It is easy to become caught up in all the preparation prior to show dates. Accomplishing the pre-show grooming needs, deciding what your ring attire will be, planning your route to the show, and packing the car can be a nerve-wracking ordeal.
But if you have checked with your mentor, club members, and other show-knowledgeable people; if you have read the show premium carefully, if you have looked at a road map and carefully planned your route and calculated driving time, your nerves should be held to a minimum.
Over time, you will see a method to the madness; that is, you will recognize all the things necessary for an upcoming show plus time required to accomplish them. Until then, here is a procedure that may be amended to fit your needs.
One month ahead: The show premium (show announcement and entry forms) usually arrives about a month in advance of the show. First check the judge assigned to your breed. Ask your mentor if this particular judge is a good choice for your first show presentation. (It is fact that some judges are more forgiving of novice handler errors than others.) Actual premiums may be viewed by clicking on any show on this page.
Check the deadline for entries and enter early! Most superintendents are strict about late arrivals; they do not get entered!
No less than two weeks ahead: If the judge is acceptable, make the entry using premium forms by regular snail mail, or enter online on the superintendent's web page. (There is usually an additional small fee for online entry.)
No less than two weeks ahead: If the location of the show requires an overnight stay, turn to your mentors or experienced dog club members to ask for motel recommendations. Prospective lodging should be within short driving distance of the show site and it must allow dogs (though some may charge a fee). You may wish to reserve a ground-floor room if you have grooming equipment to unload. Once you choose your lodging, make the reservation. Good motels fill quickly prior to large shows.
One week ahead: As the show day approaches, be sure to plan your route so that no traffic delays or closed roads will cause a late arrival.
Three days before: Breeds requiring extensive preparation need to begin basic grooming several days before the show. Trim toenails and do any close clippering early to avoid bleeding nails or itchy butts. Clean teeth and ears. Bathe the dog the night before the show if you must leave at an early hour. Take rinseless shampoo, a gallon of water and old towels for backup if the dog gets carsick.
One day before: Load the car the night before you plan to leave using a packing checklist. Depending on car model and your tolerance of rattles, you will develop your own packing arrangement - usually with heavier ex-pens and grooming tables on bottom and lighter chairs and tack boxes on top. Use bungee cords to secure all items or place towels between metal items to prevent rattles while you travel.
Did you remember to include the dog's crate in your packing list? Be sure to place the crate where the dog will receive heating or cooling as needed. Bungee the crate if possible so that the dog is secure during the trip.
Gas up your vehicle, check tire air pressure and oil. Break-downs on the road with a dog in unfamiliar territory are not situations anyone wants to encounter.
Day of departure: Run through your packing list one more time; check-off the items actually in the vehicle. If you are unfamiliar with the route you will be traveling, leave a little early.
And don't forget the dog!!!
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