Plan Your Weekend at the Dog Show
Advance planning will make the dog show experience more fulfilling and allow one to enjoy their time at different locations that they travel to. Many exhibitors only look at a dog show as the way to earn wins in the ring. With the extensive travel needed to finish or campaign a dog it is possible to visit local attractions and take advantage of what different areas have to offer. Showing dogs allows one to travel, whether it is regional, national or international. How many times after the fact have you realized that you missed an opportunity to do something while at a dog show?
Preparation for the dog show should go beyond packing for you and your dog. Good planning includes provisions for travel, grooming space, accommodations, dinner reservations and sightseeing.
Traffic can be an issue especially on holiday weekends. Work schedules do not always allow the exhibitor/breeder to travel at ideal times. When possible prepare and pack ahead of time to be certain to leave earlier rather than later. Use a well thought out checklist each time you pack to make sure nothing is left behind. Getting to a show early allows you to have the most optimum site for your grooming set up and exercise pens. Just as important in travel and packing preparation is grooming your dog before you arrive at the dog show. Having your entry already groomed will allow for having the time to acclimate your dog to the new surroundings. This is important for young dogs that do not have the experience of a seasoned specials dog. For dogs that are not very enthusiastic about grooming, you can minimize the anxiety that would cause your dog to associate grooming with going to a dog show.
Beyond the usual entering of dog shows and hotel reservations, be sure to leverage the opportunities of experiencing non-dog show activities. The aforementioned sightseeing and local cuisines are possible to fit into a busy show weekend. Talking to fellow exhibitors and breeders in the area is an easy way to find out local favorite spots. Besides speaking with peers, the Internet is an endless resource to find restaurants and things to do. Because the majority of dog shows are on weekends, advanced reservations will insure that you can dine at popular establishments that can fill up quickly. Some areas have dog friendly bed and breakfasts that are a nice alternative to the typical chain hotel or motel.
Starting the weekend on the right foot can position you for a successful show weekend. With a little advance planning you will be able to make your time at the dog shows an enjoyable experience whether you win or lose in the ring. Eliminate any regrets you might have had when going to a part of the country year after year and not taking advantage of what that area has to offer. You will be surprised that going to the dog shows can get even better!
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