Hi,
This is my very first time showing at Crufts either showing or spectating and I would like some advice on keeping my pup secure on the bench please.
I will probably be on my own and would like to do a bit of shopping and see the judging if possible, however I don't want to leave my pup alone on the bench. I had thought of using a cage, are they allowed, are there cages available that fit the benches and if so what size would I need (Bullmastiff), where would I be able to buy one from?
Thanks for your help.
Jan

Jan, Crufts is just like any other Championship Show but more crowded and noisy. If it is common for people of your breed to watch the dogs whilst others shop the it will be the same, and your pup will be watched. If that is not the norm for the breed then ask the person on the next bench if you can watch their dogs whilst they shop and then if they will watch yours whilst you do. Bear in mind that no one can leave till 4.00 oc and if you have to take the dog with you.

First of all Jan, many congratulation on qualifying for Crufts, you will love it.  I am sure someone can let you know what size the bullmastiff benches are, so you know what size cage you are looking at.

But, it is going to be a big cage and a heavy one.  It is a very long walk from the car park to the benches, in all honesty I would not like to cart a large cage, large bag with all your bits in and not forgetting a large dog in tow.  That is without all your shopping on the way back!!

Is there any chance of taking a friend with you, then you could take it in turns to sit with your pup, being a youngster it is not a very good idea to leave him on his own, cage or otherwise, lots of children poking fingers through cages, that sort of thing. Crufts attracts a lot of public unlike normal champ. shows.

If you are not too far away, have a day shopping when you are not showing, we are going up the day before and staying over to do that,

Have fun
Sandra

If you decide on a cage make sure it will fit on the minimum size bench for a Bullie, you can get just a front and top and that will last you for years, long after the pup has grown up.

Hi Jan, there will be lots of places were you will be able to buy a cage from at Crufts, lots of people are now buying the tent like ones, as they are easier and lighter to carry. I will be getting one of these ones whilst i'm there. The good thing is you will be able to take Leo with you to try it for size, this way you won't need to leave him unattened.
See you there.
Karen.

Don't think you will be allowed to use a fabric cage on the bench, dogs must be visible to visitors at all times. I know, so much for the exhibitor, without whom there would be no Crufts, but then we don't really count, Crufts is a PRO exercise and you have to do as you are told.

I know quite a few people that have used these at champ shows, the good thing about them is the front is mesh, so you can see the dog. Though saying that some people not just in bullies put a cover over their cages!!!!So no-one can see the dog.
Karen.

You also have to attach them to the bench or the dog moving around can move it forward on the bench then tip it over the edge, I have seen this happen quite a few times.

Although Crufts is just another Champ Show there ends the similarity, at no other Champ Show are you not allowed to leave before 4 even if you have need too, only crufts and I may be wrong but I think you will be told to not use a fabric cage. Could be wrong, lets hope I am, but from past experience I doubt it.

One of the bullie people that is benched next to me, uses one, why don't you have a chat with her.
If you have the Manchester Champ show cat.. she is in there (Jackie Johnson from the I.o.W). It will be interesting to see how many people at Crufts are using these cages now, as there as been quite a growth in them over the last year. The other thing with Crufts  and benching, your dog is supposed to be on it's bench all the time and only removed for showing and to releave it's self...so how come people have cages down the side walls and walk aroung with there dogs all the time??? Just another question to throw a spaner in the works!
Karen.

See Crufts Schedule under Rules and Regulations para. 9

Jackie have PM'd you.
Karen.

Hi Jan

Why don't you try buying a puppy panel from Croft ?  They are reasonably light and easy to carry.  If you tell them it's to go over the front of your bench they will know what size.  You then need some bulldog type clips to secure each side.  This is what I use at all benched shows because it deters people and children wanting to stick their hands in and frightening my dog and it also stops non too friendly dogs lunging forward into my dogs space.  It also stops my dog from trying to climb off his bench which he has done once or twice in the past   Having said all of this I have exhibited at Crufts twice now and I refuse to leave my dog unattended, even when using the puppy panel.  Its all very well the general public wandering up and down the benches but its a different story altogether when you catch them feeding your dogs sandwiches, sweets, toffees etc.  Very annoying

Also have to beware of the public touching the dogs -  even the best tempered dogs, after being pestered for ages, and offered titbits which are taken away can get a bit grumpy.  that why it is best to leave someone on guard - protect the dog/protect the public.  Perhaps, if you cant take a fireend, some other champdoggers, in the same situation, might want to team up with you for a bit of mutual dog sitting/shopping?
bye
Gwen

Claire - thanks so much for your idea of the puppy panels - I was intending to go to the Crofts stand & buy 2 crates for the benches - our three bench quite happily at the Champ shows, but it will be 1st time at Crufts for Beau & Vinnie and I don't want them freaking out at the number of people etc etc.     Loki has been quite good in the past, but this would be different with the others.... wasn't looking forward to carting new crates all the way back to the van though - but the idea of puppy panels - absolutely brill!!

