RE: thinking about a dog - impact on contests?
My yellow Lab Jake has been my loyal companion at the field for many years. He waits in the van for me long before I'm packed and ready to head for the field!
In all those years, it's hard to believe he's never trampled a plane!
My advice: Don't get a puppy! They're cute, but big trouble. A 3 years or older is about right for the flying field.
Dan