I am taking my pup to LKA on Sunday - we have qualified for Crufts and I think LKA will be good practice for both of us - I certainly need it and will be very nervous!

We are in Hall 3a, judging starts at 9.00 and we will be in the second class in the ring.  We will leave home at about 6.00 to get there in good time.

My question is about feeding breakfast that morning and accommodating my pup's related toileting needs.  He will relieve himself (poo) on first outing in the morning and then usually again shortly after breakfast.  I am just a bit concerned that if I feed him early on Sunday, before travelling, he may then get excited/out of routine to the extent that, (sod's law), he suddenly needs to 'go' in the ring!  Would it be better to withhold breakfast altogether until after showing, as it won't be that late?  I'm thinking this might minimise any excitement-induced tummy upsets which he can occasionally be prone to.  (Will also be aiming for a pit stop before getting to NEC).  I want him to feel comfortable and enjoy the day.

Also, at LKA, can you leave the hall during the day for dogs to relieve themselves outside or are you required to use the indoor exercise areas only (which I think is the case at Crufts?)?

I go to Crufts every year as a spectator but never shown there and I have never been to LKA before.

Very basic Q's I know, but any advice from experienced CD'ers regarding managing early show starts/feeding will be gratefully received!  Thanks in advance ...

I would give something to line his stomach but not his whole breakfast, the last thing you want is him being lethargic or vomiting yellow bile from hunger.

Feed later the night before too.

Thank you for your very swift reply, Rhodach!

Your suggestions make perfect sense - will follow them.  (Although I think I'm probably the one who will feel like vomiting - not the puppy!)

Thanks for your advice.

I never feed pups before travelling, pups will often end up sick or feeling queesy.  I would give him his breakfast at the show.  For some reason they never seem to be sick on the way home.

I agree, give him a little something first thing, not too much, then give him the first after he's been in. :-)

I don't feed them before the show but when it's a pup take his breakfast to the show and give it him there after you've shown him especially as he's in the second class.

> I never feed pups before travelling, pups will often end up sick or feeling queesy.

I think it depends on if the pup is travel sick or not.
If it is then I deffinately dont give it anything before travelling & will give on arrival to the bench.
If it isnt travel sick then give it breakfast at whatever time before leaving. Toilet stops will happen as & when like they would on a normal day.

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies and various suggestions.  Pup isn't travel sick so I think I will go with giving him a 'little something' first thing and then the rest of his breakfast after his class, which won't be very late.

This is the first time we've had to set off early which is why I was wondering about what would be best for him - hasn't been an issue before.

Thanks again.