I have recently have competed in several trails with my dog, Belle. It was super fun and tiring. We have won a few ribbons for some, and lost in others. I am happy to say despite that we are still trying to compete in some more. Though I did make a few rookie mistakes. I was a little under prepared for parts of the trails when I first started competing. When I talked to the veterans of the sport, I found that I wasn’t the first amateur to make this mistake. Hence, I decided to share my experience on my blog and how to avoid the mistakes I made.

The biggest mistake I made was not being prepared for an all-day trail at a dirt facility. Trails are often times from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in a livestock exposition center or soccer field. You need to be there all day since there is no guarantee on when the events you competing are in will start, since it is subjective to the finishing to the event before you. Also, there is often only a few vendors so fingers crossed if you are picky on what you can buy for lunch. So, being prepared for your first trail, and packing your car well to spend all day at the center is the best way to do well. I personally use a handy checklist to help make sure everything I need is in my car the night before.

So without further ado, here is my ultimate car packing checklist for agility trails:

• Leash
• No-Tag Collar with Sharpie Name and Number
• Water Bowl for Pup
• Food Bowl for Pup
• Portable Crate
• Cover for Crate (creates quiet place for dog)
• Dog Bed
• Dog Food (just for that day’s meals)
• Dog Treats
• Dog Bone
• Dog Toy (just one or two)
• Poop Bags
• Portable Fan (for you and dog to cool off in summer)
• Light Jacket
• Dog Brush (many times the course is clay and it can get everywhere, so be prepared for a quick cleanup before hopping back in the car at the end of the day)
• Spare Sneakers (because of the clay)
• Water & Water Bottle
• Book (internet is a luxury, not a promise)
• Lawn Chairs (bleachers can be available not always)
• Human Snacks
• Human Lunch
• Human and Dog First Aide Kit (injuries happen and it is better be to safe than sorry)
• Spare Towels (to clean up if needed)