What you need for a dog sports competition

A dog sports competition needs more than jumps and tunnels. Your shopping list also has to cover course marking, judging, participant check-in, dog welfare, power and shelter for a full day outdoors. Count equipment by course layout and expected entries, then add a small backup supply for damaged bibs, wet paperwork and crowded water points. Refrigerated goods should be packed into coolers before loading, while cables, microphones and printers need testing before competitors arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 50
Judges' table
Beer tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Agility jumpsqty 8
Agility tunnelsqty 2
Slalom polesqty 12
Agility hoopsqty 2
Gangway
Cat walk
Seesaw
Bib numbersqty 100
Ribbonqty 100
Bollardsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Water bowls for dogsqty 10
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste bag rollsqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Conesqty 20
Rubber matsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
PA system
Microphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 10
Direction arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kg
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kg
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 kg
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 1 kg
- Young cheese - 3 kg
- Cooked ham - 2 kg
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kg
- Hummus - 1,5 kg
- Cream cheese - 1 kg
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kg
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kg
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed snacks - 5 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kg
- Apples - 8 kg
- Grapes - 4 kg
- Mandarins - 5 kg
- Yogurt - 5 kg
- Granola - 2 kg
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan sandwich spread - 6 tubs
- Dog kibble - 10 kg
- Dog treats - 10 bags
- Dog sausages - 5 kg
- Disposable snack bags - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable trash bags - 50
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Tissues - 12 packs

Tips

Set up at least one water bowl station near the competition area and another near the waiting or parking area. Plan enough bowls to keep one set available while the other is being refilled or cleaned.
Pack bib numbers, ribbons, barrier tape, cones and bollards in separate labelled boxes. Keep 10% extra bibs and printed schedules available for last-minute changes or replacements.
Test the printer, laptop, PA system and microphones together before opening the venue. Bring extension cords and power strips long enough to keep cables away from walking routes, and secure any crossing with rubber mats.
Use coolers for refrigerated food and drinks from the moment they leave the shop until serving. Add ice or cold packs before loading transport equipment, rather than waiting until the venue opens.
Count tables and chairs by function, not just by guest total: reserve a separate judges' table, a registration or information table and seating for helpers. Put party tents over the judges' and check-in areas if rain or strong sun is forecast.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a dog agility competition?: For an agility course, you need the obstacles specified by your match rules, such as jumps, tunnels, slalom poles, hoops, a gangway, cat walk and seesaw. Also bring measuring tapes, stopwatches, cones, bollards and barrier tape for judging and safe course boundaries.
How many water bowls do I need for a dog sports competition?: Plan at least two water stations for a small competition, with several bowls at each station so dogs do not queue at one container. Add extra bowls when the event lasts more than four hours or the weather is warm, and keep a refill supply nearby.
What should I bring for competitor check-in?: Bring bib numbers, the start list, printed schedules and maps, participant folders, a laptop and printer, plus spare paper and power supplies. Prepare these materials at least one day beforehand and keep the final start list accessible offline in case the venue has poor reception.
How early should I set up a dog sports competition?: Allow at least two to three hours before the first start for unloading, checking the ground surface, assembling the course, marking boundaries and testing the PA system. Add another hour if tents, tables, power cables or several competition areas must be installed.

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