I think Crufts is the worst Championship show for the dogs, I only ever attend if I want that judges opinion, I take helpers to dog sit, whilst in the ring (Although this years helper was useless, sat watching the judging, left the dog sitting to us) she wont come again........I was horrified to read in this weeks dog paper, that a dog had its leg broken, by a 10 year old child who threw it on the floor, and the owner broke her wrist trying to save her dog, this was in DD. I do believe the Benching area should be an Exhibitors only area, I too get agitated by the GP constantly touching the dogs, especially the ones who are unsupervised, As we were preparing to leave, My 3 GSDs had to contend with being groped, as they were walking through the crowds, Luckily my dogs temperaments are sound, but the GP didnt know that, No one asked, if they could touch, There is nowhere else this would happen, in fact,usually people see 3 GSDs coming towards them, they make a wide berth to avoid them................I also agree, it is just another Championship Dog show, I go to exhibit my dogs, I sign the entry form as usual, nowhere does it say The Exhibits have to sit on the benches and put up with constant touching and photographing, from the GP, because they paid to look at them.

Charm

Very good points made there.

I have not yet read the dog paper, post all in mum's name so I let her read it first, but very sad to hear.  unfotantly yes this was 1 person out of 1000's BUT they have ruined it for EVERYONE. 

GP, don't blame us dog showers for wanting our dogs to be as safe as possible, and getting annoyed when some GP have no consideration, insted, see from our light, I don't want my dog hurt or frightened by an experience, but still want to be able to show, I'm not letting any member of the GP taking away my hobby!