the ringside (little terrycloth hand towels are great)
Plastic bags (big ones, little ones, and ziplock ones)
Special toys or treats or both
Any medications your dog may be on
Crate pads or rugs
Crate or enclosure for the vehicle and for the motel room (x pens or other)
Vaccination records of the dog (Rabies certificate is reguired at all dog shows)
Shampoo or cleaning equipment for the dog
Sprays or coat conditioners for your breeds requirements
Dog leash and/or special collars (always have one extra for sure)
A pen and small notebook for times when you need to write something down
Toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Extra clothing as necessary for weather and show requirements
Personal food and drink supply, (It is expensive to buy food at the show)
Cosmetics or personal grooming kit
Eyeglasses if you wear them, and sunglasses
Maps and directions
Judging program (that always has the directions to the show)
Change of shoes
Extra cash or charge cards(there are vendors at the show site!))
Cell phone
Car keys (extra set!!) (keep them with your grooming equipment
Cooler if necessary
Medications you are on
Antacid (you can use the dog's pepto bismol!)
Business cards
Some exhibitors actually have a "memory book" or "show scrapbook" to lay out on the top of their dog's crate at the show

SOME NECESSITIES: A TACK BOX TO KEEP THIS STUFF IN, EXTRA BLANKETS AND PAPER TOWELS AND AIR FRESHENER IN THE CAR, AND CASH FOR EMERGENCIES. AND DON'T FORGET A SENSE OF HUMOR!

AND NOW...ON TO THE SHOW