Dog shows are very popular activities among dog owners. They give them a chance to show off their wonderful friend and spend some quality time together. It might feel intimidating to start doing it, but everyone was a beginner at some point. Ask around, get a mentor if needed and you’ll soon get a feel for how things are going. Don’t rush, prepare your dog, prepare yourself with the essentials and enjoy the time at the show.

Dog Trolley

Every dog show is a unique and fun experience. You’ll learn something new every time. If last time you don’t bring your own trolley and had trouble moving your friend around, this time you’ll remember that you need one. There’s a wide variety of dog show trolleys to choose from. They all have the same purpose but can vary in design.

Before buying the trolley, there are a few things to consider. The first one is when and how you will use it. Will it be just for the dog show? Do you want to use it as an at-home grooming table? What’s the terrain like? Answering these questions will help you a lot. Next is size. This is determined by the dog’s size.

Because the trolleys are made to transport the dog safely and comfortably, getting the right size is a must. Measure the dog’s length and height and pick an appropriate trolley. Make sure it has a sturdy base that can handle your dog’s weight, especially if it’s a larger breed. Check the loading limit because some trolleys can’t handle a lot.

Pick a trolley made of strong but lightweight materials such as aluminium. This way, you can easily transport it from one place to another. Folding and unfolding the trolley should be simple. It should be a simple mechanism that will fold flat in just a few seconds. This way it won’t take up a lot of room in the car during transport.

 The strength and durability of a trolley’s wheels are very important. Dog owners often choose pneumatic tires that can stand up to any type of terrain. Dog shows are often held in rural areas so sometimes the terrain will be tougher. Choose a trolley with removable wheels so you can store it easily when not in use. And don’t forget the safety feature. Go for lockable doors with a hole for a padlock.

Leashes & Collars

Having the proper leash and collar will help you during the dog show. If the dog feels comfortable in the collar, it’ll be more relaxed, less nervous and will perform better. It can also make it look better and feel less stressed. Chain collars are one of the most popular options. They have a slip-in design that’s easy to use.

These chains look sleek, polished and modern. They simply slip over the dog’s head. If the dog pulls the chain will tighten around the neck slightly. This prevents the dog from pulling and gives you more control over the situation. One of the most common materials used to make these chains is stainless steel because it’s strong and very durable.

Just like with the dog show trolleys, the dog’s size and breed can make a difference. Dogs with thinner and taller necks will benefit more from a more delicate collar. Dogs with thick and long fur won’t be able to wear a chain collar, it’ll pull on their hair. Short-haired dogs are the perfect candidates for chain collars.

The chain’s length should match the dog’s neck size. If it’s too loose, it can negatively affect your presentation. If it’s too tight it can make the dog uncomfortable and restrict its movements. Also, smaller breeds require smaller chain links and vice versa. Make sure the chain is smooth and doesn’t have any rough edges.

Bowls & Treats

Food and water bowls are something you should take with you anywhere you and your dog travel together. Bowls can be made of several materials. Stainless steel is the most common choice because it’s rust-resistant, durable, won’t damage easily and it’s stain-resistant. Glass is another option but it can break easily.

Plastic is also popular. It’s often budget-friendly because it’s not that durable and the material absorbs smells. If your dog moves a lot while you feed it in the show trolley, get bowls with rubberized bottoms. They’ll get a nice grip on the floor and won’t move around. There’s also a specially designed bowl for dogs that eat fast.

Beside bringing the food your dog eats, you should also bring some treats. They will help the dog become more cooperative, make it happy and cheerful and help with the motivation. Choose some of its favourites and bring enough for the whole trip. Being well-supplied can help you throughout the whole show.

Grooming Supplies

Dog shows are there so you can show off your pet. This means the dog has to be in top shape when it comes to its looks. This includes the fur, paws, nails, ears, face and more. It’s all about the presentation. Brushes and combs are a must. Choose the appropriate ones according to your dog’s fur.

Scissors and trimmers can also be helpful. They’ll keep the dog’s fur neat and properly shaped. If you can, trim the dog right before the show so it has a fresh cut everyone will notice. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner that you’ve already tried before. Don’t experiment just before the show. Of course, don’t forget the blow dryer and towels. They’ll get the dog ready in no time.

Pop-Up Shade

Dog shows can sometimes be held in extreme weather conditions. Sometime the sun will be shining too much and you’ll need to find a way to protect your dog. Bringing some sort of shade with you can be of great help. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A simple beach umbrella will do. It’ll also protect your dog in case rain starts falling. Overall, these are some of the essentials to have while doing a dog show with your furry friend.