This has probably been asked a million times before, but here we go. It's my first year of showing my dog this year and we've entered two benched champ shows. I know that you have to have a crate and a benching chain, but I'm a little confused as to how long my dog actually has to stay.

It's a three day show so does she have to be benched for every single day of the show, or does she only have to be benched for the day she's actually being shown?

You will only be at the show the day you are showing. You either use a crate or a benching chain, although the rules now say that crates have to be fastened to the bench one way or another to prevent them from falling off.

Plenty of people don't use the benches at all -you will find the great majority are empty. I often use them myself because I find it convenient to have something to sit in front of (we always bring chairs) when waiting. But you are also allowed to sit around your ring and watch the judging. Then when you have been judged you are allowed to go home if you want to, which again most people do. There are a few shows where the rules state you have to stay until a certain time, but the only two I can think of off the top of my head are Crufts and Belfast. Of course, should you win Best of Breed you would usually stay for the group judging, but most people will leave the show after having been judged -or have a wander around the show looking at the trade stands and then leave.

The rules usually say that no dog may be absent from its bench for more than 15 minutes and only if being exercised, prepared for exhibition, shown, or if the show vet has told you to remove the dog. They ALSO say you should not be ringside if it is not your breed being judged. In REALITY, there is no such thing as anyone checking on this, and like I said, you will find a huge amount of benches empty as few people use them. A lot of people will sit ringside all the time. There are usually designated areas where you can put crates, which will not be by the benches and not by the ring (crates by the ring are not allowed) but not far from the ring.

Welcome to the forum aimeelouise The show world can be a tad confusing at times, so please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.