Friday, September 16, 2011

We're Off!

Me and the dogs are taking off early tomorrow morning and driving up to our tournament. At a 3 hour drive and needing to be there by 7am, it'll be a really early morning. But, the dogs have been resting all day today and will probably sleep in the car on the drive up.

So, what do you need to take along when heading off to a tournament? I always make a list so I don't forget anything. The list is split into two columns, labeled Dogs and Human.

Here is my Dog Gear list of stuff to pack (we are staying one night):

  • 2 collars
  • 2 leashes
  • 3 flyball collars (need a spare, just in case)
  • 2 coursing slips
  • 2 pair of skid boots (I made Koira a second pair, just in case I lose or destroy one pair)
  • 2 tugs
  • 2 sheepskin tugs (new, specially made for Pallo)
  • 1 water bowl (the dogs share)
  • 2 chicken quarters (one each for breakfast Sunday morning)
  • 1 roll of poop bags
  • 1 crate cover (because I only got around to making one)
  • 1 crate pad (I only have one...)
  • 2 dog beds (for car, crate, and hotel)
  • 2 crates
  • 1 emergency kit
  • 1 sweatshirt (for Koira, in case it gets cold)
  • 1 towel (for mud control)
Anything you see that is missing? What all do you put on your list when traveling for a tournament, trial, or dog event?

My human list includes the basics, like the clothing I need to pack, as well as various other things. Here is the current list I have of what I need to pack for myself:
  • 2 team t-shirts
  • 1 team sweatshirt
  • 1 red sweatshirt (matches our team colors, just in case the other one gets dirty)
  • 1 light jacket
  • camera
  • video camera
  • batteries
  • battery charger
  • water bottle
  • other drinks (juice, soda, etc)
  • drink mixes
  • 1 chair
  • 1 pillow
  • book
  • CD books (for the car ride)
  • 2 pairs of jeans (in case I get super muddy)
  • 1 pair leggings (in case it gets super cold)
  • 2 pair shoes (again, in case of mud)
  • Pajamas
  • Phone charger
I'm sure there are other things I am forgetting. I have yet another list of food stuff to pack for sharing. Our team always puts together an awesome potluck spread, so I have to make sure I actually pack and bring what I sign up to bring! And I get messed up the morning of, because some things (like stuff for in the cooler) can't be packed until the morning, and I don't really do my best at 3:30 am, even with a list to refer to.


I tend to over pack. That may be evidenced in my lists above, or possibly not... But my goal this time is to have one bag for the dogs, one bag for me, one food bag, and one cooler. Plus the crates, dog beds, and chair that don't fit in bags (but those totally don't count). I don't know what I would do if I drove a tiny little car like the 2-door Toyota Tercel I drove when I first got Koira. Find some way to downsize, I guess...

Do you end up taking everything but the kitchen sink along with you, just in case?

9 comments:

  1. Have fun at the tournament. That is quite the list...most days I can't even remember to write my list, Ha-ha!

    Wyatt's Mom

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  2. Haha, it doesn't really seem like that much until you actually start packing. And then you do and have nowhere to put anything!

    Lucky you upgraded to a bigger car, haha.

    GOOD LUCK!!

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  3. BOL! I love the way you pack. It's exactly like how I pack. In my dreams, I would have one of those magic bags like Hermione has in the last Harry Potter and I would literally bring everything in the house. Have a great time!!

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  4. Those are awesome lists! Yes, you probably have forgotten something but I doubt it's important:) Do you take your own water in case they don't like the local stuff?

    Good luck at the tournament and I hope getting up at 3-30am isn't too bad!

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  5. Yes we over pack as well ;-)

    Good luck at the tournament :-)

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  6. Good luck! I am a notorious over packer, but I used to underpack and be left in trouble. The few times I've traveled with the pups, I stock up on rawhides and puzzle toys, because while they tend to sleep in the car, the peace only lasts so long. I also tend to bring lots of treats, a whistle, and a clicker in case they aren't listening well off leash. More often, I bring more than enough for them but not nearly enough for me! Have an awesome weekend!

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  7. Yep, guilty as charged!

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  8. Have a great weekend! Hope you bring back lots of stories and pictures!

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  9. Vet wrap, and some more vet wrap. And scissors with which to cut the vet wrap.

    I'm totally overwhelmed by the idea of packing for CanAm.

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