Reprinted from the AKC Gazette – August 2013
Welsh WAG - February 2014

Over the years, I have found a number of things helpful for both traveling with dogs and keeping in the kennel or dog room. I thought I’d share some of them with you.

  1. While transporting dogs, snap a leash and choke collar to the front of each crate in case you need to take a dog out while on the way. Use the same one for each dog in the show building and motel. The quicker you can evacuate dogs in an emergency, the better, and choke collars slip over the head and are harder for the dog to get out of.
  2. Newspapers and garbage bags are a must for when a dog gets carsick.
  3. Keep a copy of the rabies certificate, plus microchip and registration numbers, for each dog with you. If you are leaving the dogs in the show building, be sure that your name, home and cell phone numbers and motel name are displayed at your set-up.
  4. It is helpful to keep in your tack box a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a mild pain killer. Discuss with your veterinarian which of each is better for you.
  5. I have found Purina FortiFlora® a must for the upset digestive systems that are common at dog shows.
  6. Don’t forget to include a nail clipper and Quick Stop® with your grooming tools.
  7. Be sure to have enough food and water for a couple extra days, plus dishes and water buckets.
  8. When you pack the exercise pens, don’t forget the clean-up tools, garbage bags, ground cloth and tarp.
  9. In the kennel prominently display a list containing registered name, numbers and microchip information on a bulletin board along with feeding instructions. Your kennel help (usually spouse) will need them.
  10. Your home medicine chest should contain antibiotics, flea and heartworm preventative, Benadryl® and prednisone, as recommended by your veterinarian. Include a thermometer, sterile lubricant, Vetwrap®, gauze and adhesive tape, and a splint for broken bones. It is really important to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet if it is a long way to your veterinary emergency clinic.
  11. In case of power failures, have plenty of battery-operated crate fans and flashlights, plus a telephone that does not require electricity. Country dwellers with wells need plenty of filled water jugs on hand.
  12. Put a number of leash and choke collar combinations by an outside door so you can quickly evacuate dogs. Recently I discovered how important that was when we had a small fire in the kennel. Fortunately neither the dogs nor I were injured.

— Diane Orange,

Welsh Terrier Club of America

AKC Gazette – August 2013
Welsh Terrier Column
Reprinted from the AKC Gazette