Category: Getting started

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Rules and Regulations of dog showing

Rules and Regulations of dog showing

Very often you will see people refer to the “Red Book” which is the bible of rules for all activities run by the Kennel Club in the UK. All shows must have the Red Book at the secretaries table, should you want to look up any rule at any point during a show. Good secretaries will often be familiar with the rules and any updates.

The sections are split alphabetically and the “f” regs are the show regulations.

Many exhibitors keep a copy of the rules on them while showing, either electronically or a printed copy. They can often be useful when discussing rules with other exhibitors. I have seen and heard so many times where people are given incorrect information on the rules and regulations. The only correct answer is written in black and white.

No-one can know all the rules – but it’s easy to look them up!

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Getting started

Not for Competition rules

Not for Competition rules at UK Kennel Club Breed shows
As of 2014

There has been much confusion in recent years of how old a puppy can be to enter Not for Competition at a UK Kennel Club Breed (conformation) show.

You can enter pups from 4 months NFC at single breed and sub group shows ONLY – all other shows (group and all breed) the NFC is from 6 months.

Some shows will allow spectator dogs and these can be of any age, there will often be a charge for this and you will need to see the secretary at the start of the show to fill a form in and pay (if the society are charging). This is open to spectators and not exhibitors technically

Rule F.1(c) states:

Only dogs of six calendar months of age and over on the first day of the Show are eligible for exhibition at Kennel Club licensed Shows.
However, societies may accept Not for Competition entries at their discretion. Dogs aged four calendar months and over are eligible to enter not for competition at Single Breed and Sub-Group Shows.
Furthermore, dogs aged four calendar months and over are eligible to enter Match competitions.

F(1) 11 states:

Animals Allowed in Show.
No animal other than an exhibit shall be brought into the precincts of a Dog Show during its continuance, except any dogs registered to assist the disabled, those brought for health testing (provided that the appropriate entry form declaration has been signed) or dogs required for educational or instructional purposes or by permission of the General Committee.

However, at the discretion of the show society, a dog brought to the show by a spectator may be admitted into the precincts of the dog show, with the proviso that those in charge of the dog sign a declaration confirming the dog is free from disease and that the dog will be kept under proper control at all times. In the case of General and Group Championship Shows,the show society must apply to the General Committee for permission to admit spectators’ dogs as described above, and the granting of such permission will be entirely at the Committee’s discretion.

I hope this helps clear the NFC rule up for you.

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Getting started

Preparing to show – by Geraldine Hatch

Geraldine Hatch is new to showing and has kindly written about her advise for starting to show. I would like to thank her for writing about her experience of preparing to show your dog – from a newbies perspective.

Preparing to show – by Geraldine Hatch
When I got Frankie, my Eurasier, I promised the breeder I would show her. As well as being new to this breed I am quite new to showing, so have been on a huge learning curve the past 6 months.

I wanted to write this article for Winning Paws to share my experiences and help others who are new to showing. So, here are tips from me, from what I have learnt on this journey:-

Attend a ringcraft
This is a great place to socialise you dog, learn how to present your dog and yourself in the show ring and make lots of friends. I also found it a really useful place to ask questions about how to find shows and which classes to enter.

Get your entry in on time!
I didn’t realise before I started showing that the entries have to submitted so far in advance. There are a few different websites who do show entries. These can be quite confusing with all the different classes, so ask for help if you are not sure.

Check the order of judging
This is a great tip. Using whichever website you used to do your entry, you can check the order of judging and get an idea of what time you will be on. It will tell you which ring you are in, and how many breeds are in before you.

Check your journey in advance
I have found that a lot of show venues do not come up on my navigation device. Some are on farm grounds which may not have a postcode. My advice would be familiarising yourself with the route the night before and making sure it works.

Aim to arrive at the show early, this will make parking easier and also help you secure a place by your ring – lots are venues have limited space. Arriving early will also settle you and the dog, give you time to find and use the toilets and have a practice!

Grooming your dog
If you haven’t had the breed before, find out from your breeder the optimum time for doing your show preparation. I started off bathing the day before, but found this left my dog with a coat which was too soft and fluffy and not right the texture so I now do it 3 days before my which works much better.

What to wear
This really worried me. Luckily I was able to ask at ringcraft, but I have also lived and learned. Lots of people wear suits at champ shows. Open shows can be more casual while still looking smart and I normally wear trousers and a shirt or blazer. I would definitely suggest making sure you have comfortable shoes which you can easily move your dog in. I remember buying some shoes in the perfect shade of purple to match my suit – only to find they slipped off when I tried to trot!. I would also recommend wearing layers, shoes venues can be extremes of temperature, and you can never really tell until you get there. It is a good idea to look at what type of venue you are going to.

I once wore ballet style flats (it was the summer!) to an equestrian centre and spent the day with feet full of sand and wood chippings!

Find a companion
Dog shows can make for long days and boring car journeys. If you can find a friend to share the experience (and travel costs!) with it will be much more fun.

It is easy to make friends at ringcraft and find somebody who shows in the same group as you.

