Am I correct in believing that this is not allowed at Open and Championship shows?

At open shows you would probably need to phone the Secretary and ask them about entering a dog Not For Competition.   Most championship shows have the NFC entry, the price of an entry can range from £1 (Breed champ shows) to £18!  That way you can take any dogs you don't want to show.

Thanks!

however if the show is held at a public place like a park,i dont see how they can stop you

exactly, the last open show i went just to meet up with some people was at an agricultural college in their equestrain centre, I took Fagan in and no one said a word.  I think champ shows would be stricter.

surely if its at a benched ch show ,the "high" entry fees are so your NFC can get a bench?

Yes, at a champ show a NFC entry will get a bench. 

Most champ shows also have a tent just outside the showground that will look after your dog on its own bench for around £5 a day.  The money collected from this usually goes to the nominated charity that is looking after the dogs.

Hi Michelle,

Open shows held in public park areas may well be unaware of non-entered dogs being within the precincts of the show because they usually don't have areas cordoned off and certainly don't have the security presence of the "big boys" ie. the Championship ones ;)  Champ shows held in such venues are generally fenced off on all sides by approx.  8-10ft portable metal panelling and gateways into the "show grounds" manned by staff all day who expect anyone with a dog to have a specific pass for it - so although it's not impossible to sneak in an unentered dog, it's far less likely.  There's usually also official security guards employed because trade stand holders have all their stock, equipment and caravans etc within the fenced off precincts too.

Sorry, I'm not trying to be picky, but often members of the public turn up at these events thinking they can have a browse with their own dog and it could mean a wasted journey for all or their pet maybe being shut in the car - NEVER safe :(

Regards, Teri :)

i wish our ob shows were fenced off like that!!!!! :(