Hi,
The great day has arrived. After all this time it's our first show tomorrow. Has anyone got any tips for me such as
What to take?
Do I feed Lola before we go?
Any special things I should be doing?
Thanks :)

Hi Annieee

The main thing is relax and enjoy it as much as you can :)  Dogs are very sensitive and can pick up on your stress ;)  I don't usually feed mine before a show, but if I think its going to be a long day, I sometimes give half rations.  Is Lola used to missing the odd meal?  If not, perhaps you might give her half her usual amount as you don't want her agitated because she's looking to be fed :) 

Remember to take your show lead, ring clip and whatever grooming equipment you would use for a last minute touch up!  I also take a bottle of water and a dish so that they can have a drink whilst away from home.  Also take some poo bags!  We also have to take a "chops cloth"  but that's only cos mine are slobberers!  Oh, and some money so that you can have a bacon buttie or something to keep you going :D

I'm sure someone else will tell me if I've forgotten anything or if they think you should feed Lola normally.  Have a great day, and remember you will always be bringing the best dog home :D
Let us know how you got on!

Lesley

Thanks for the help everybody. I can't believe it, we won 2nd in AV puppy bitch!!!! OK, I know it was a fairly small show but its a start :D I was shaking!! I agree with what you said Lesley about making your dog nervous. We were both a bit dithery :D I have been waiting for today for about 12 months. The search for a dog, the training etc.....Thanks again. :D
Annieee :) :) :)

Congratulations to you both...you've had it now!!! theres no escape once you've had a taste of it!!
Archer

Well done Anniee!!!  Archer's right, you'll be well and truly hooked now :D  Here's wishing you a very long and happy show career with Lola :)

Lesley

I know what you both mean :D I wanted to do it again :D I wish I'd entered her for Junior as well as puppy! Still, it was probably enough for the first time. It was a four hour round trip as well so she did really well.

Congratulations annieee,Well done Lola

Ella.x.

Well done Annie and Lola, thats brilliant.  You must be absolutely delighted with Lola.  Are you still going to Crufts on Saturday?  Hope to see you there.
Bev

Hi Bev, yes I'll be there. I'll seek you out. Which class did you say Taz was entered in? :)

Hi Annie
She is in Graduate Bitch (class 1342) ring number 24 hall 4.  Keep your fingers crossed 4 us.  I'll be the one with no finger nails left.  Hope to see you there.
Bev

Bev
Do you know what time your class is?
I would love to come and watch. 

Ella.x.

Hi Ella,
Are you going to Crufts too on Saturday?  I'm not sure of the time of the class.  I'm talking with the breeder, who is showing her for me, later, if she knows i'll post it on here, I think it is fairly early though on Saturday.  I would love to see you there. 
Bev

Well done Anniee that is brilliant! I'm really chuffed for you!
How many were in the class?  Fingers crossed that Chloe does as well in her first class, that's not til 28th March though. Her ears have finally sorted themselves out! :)

Where are you going? There may be other Champ dog members there who could meet up with you. I am at URC tomorrow at Ryton-on-Dunsmore.
I'll be taking some grooming kit, bait for in the ring, ( pepperami my pup likes it ), water, water bowl, snadwiches for me and a flask of tea. Show lead and of course the puppy....... I did leave the dog at home once by mistake!!!!! :-D
Polly
Foxpath Flatcoated Retrievers.

Polly... & don't tell anyone this but... I once took the wrong dog... & won B.O.B....

Geoff :)

Friend of mine took her puppy bitch into the ring at Crufts, feeling particularly pleased about how her coat had come on.  The class was about half way over when she noticed her husband gesticulating frantically from ringside.  She waved and ignored him.  the "puppy" behave impeccably, but did not get placed.  When she left the ring she saw her Hubby standing - with the Puppy on the grooming table beside him - she had taken the Post Grad bitch in to the Puppy Class!
bye
Gwen

Once you've had a bite of the showing apple you find it almost impossible to stop nibbling at it! At our first show our puppy bitch took 1st in the Puppy Class and Best Puppy in Breed. Needless to say a few hundred pounds in entries fee and petrol and the poor car covering many motorway miles later she is still picking up place cards here and there! Remember to just enjoy it and if you get thrown keep smiling and enter another show. I know it's easy to say but don't take it too serious or your dog will feel like it is a life and death situation everytime you go in the ring with it! If possible shake the judges hand and say thank you. Even when I haven't been placed I say thank you to the judge and shake his/her hand as they were nice enough to go over my dog in the first place and a judge may remember you next time as the person who was gracious in defeat instead of throwing their toys out of the pram because your dog didn't win!