Competitions are exhilarating, adrenalin-pumping and exciting, for both you and your dog, whatever the sport. But they can also become stressful and nerve-wracking without the correct preparations on your part. Your dog cannot prepare, of course. He doesn't have a clue a competition is coming up. You do, on the other hand. So make sure you have everything sorted before the time comes.
THE WEEK BEFORE - Right. You are a week away from the competition. You should not be stressing over too much preparation at this stage. However, it is a very good idea to ensure your entry to the competition was successful, by checking your confirmation email again, with the classes you are entering, and all the other needed details. Ensure everything is correct. If you didn't receive a confirmation, or some details on the confirmation are incorrect, follow this up with the show organisers in advance
THREE TO FIVE DAYS BEFORE - You are three to five days away from the competition. By this stage, you should be checking your ring cards and ring plans online, and looking at what time the competition opens, what time briefing is, and what time the first class in each ring begins. You should also look at when in the day your classes are, so you can gauge when you need to be there and after what other classes. You could print your ring cards and ring plans off, however ensure you don't crumple them up by accident or loose them before the competition.
TWO DAYS BEFORE - By now, you should be checking your transport to the competition. Ensure your vehicle is full of petrol/diesel, and if not, head on down to the local petrol station and fill your tank up to the top, so you won't get stranded anywhere! Also check that your dog(s) have adequate and safe space and restriction in the car to travel. You should also be checking the directions to the venue, and checking your emails/social medias/websites to ensure the competition is still going ahead at the weekend.
THE DAY BEFORE - Now it's time to get everything you need ready and waiting by the door to go in the morning. You should pack your lunch, if you're not going to buy anything there (beware, there may not be a food stall at your competition, so come well equipped food wise, just in case), get all dog treats/toys/other rewards ready, print out and store safely running plans, gather leads and collars needed, charge your mobile phone, and organise everything into a handy bag. Put the venue address into your GPS, if needed. You can now rest assured that you have your things packed in a bag and at the door ready for when you wake up in the morning. Also, ensure your GPS is working and charged up. Charge up your mobile phone.
If you are camping at the venue, you should leave good time to head off and set up for the evening, so you're ready to wake up in the morning to compete.
THE MORNING OF THE COMPETITION - The big day has finally arrived, and you're buzzing. Try to keep nerves down to a minimum, and remain calm, for your dog. Set your alarm early enough to leave time for getting yourself ready, and leave time to give your dog a short toilet walk, before packing your things into the car and strapping your dog in. If you need a GPS, plug it in and set it up and running. You are now ready to leave for the competition! Have a safe journey there (and back!).
UPON ARRIVAL - You have arrived at the venue! Get your dog out and take him for a toilet break as you find your way around the venue. Get to know where everything is, such as the toilets, and go yourself. Check your schedule, and find the rings you are in that day, to see which classes they are currently running. Find a friend, or ask the show secretaries, if you want to know anything or ask any questions. They are there to help! If you need to book in late to a class, tell them in advance or get a friend to run over for you.
YOUR RUN - You are ready to go in. Use your running orders to find your number, and collect your ticket. Head there earlier if you are unsure. Take your dog for another quick toilet and KEEP CALM for the best performance out of both of you. Queue up, or if you like to hang back, do so. Keep your dog happy and motivate him with his core motive (food/toys). REMEMBER not to carry food in your hand in the ring. When it is your turn, put any treats well away, and drop your lead off (someone will come and collect it for you). Have a great run, and enjoy yourselves!
LEAVING THE RING AND CHECKING RESULTS - When you have ran, don't hang around in the ring. There will be someone else running after you. Praise your dog and leave the ring, where he can collect his reward. Pick up your lead, which is normally in a basket/tray upon your arrival, and go. Leave time until you check results; they won't be up until the class is over, and all runs have been processed! Don't rush! If you have earned a place in a class, wait until the judge is free, as this is when he or she will present the awards. Well done. And even without a place, well done for going in and having FUN with your precious pooch!
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