I've entered my first champ show in August which is benched. Is it compulsory to bench your dog or can you walk round with them? Probably a simple question, but I'm a novice on the show front.

Hi,
The rules are that your dog must be benched all the time unless it is being judged or exercised - a certain amount of time is usually stipulated.

In practice, however, it is more relaxed than that. I never like to leave my dogs unattended if I can help it, and I like to look at the stalls and watch the other classes, so my dog usually comes too.
:)

Hi Jeangenie,

Thanks for replying. I'm a bit dubious about leaving my dog although she'll have a companion who's NFC, I'm not sure what they'll be like left on their own. Would you, therefore, suggest getting a cage for them or can you 'chain' them up?

Sarah

Oh certainly, the dog must be secure there - I have mine on a chain (there are rings at the back of the bench to attach the chain to), though a cage is safer...the problem is that the space between the partitions can be very variable, despite the regulations, so a crate won't always fit....
Just tying the lead to the back of the bench is fine if your dog won't chew it (which is why a chain is safer): not too short, but not so long that the dog can get off the bench.
:)

I think I'll try a chain, otherwise I've no doubt that Willow will try and chew through a normal lead. Can you buy benching chains from pet shops?

Good petshops should have something suitable, though of course shows are the best place (but you don't want to go to your first show without one!)

Edit: what breed is she/are they? I'm sure I should remember, but I'm having a senior day!

They're beagles.