Written by CDO Member, Gene of Dune Collies

Okay, you’ve shown your collie at the shows during the year. Now you are thinking about showing at the Nationals. Here are a few tips to help both you and your collie has an experience of a lifetime.

• Make sure that you make your hotel reservations as soon as the parent club lets everyone know which hotels are available. Stay in the Host hotel if at all possible. Most of the exhibitors will try to do this, and it’s a great way of meeting new people.


• Reserve your grooming space as far ahead of time as possible. If you are going with someone else who also has a dog, make sure that the space will hold everything you both bring. If you can afford it get 2 spaces.
• Reserve your seating as early as possible also. Most exhibitors are too busy to sit, but having a reserved seat is nice.
• Start saving your money. The Nationals are a lot of fun to attend, but at the same time can be very expensive. Hotels rates can start at $80 a night and upwards. If you are planning on attending the whole week of festivities then you have to plan for
at least 5 nights. Then there is your meals, gas, and of course, let’s not forget the goodies that are for sale.


• Pack for the Nationals the same way you would to attend a regular show. You still need dress clothes for the ring (bring extras just in case), regular clothes for the other days, your grooming equipment, ex-pens, etc. This is still a dog show, but you are only going to show one day (hopefully, two). Remember to leave extra space in your suitcase for all the goodies you will be buying.
• Also pack a first-aid kit. While you may think that this is a little overboard, there have been times that it has been needed. Make sure it contains all the normal things plus something for upset stomachs (human & canine), diarrhea, coughs, colds, headaches, etc. Better over prepared than not at all.
• Don’t forget to pack your camera or camcorder. If you are not in the ring showing, then wander around and look at the other dogs there. If you are searching for your next puppy, stud dog, etc., the camera will be your best friend. Plus you can catch people in some very funny situations. Besides, if you do decide to do some site-seeing you may want to take pictures to show off later.
• Remember common courtesy. While you may not be showing, there will be others trying to get ready to do so. It is okay to talk to everyone, but make sure that you are not interrupting them while they are getting ready to go into the show ring. There will be plenty of time during the course of the Nationals to talk to just about everyone. If you do talk to anyone, make sure that you introduce yourself and don’t assume that they will automatically know your kennel name or yours. I have had people that I show against not remember me!!
• Most of all, have fun and remember, if you don’t win it’s just another show day. There are plenty more people there in your shoes. Winning is the icing on the cake at the Nationals. The real fun is meeting new people, seeing dogs that you have wanted to see in person, and visiting a place you may have never been before.

Hope to see you in 2004. Look for my tent in the grooming area.
Dune Collies will be there will bells on.


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