You’ll need a safe place to confine your dog when not on the field, either a crate or an ex-pen. A portable shelter or shade cloth comes in handy if the day is hot. Make sure to bring water, food, bowls, treats, etc. Hunt collars are provided if you don’t have your own. If you want to leave your collar on your dog be sure to remove hanging tags or tape them to the collar. A flat lead is easier to manage in the field than a retractable lead, plus you can clip it around your torso so your hands will be free.

Your dog is going to get dirty on the field. Bring towels and grooming equipment, maybe even a grooming table. You’ll find that it’s easy to brush out the dirt and twigs once the dog is dry. (Removing the mats before the dog goes on the field can help a lot.) Ticks can be a problem in late fall and early spring so check with your vet about what products to use and be prepared to pull ticks off your dog.