What you need for a tracking dog competition

A tracking dog competition needs more than search objects and scent materials. You also need clearly marked search areas, timing equipment, participant identification, dog-safe facilities and supplies for the people running the day. Plan quantities around the number of competitors, starter groups and volunteers, then add spares for wet weather, damaged equipment and delays. This shopping list covers the practical items to bring or buy before competitors arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Foldable tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Crowd control barriersqty 30
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 8
Bib numbersqty 80
Search objectsqty 30
Dummy scentsqty 12
Scavenger hunt bagsqty 20
Measuring tapesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 8
Dog water bowlsqty 12
Dog crateqty 4
Spotlightqty 2
Training linesqty 12
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste bag rollsqty 60

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Scissorsqty 6
Serving utensilsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 5
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 24
Water jugsqty 8
Storage boxesqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 14
Chalkboardsqty 4
Name badgesqty 40

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Margarine - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Snack mix - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Dog kibble - 10 kilos
- Dog treats - 5 kilos
- Dog sausage - 3 kilos
- Dog water - 100 liters
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cardboard snack trays - 150 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Resealable bags - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable cups - 150 pieces
- Compostable plates - 150 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning gloves - 12 pairs
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Gauze pads - 2 packs
- Sports tape - 4 rolls
- Cold packs - 8 units
- Scent remover sprays - 4 pieces
- Dog wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Prepare one bib number for every competitor, plus at least 10% spare numbers for replacements or last-minute changes. Keep printed participant information and competition paperwork in separate waterproof folders.
For each search area, bring enough cones and barrier tape to mark the route clearly, and pack at least two measuring tapes and two stopwatches so officials can work in pairs or keep a backup available.
Set out one filled dog water bowl for each active search area, with at least one spare bowl and extra water nearby. Provide dog waste bag dispensers at the entrance and near the main walking routes.
Pack one search object and dummy scent set for every defined competition element, plus a clearly labelled spare set. Store scent materials separately from food, cleaning products and strong-smelling equipment.
For a half-day competition, plan roughly two drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each following hour. Bring coolers for chilled drinks, and allow one coffee cup, plate and cutlery set per expected catering guest, with around 10% extra.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a tracking dog competition?: Bring search objects, dummy scents, cones, barrier tape, bib numbers, measuring tapes and stopwatches. You will also need dog water bowls, waste bags, training lines and a dog crate, with spare items for damaged or missing equipment.
How many water bowls are needed at a tracking dog competition?: Use at least one filled bowl at every active search area, plus one spare bowl at the central event point. For example, four simultaneous search areas require five bowls and enough fresh water for the full competition period.
How much catering should I buy for a dog tracking competition?: Count registered competitors, volunteers, officials and guests separately, then add about 10% extra portions and tableware. For drinks, allow two per person during the first hour and one per person for each additional hour.
When should I buy supplies for a tracking dog competition?: Order prizes, printed materials and specialist scent or search equipment at least 2–3 weeks before the event. Buy fresh food and chilled drinks 1–2 days beforehand, and check all equipment again on the day before competition.

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