Preparation for tomorrow's Rally trial

Today's Do List:

1. Go to work - (9am - 4pm) Not my first choice of activities for today, but gotta earn money to pay for all these trials and training, after all =P

2. Walk dog - Well, we can't go for a walk due to the limb-numbing, artic-like temperatures outside, so we went to Bass Pro instead. Found a secluded corner (incidentally, the corner where all the hunting dog supplies are kept), took off his leash, and spent about 30 minutes doing some simple obedience skills, and generally just goofing off (i.e. playing tag, wrestling, and tug). Then we put his leash back on and did several circuits of the store, receiving many compliments. =) Then we stopped by Petco to buy a Natural Balance turkey dog food roll to cut up into little bits for tomorrow's trial day treats.

3. Nail trim - Actually, I did this yesterday. Trimmed and dremeling his nails nice and short.

4. Bathe dog - We need a nice, clean-smelling, shiny boy for tomorrow =) Also cleaned his ears.

5. Prepare treats - Cut up a very large amount of Natural Balance turkey dog food roll into millions of tiny pieces. Stored in ziploc bag in fridge. Prepared another bag of a different type of dog food roll pieces in another bag to use as back-up in case I run out. You NEVER want to run out of treats - better to take way more than you need than to run out. I ran out at our last trial and couldn't give Red his usual jackpot when we got back into the car =(

6. Pack dog bag - Items to include:

• Show chain collar
• Show leather leash
• Regular leather leash
• Treat pouch
• Treats
• Extra treats
• Toys: jute tug, frisbee, ball
• Hand towel
• Bowl for water
• Chew bone for inside crate
• Vaccination history (proof of rabies)
• Premium confirmation
• Obedience rules/Rally sign descriptions
• Rally flashcards
• Camera
• Water (2 bottles)
• Snacks (Poptarts and 2 fruit bars)
• Wallet, cash, keys, cell phone, chapstick, floss, eyes drops, and ibuprofen
• Directions to the facility

7. Pack other items - including:

• Crate
• Crate mats, blanket for under crate, sheet for over crate
• 2 folding chairs

8. Try not to stay up all night worrying and get a good night's sleep!