Have fun!
There was a long wait until my first show – Windsor champ show – when Frankie was 6 months and a few days old. After finding my bench and ring and doing a bit of practice (these can be other posts altogether!) we were on! All the build up and nerves and our time in the spotlight was over in a couple of minutes. It was so worth it though as we came away with a Crufts qualification as well as being hooked and hasn’t looked back since.

My biggest tip would be to enjoy it.

Caromarda Lets Dance For Albionspitz
Caromarda Lets Dance For Albionspitz

 

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Getting started

Crufts 2014 – 111 days to go

Crufts is the worlds biggest dog show and is the pinnacle of shows held in the UK. It takes over halls 1-5 and the arena of the NEC Birmingham and uses all car parks!

To get to enter Crufts you have to qualify by gaining a 1st – 3rd place in selected classes at shows throughout the year, or some other awards at other shows thought out the year. Full details are on the Crufts website.

The event takes place over four days in March, normally over the second weekend of the month, Thursday to Sunday. This year it is the 6th-9th 2014. The groups are rotated which means that groups move days each year, so your breed will not always be on the same day every year.

Tens of thousands of dogs will be at Crufts for the conformation breed classes, all the other competition dogs (agility, flyball, obedience etc), service dogs, demonstration dogs and those manning the breed booths within discover dogs! Then you have all the trade stands selling everything you need for your dog.

The culmination of Crufts is Best In Show on the Sunday night. You will need to buy separate tickets to be admitted to the main ring on Sunday for the groups and Best in Show.

Only exhibiting dogs, or those invited by the Kennel Club are allowed to enter the show, so you cannot take any other dogs.

Puppies must be 8 months old by the first day of the show (6th March 2014) to be allowed to take part. Age classes are “specials” so read the definition of the class. For example, Special puppy is for puppies aged 8 to 14 months (rather then the normal 6 to 12 months).

For 2014, paper entries close on 6th January 2014 and online entries close online on the 20th January 2014. When you do your entries you will have a section which asks which show you qualified at, date/place so have that to hand. The catalogue you buy will apply to the groups scheduled for that day only.

Don’t forget, Crufts is a benched show like most general shows, so take your normal benching chain / cage. Benches are arranged in alphabetical order of the owners surname and your dog is allocated a numbered space. Your bench is generally right next to your ring.

Before the show, you can find out what hall you are in and it is worth looking at the layout before hand so you know which hall and car park you want.

At the show it can be very busy around the ringside with spectators so watch carefully and make your way to the ring entrance in time for your class.

On your bench you will find two numbers. One is your bench number and the other is the one you wear in the ring.

When you arrive, it is worth finding the dog exercise areas. There are a number a of indoor and outdoor exercise areas for you to use in each hall.

The car park will cost £10 for the day. For this lovely sum, you will get a long walking to the halls. South and East car parks have shuttle buses running all day to save you having to walk!

Due to dogs not being able to leave until 4pm, it is a very long day for dogs and humans. There is a mass exodus at 4pm as it takes a long time to clear the car park. It might be worth waiting for an hour or so and then leave.

Most of all, remember to enjoy your day and as always, you take the best dog(s) home!

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Getting started Show dog training

Where can I train?

Where can I train?

This is a question with a simple, one worded answer…everywhere!

Training can be done anywhere and everywhere. Training must be kept fun, and part of this is keeping your training short, sweet and spontaneous.

Use you spare seconds in a day to do training and including a variety of rewards. Asking for a stand before letting your dog off the lead for a run, or going into a trot on a roadwalk incorporate training in time you are already spending with your dog. Also, asking for a free stand before you chuck the ball (again!) are great ways to incorporate training into your daily walks.

Getting a few seconds of training in during advert breaks of TV is another ideal time. Get in a few stands and lots of praise. Always end with treats or a game for your dog, and most of all, have fun.

 

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Getting started Show dog training

What motivates your dog?

What motivates your dog?
I thought I would share my experience from the weekend, in hope that it will help anyone.

I had forgotten all the toys I use in the ring and on the day, treats weren’t working! We were standing alone in Limit, a “free pass” to the challenge, but Giles didn’t want to move like he can, his head was lower, he just wasn’t playing the game!

Not wanting this attitude in the challenge, I ran off to buy a toy from hub int while open dog was in! We had a game, some fun and then went into the challenge (with new, fluffy, squeaky mouse in my bra!).

Pretty pleased I made the effort and spent £2.50 on yet another toy! We got the RCC behind the eventual group winner!

moral of the story – know what motivates your dog!

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Getting started

Unsporting exhibitors

Unsporting exhibitors
Unfortunately, in dog showing, there are a few people who feel the only way to win is to be unsporting towards their fellow exhibitors. However, if you are unlucky enough to come up against one of these people it’s good to know what they are likely to do, and how you can help yourself.

This can be likewise for newer exhibitors, who maybe just haven’t thought that what they are doing is unsporting and can be considered nobbling another exhibit!

Likely unsporting tactics can include throwing bait, excessive use of a squeaky toy, getting too close to your dog on the stand, or on the move, or trying to distract the handler.

