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WHAT
DO I NEED BRING WITH ME TO DO EARTHDOG? The
first thing you will need is basic information about the event you plan to
attend. The best place to find
events on the West Coast is the Earthe
Dogge page of this website. All
West Coast tests are listed and at the bottom of each set of information you may
find “msWord
Premium pdf”. These are posted when they become
available which often is well after the Test is listed. The “Premium” is a
document created for each test that will contain all the information you need to
enter that test: date, site
location, directions, times and fees etc, plus entry forms. “msWord” &
“pdf” refer to the computer file format of the document. They are identical.
You should be able to download them by clicking on the appropriate word.
If you cannot download the document, there is a listing for the Test
Secretary with an E-mail link and phone number.
Contact that person and ask for the premium. Okay, you have sent
in your money (it is always usually cheaper to pre-enter), what do you need to bring
along with your dog? 1)
A crate &/or x-pen for your dog.
It can be a long wait until your dog’s turn to run.
There are lots of strange dogs about and it is helpful for you dog to have
its own “sanctuary.” This will
also allow you to not be tethered to your dog the entire time. 2)
A chair for you is a good idea. 3)
Water for both of you. The club may have some things to share but it is best not to
count on that. 4)
Food for both of you. You may NOT take treats into the test areas but it good to
have something to reward your dog later if you wish. Some clubs have a pot-luck lunch. You do not have to partake but you will be welcome if you do.
If you do not have food there is usually plenty there to share and some
clubs will have a “donation can” out. Put
some thing in there. In So. CA we
usually have free coffee and donuts in the morning ..this is not always the case
in other areas. You may be asked to
pay at those events. 5)
You will need a flat collar or slip lead for your dog.
Flexi-leads and choke collars may not be used during any of the tests.
You may use them away for the immediate test sites. 6)
Poop bags…. always, always pick up after your dog.
It is very hard to find sites that allow us to put on the tests and we do
not want to give the site manager any reason for turning us away. Those
are the basic items you should bring. You
can add anything you have room for in your vehicle. One thing to consider is shade/protection.
Some but not all of the tests are in areas with plenty of shade.
An umbrella or pop-up canopy comes in very handy but don’t forget the
things to tie it down. Sun covers
for x-opens or side curtains to keep the dogs from barking at all the canines
walking past can be beneficial too. One
thing for sure, your dog will not get its usual 18 hours of napping and will go
home well tired and sleep through the night. You
will get dirty. Don’t show up in
sparkling whites, this is a dog event and they will jump up and do all the dog
things to get you dirty. Be
mindful of the weather, check ahead of time.
Earthdog tests go on no matter what the weather is.
Extreme weather can cause a cancellation but that is extremely rare. For
some areas mosquito repellant is definitely recommended and sun screen is
essential for many. Be ready
for sun, rain, cold, wind or a combination of these.
Tests are usually in areas with not all the facilities you are used to.
Be prepared. One thing about Earthdog, as opposed to the Show Ring, no one cares what you or your dog looks like. Show up and have a good time. Speaking
of looking good, if you bring along your grooming kit, you might be able to get
some grooming advice from others with your breed and it will give you something
to do while you are waiting around. Remember
this always: Earthdog is about the
dog, not about you.
This page was last updated on 01/22/07. |
