What you need for an obedience competition

An obedience competition needs more than ring equipment and score sheets. You also need a workable registration point, clear judging supplies, shelter, refreshments and enough water and waste bags for the dogs. Use the quantities in your event plan to decide how many tables, chairs, cups and catering items to bring. Check power, weather protection and paperwork at least one day before the competition so missing essentials can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Ring barrierqty 80
Conesqty 20
Springboardsqty 4
Retrieve blocksqty 8
Food containersqty 8
Lane markingsqty 2
Water bowls for dogsqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 4
Stopwatchqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Score sheetsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 80
Prizes and medalsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Equipment

Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Start and finish signsqty 2
Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Paint markersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucketqty 2
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee biscuits - 6 packs
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Dog biscuits - 6 bags
- Dog waste bags - 20 rolls
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Set up separate areas for registration, judging and catering. At minimum, allow one registration desk, one judges’ table and enough chairs for the officials and volunteers assigned to each area.
Bring one complete scorekeeping set per judging team: clipboards, pens, score sheets, a stopwatch and a calculator. Pack spares, because a missing pen or damaged sheet can delay an entire class.
Plan drinking points for both people and dogs. Put water bowls near the rings and bring enough food containers, reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the number of registered participants, officials and volunteers.
Check the ring equipment as a set before loading it. Ring barriers, cones, lane markings, springboards and retrieve blocks must all be present and usable before the first dog enters the ring.
Do a power and weather check the day before. Test the sound system, microphones, coffee machines and kettles with the available extension cords and power strips, and keep party tents and coolers ready if rain or heat is forecast.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an obedience competition?: You need ring barriers, cones, lane markings, springboards, retrieve blocks, water bowls and dog waste bag dispensers. For judging, prepare score sheets, clipboards, pens, a stopwatch and calculators, plus bib numbers and a sound system.
How many bib numbers should I prepare?: Prepare one bib number for every registered competitor, then add at least 10% spare numbers for late changes, damaged cards or replacements. Finalise the quantity after registration closes and the start list is published.
How much tableware do I need for the competition?: Count every registered participant, judge, steward and volunteer who will eat or drink on site. Bring at least one cup, plate and cutlery set per person for the planned serving, plus 10% extra for breakage, loss or unexpected helpers.
When should I check the obedience competition shopping list?: Do a full stock and equipment check at least 48 hours before the competition. Recheck documents, prizes, power supplies, catering, weather protection and dog-welfare items when loading the vehicle on the day before.

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