WE have got our drop-off ticket but not got entry forms etc yet .... anyone got theirs??

Margot (whose getting butterflies already :D )

I haven't had my passes yet, was only thinking yesterday it shouldn't be long before they arrive.

Sandra
So excited already, don't know how I will cope nearer the time. :)

Someone mentioned the dogs being visible while benched ???!
Staffys are usually kept covered  at shows - especially with being in such close proximity to others - will it still be ok to cover them ?

I know many peopel who cover there dogs.

I'm not sure its a rule BUT with staffys I would say its better too keep some of them coverd.  I know people in my breeds that cover up nervy or not so friendly dogs.

Rox

It was me that mentioned that any cage used should be wire and that the dog should be clearly seen. It is in the R & R para 9. People do cover their dogs but I have seen them being told to remove the covers. I had my chairman trolly with a jacket hooked over and was told to remove the jacket as it obstructed the view of my hound, who by the way was asleep at the back with her back to everyone.

The reason I mentioned it was because I did not want anyone to buy a fabric cage and find that they could not use it.

Now I know the rule I can say:

That is soo pafectic, dogs should only be on show when INSIDE the ring or when owners want them to.  When my dogs are on the bech they are on there to rest before they go into their class so they look aleart!

just out of interest Who agrees?

Rox

OH! I do but when you sign the entry form you agree to do as you are told, like it or not. Must say I hate Crufts it is by far the most uncomfortable show there is, heaven knows what people who smoke feel like, they are suposed to go all day without a fag, whilst the public walk round fag in hand.

We are lucky, we are in hall 1, much more space, local loos and a bar.  Think we are a bit spoilt though, I wouldn't like to be up with the majority of rings.  Everyone breaks the no smoking rule and the covering of cages.  Perhaps because we are out of the way nothing is said, I know a few exhibitors that wouldn't take any notice if it was!!

Thanks for clarifying that :)

Hi all,

Thanks very much for all the info and advice.
I must admit I had never thought about there being lots of spectators. I've only been to 2 benched shows before and there was hardly anyone there not showing dogs. The fact that the public touch and feed the dogs is quite worrying, if there are lots of children Leo will be bouncing round his bench trying to go and play, OMG I'm dreading it now.
I think I will ask my dog walker to come with me and treat her, my daughter and her friend want to come but I can't trust them to be vigilant. Ah well that's the car filled up, no room for any shopping now!!
I'll also see about some panels, although I did ring Crofts and they had no idea what size the benches are. Do any of you Bullmastiff owners out there have any idea ?
I had thought about the tent cages but was sure I'd read somewhere that dogs had to be visible from all angles, mind you Leo's such a hooligan he'd be fighting his way out of one of those, I'm sure.
Thanks again, good luck to all who are going.

Jan

You could ring Bannerdown 01225 852157 who will tell you the bench size.

Thanks Jackie, I'll do that tomorrow.

Jan

I have only been to crufts once but was suprised at how (ohhh how to put it??) THICK some of the visitors can be towards the dogs.I had people try to feed my boys on the bench,people touching the dogs without asking..etc
It is not like any other show in that 99 % of people at other champ shows are exhibitors and know the 'rules'.At crufts many many more people are 'joe public' and not aware of the dogs needs,behaviour and requirements when benched
Archer

The women who I used to work for showed Irish Setters and Cocker spaniels. It wasnt at crufts, but,
Captain, IS, 8yo  when I started there(happened a few years before I started), Was at a show, Shelly went to show another dog, and left captain on the bench, on his own(she was there on her own) and when she got back Captain was in a distressed state. Somone had sprayed something in his face that affected his eyes, mouth and throat. He never showed again. We have a discription. A man, over 6' wearing a long coat and a hat. Reason we have this description, he would run the other way when somone of that description went near him, strange I know, but its true.
This is just to let you know, Dont leave dogs on bench without somone watching them like a hawk.
Sorry to worry anyone, But better to be safe than sorry.
Lea :)

Bannerdown Benching from 50 cm - 90 cm wide x 35" deep  ( I know cm. x in.  )

Large breed is:-  70 cm x 35"        Small :-      50cm x 35"
                  i.e. 27.55" x 35"                      19.68" x 35"
  
Hope this helps 

Hi Jan

Glad you liked the idea of puppy panels.  They are great because you can see through them and over them and are pretty easy to carry :-)  This is gonna sound like a stupid question but are all the benches the same size or does it depend on your breed ?  If they are all the same size and you can't get through to Bannerdown then let me know and I'll measure my panel when I get home.

It is sooo true about having to keep watch on the public.  You can't blame them I suppose because they just honestly don't know what they are doing wrong but boy they do test your temper sometimes :D  Also from a safety point of view, unfortunately you just never know when some nasty person is going to harm your dog - sad state of affairs :-(