Show Day Checklist, Training Log and Handler Costs

Pack the show bag without forgetting the bait, work out when your ring time is, keep a simple training diary, and see what handlers, entries and travel cost you this year. Everything stays on this device.

A handler packing a show bag while a Golden Retriever watches

Show bag checklist

Pick what you are going to, tick things off as you pack, and add anything of your own. Your list is remembered for next time.

Your packing list

When will I be in the ring?

1 Ring starts at 2 Dogs judged before yours 3 Dogs an hour

Count the entries listed ahead of your breed and class in the judging program. AKC builds conformation judging schedules at about 25 dogs an hour; obedience, rally and agility rings move at their own pace, so type what your program shows.

Training sessions

Saved costs

Show day in plain English

A handler writing in a training journal beside a tired Australian Shepherd

Read the judging program

The program lists each ring's start time and the breeds in order, with how many are entered. Add up the entries ahead of yours to estimate your time, and arrive early - absent dogs make the ring move faster.

Pack the night before

Tick the list off as things go in the bag. Keep the bait, water and poop bags where you can reach them at ringside.

Short sessions add up

A few minutes a day, logged, shows what is working. Look back at the "Great" sessions before a big weekend.

Know what a title costs

Entries, handler fees and travel add up fast. Saving them per show gives you a true yearly total, and a spreadsheet for your records.

Source for the 25 dogs an hour: AKC Guidelines for Judging Panel Construction and Scheduling of Conformation Dog Shows.

Common questions

How do I work out my ring time at a dog show?

Find your ring's start time and add up the entries listed ahead of your breed and class in the judging program. AKC builds conformation schedules at about 25 dogs an hour, so 50 dogs ahead is about two hours. Arrive early: absent dogs can make a ring run ahead of time.

What should I pack for a dog show?

The basics for any show or trial: your entry confirmation and judging program, armband holder, water and a bowl, poop bags, a crate, leashes, treats or bait and a towel. The checklist adds the extras for conformation, agility, obedience and rally, lure coursing and scent work.

Where is my training log and cost list saved?

Only in this browser on this device. Nothing is uploaded. Use Download Spreadsheet to keep a copy, or Save a Backup on the Title Tracker page.