What should I bring to the Trial?: The Kitchen Sink?

 The basics that you must bring include:

• your dog [you would be amazed to know how many of us have left the house without the dawg!]
•  his/her AAC ID card [you will have to show this before you are allowed to run your dog, so remember to bring it!]
• a leash
• a quick on and off dog collar
• water for your dog [if you bring water from home there’s a better chance the dog will drink it, and hydration is important]
• a chair for yourself
• a crate or X-pen for your dog [if your dog is not crate/X-pen-trained, you have a problem. There will be times when you have to be away from your dog – e.g., when you are volunteering -- and it must be able to cope on its own. Do this training at home so you are prepared when you get to the trial.]
• dog treats, preferable soft and not kibble
•  a shade tent for outdoor trials is a lovely luxury and you will see that experienced Trialers have a whole system for staking out and setting up their area! For your first time, this may not be necessary, especially if you have an experienced friend you can hang out with. However, watch the others and decide if this is something you want to consider. [It took me 2 trials to decide to get a shade tent!]
• sunscreen for you
• hat for you, although the dog will look quite cute in one!
• clothes and shoes you can run in