PSA Trials - Page 1

Just wondering if anyone has any tips for preparing your dog for the PSA PDC Trials. I have a German Shepherd and I worry about bloat. We will be in a trial and I was wondering if you have any suggestions about food and water for the day. I usually don't feed my dog before training and I don't give water until he has settled for a while. This will be a long day, what are your suggestions about water? would it be ok to give ice cubes - it could be a warm day in June.

Dogs more frequently bloat with an empty stomach than they do with a modest meal on board. I don't recommend using ice water; prefer to use at the temp of just basic from-the-tap cold water. Less risk of stomach cramping that way. If the day is hot, offer small amounts of water frequently--do not withhold water for any significant period of time.

I have heard of a dog swallowing ice cubes, then bloating. If you give ice, I would make sure it's an ice puck that's large enough the dog can't swallow it. The local humane society freezes a cup or so of kibble into water filled margarine containers, then gives the dogs the ice/kibble pucks as enrichment items. This might be a good idea for helping your dog to stay cool, and get a little bit of food at the same time.

Ice in the stomach of a dog can cause cramping. Give cool water, during the day. With holding water or just give ice cube with not rehydrate a dog panting and hot....your dog will end up at the vet's on iv's because he'll become dehydrated.

It's about obedience and bitework, no tracking involved.
That said in case your dog is used to 2 meals/day just feed less ( 1/2 to 2/3 ).
Water is fine, just not excessive right after the performance. ice or too cold water is not good at all.
In case it's really very hot use wet, cold blankets for feet, body, face... In the worst case use a water bowl where you can put the feet in.
Otherwise at least I used to hang up with my dogs somewhere in the shadow, moving around a littlebit or just relaxing.
You may not be able to see much of the performances of the other competitors, but at that day it's about you and your dog.

Good luck!

Thank you all for the very good advice - I will try doing all that was recommended