Does anyone else suffer and have a technique to calm down a bit? I'm ok at Open shows and enjoy them immensely but at Champ shows I'm finding it very difficult to stay above water so to speak! I'm confident with my bitch, who is a nice little girl and groomed by myself well enough to pass along, but it's like as soon as we get ringside my stomach does flips and I feel like hitching up my skirt and running from the place at full pelt!

Any advice much appreciated! We're at Brum tomorrow but I haven't any rescue remedy, but think I'll get some for next time! Goodness knows what I'll be like at Crufts!

There is no real difference between the shows you feel fine at, and a champ show (except beign costlier to enter).  For us it often is just an Open show, as we only have CC's at about half the all breed champ shows.

The majority attending are not in the running for the CC, so it's availability should not make a jot of difference.

To be honest I much prefer showing the youngsters, has beens or also rans, (if you win it's a nice surprise) as if you are in the runnning for top awards that is when you can get nervous.

Of course if you are in the running for top spot I really can't help you, so best of luck LOL

Oh always, no matter whether I have a chance of doing anything or not. I always need to pop to the loo just before going in the ring! :-p

I'm fine in the ring but get butterflies beforehand, deep breaths work (wouldn't bother with rescue remedy). I think if you didn't feel anything then it's time to stop showing.

I find that useful to move my dog outside the ring before our class for 5-10 mins, calms me and the dog.!!

Hate to say but they never go. I have been showing for 15 odd years and still get nervous. Thing is I can be really nervous waiting for my class but as soon as I set foot in the ring, they go.. Its the same as the dentist, nervous as hell in the waiting room but as soon as I'm in, its OK. Action conquers fear..can't remember when I heard that but its true. So you need to do something, trotting and loosening up your dog or last minute fluffing up and don't get off the bench too early, so you are hanging around the ring for ages, getting worked up.

Still do as well ,after over 30 years . My brush is my anchor , if they are ever banned from the rings , like an OES judge did some years back ..I don't know what I would do with my free hand .....

Oh dear there's no hope for me then lol! Thanks everyone, I'm glad it's at least normal. I tried the deep breathes today and it worked well, and I found that it was much better when we were actually in the ring!