Dog Agility: What to Pack for a Trial

by Melissa R. on October 21, 2009

Ready for action at our agility trial!

Ready for action at our agility trial!

When I got ready for our first agility trial, I was very overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to bring, or not bring. I packed a HUGE duffle bag full of everything including the kitchen sink. Come to find out, I didn’t need all of that after all! Here is a run down of what I bring. Please comment and let me know what you bring.

Agility Trial Packing Lists

For Mocca (the dog):

  • AKC height card
  • Trial collar: flat buckle collar with no tags or attachments (very important, you can be disqualified for having tags or a loop collar)
  • Leash
  • Potty baggies
  • Wet wipes & paper towel….just in case
  • When we are waiting for our turn to run, I give Mocca treats to keep her attention on me. Then when we are done, she gets the very SPECIAL liver treats she loves the most….and then of course, a few other treats in between everything. Lots of treats on agility trial day, but that makes it even more fun for Mocca.
  • Treat bag!
  • Favorite pink squeaky ball toy
  • A gallon jug of clean cool water
  • Water bowl
  • Crate. We have one of these canvas fold- up crates. It is so easy to take down & slip into the trunk and set back up again, plus I like the options for shades.  Don’t forget the mat for the bottom. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19297
  • Reflective heat resistant cover for the crate if it is going to be very hot and it is an outside show with no shade. I got mine from my dad, who used to fight forest fires….Potentially you can get them at an outdoors type store?
  • Fan for the crate, just in case it is very hot.  http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1664

For Me:

  • Agility trial schedule
  • Bug spray & sunscreen
  • Fold up chair. I bring one that is as small as possible because at this point, we don’t usually get to the trial until the middle of the day and there is very little sitting room.
  • Cooler with PLENTY of water for myself and quick snacks. I am always a nervous wreck on these days, so it is easier for me to have quick snacks around to grab than eat a lunch at the trial. Lots of places have food for sale by various rescue groups, etc. I also always forget to drink anything, so I find it best to have water available readily for both myself, and Mocca!
  • Camera
  • Video Camera
  • Various layers of clothing and changes of shoes depending on the weather: hot, cold, rain, snow!

One thing I think I should start bringing is a log book, or journal of sorts so that I can really keep track of things, and what the course was like, what we did wrong, etc. I’ve seen others doing this and think it is a great idea. Any other ideas? Please share!

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About the author: Melissa is owned by an active Border Collie named Mocca, and 3 cats: Kai, Cirrhi & Ritter. Melissa and Mocca compete in AKC Agility trials monthly, with the hope of continued advancing and further training. She is a Graphic Designer and Project Coordinator for the DrsFosterSmith.com and LiveAquaria.com websites. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Michigan State University and is a lifelong pet lover and owner. See more articles by Melissa R.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Suzanne Foster July 6, 2010 at 7:50 am

Is there a specific type of sunscreen that is best to use on my very white and very pink Pit Bull? I am moving to Florida in August and want to make sure she doesn’t get a sun burn! THANK YOU!

Melissa July 6, 2010 at 11:04 am

Here’s an article from our PetEducation.com website answering that question! http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2111&aid=1118

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