Throwing/ dropping of bait
Some exhibitors like to throw bait to get an alert look from their dog, their dogs are trained to just watch the food that is thrown, but your dog may want to chase it to eat! Likewise some exhibitors may just drop bait on the floor.

To overcome this, teach your dog to leave food on command. This is a good training tip for all dogs, not just show dogs. Put food on the floor when training and ask your dog to leave. Any half decent companion dog training class will teach this activity and some Ringcraft classes may also help you with this if you ask.

Training your dog to “head up” will also help if the smell is left on the ground. (Yes, this is all about training your dog for all possible scenarios.)

Squeaky toy
Squeaky toys can be difficult to deal with if you have a toy obsessed dog, but again, training your dog for the possibility of coming across this can help. Teach your dog the command “watch me” to encourage them to always focus on you. Once you have a strong “watch me” you can get people around you to squeak toys, encourage your dog to ignore the sound and watch you. You will have to reward with something of even higher value though!

Also, always take in a multitude of items for your dog. I often have different treats, rabbit skin and a squeaky toy and although will rarely use, I can if someone is distracting my dog!

Boxed into a corner
Some exhibitors, deliberately, or not, may box you into a corner if you allow them. Do not stand your dog in a corner, either set up across the corner, or if you feel boxed in, take your dog to the end of the line and set up there. Do this quietly and calmly, don’t upset your dog by getting agitated.

Pushing their dog forward in the line / covering your dog from the judges view
When you are standing in the line, make sure when you enter into the ring, you leave enough room from the dog in front of you. If someone comes in behind you that crowds your dog from behind, you have a little room in front to move forward, so still giving you a decent space for your dog.

If an exhibitors steps out of line and moves forward, covering your dog, just move your dog to the back of the line, or ask the steward to space everyone out a bit more.

Running up your dog’s rear end
Sometimes you get a handler who runs their dog up your dog’s rear end. I would get your dog used to other dogs running close to them, so it doesn’t upset them if it happens, but feel free to suddenly stop and ask the exhibitor if they would like to go in front. Hopefully though, most judges will spot this happening and sort it out for you.

Hope this covers most of the situations you may unfortunately come up against. If you hve experienced any of the above, discuss it here.

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Getting started

Crufts 2013 – 9 days to go

Crufts 2013 – 9 days to go
Crufts is now only 9 days away, time to start getting planned for the day(s) at Crufts.

First thing to remember, the West carpark will be in use. When considering where to park, the map (linked below) may be useful. West is nearest to the halls, but South and East have shuttle buses running between the hall and carpark.
NEC map

If you are showing, then make a note of your ring and hall that you want to head towards. Your bench number will be on your passes. Make sure you also take a look at the show offers for exhibitors, there might be something of interest for you.

If you are going for the shopping, have you looked at the trade stand listing? If there are any companies you want to make a point of visiting, it’s always worth making a note of where they are.

There is loads more information at crufts.org.uk. Take a look, plan your day(s) and have a great time.

If you want to keep up to date with travel on the roads, I’m sure there will be loads of updates on the Dog Show Weather and Travel News UK Facebook page.

 

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Getting started

What is a match?

What is a match?
Matches can be held by a canine society, normally as an evening event once a month (Maximum of 12 in one year). They are good practice both for those hoping to attempt entering formal shows and for those who are interested in judging. But they are also equally and good (and fun) for more experienced show people. Matches are run for the benefit of members and you must be a member of the society to enter the match.

Entries are taken on the day and dogs are randomly drawn in pairs to compete against each other with the winner of each pairing going forward to the next round until a single winner is reached. A Best in Match and a Best Puppy in Match will be declared at the end of the night.

Judges can be of any level and many societies will choose to have a mixture of new judges and some experienced judges to give their members an opportunity to be judged by different people.

Dogs, which have won a Challenge Certificate or obtained any award that counts towards the title of Champion under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club, are not eligible for entry in Matches.

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Marketing

Marketing

Definition of marketing; the action or business of promoting and selling products or services

Marketing is a must in any business to sell products and services and to win in their market.

Over the last few years I have noticed the increase in marketing in dogs to “sell” dogs as being the best (Top Dog, Top Sire, Top Kennel etc). Of course this isn’t new. You just need to look back though the dog papers and annuals from the early 1900’s) to see that adverts have been taken out to “sell” the best dogs to viewers around including fellow exhibitors and judges.

But is it going a step to far for what is a hobby? We now see clothing being worn around shows highlighting details a dogs or Junior Handlers wins rather than just the normal identification of kennel names.

Social media plays a big part too, just like for businesses, it’s a great way to target a large audience and you can often find after shows full adverts highlighting a dogs win, rather than just the post and a picture.

But is it correct? Should a hobby be full of adverts which could influence results for future shows? Or is it just a way of sharing and celebrating success with friends all around the world?

Most judges aren’t influenced by adverts so therefore I believe that the marketing of show dogs must be more to share success with friends.

I just hope this doesn’t go any further and once again be only for the rich who can afford to keep up with the latest trends, leaving the rest behind.