happy new year everyone,
could anyone give us any tips on champion shows, as we have only done open and companion shows, any advice we would be most greatful, as we have heard bad stories about benching dogs and i dont really fancy the idea of that, also what to wear
thanks for reading this
maria

Hi Maria

There are benches at General Championship shows, but you can always walk your dog around if you don't want to leave it on a bench.  Personally I find them handy for resting both me and the dog, also somewhere to put your bags and shopping.

You will find them more expensive, around £20 per dog for the first entry.  Depending on your breed, wins or places in certain classes will qualify you for Crufts.

As what to wear........Usually smart casual, something to complement your dog. Most people wear a jacket and smart trousers or dark jeans.

Give one a go and see what you think.  The classes will usually be much larger then open shows.

thank you for your help sandrah!!!
we have entered our dogs in manchester this month at least we have some idea now
thanks again
maria

what breed do you have ??
We have entered into Manchester.
Also you can set up in a grooming area if required.
plus your ring numbers  are above your bench you dont get them in the ring as you do in open shows.

Remember to go and get your schedule when you arrive to find out what ring you are in and check out the competition

Arrrive early give yourself plenty of time and enjoy it!!

good Luck

Roni

Hi roni,
Ihave 2 x 15 month rotties they are sisters 1 has been shown at quite a few open shows and the other i have had just a few months and hasnt been shown at all but i have faith in her she loves ringcraft , i just hope i dont let them down
thanks for your reply
maria

I personally always wear a full suit, either skirt or trouser.

Your dog doesn't have to be kept on the bench, you may keep your dog with you, although you may find the bench a good place to let the dog rest.

Once in the ring it's nearly the same.  Your number for the ring will be on your bench though! :)

hi ice_queen,
do you know if i would be able to keep them in cages with me? and i was thinking of a suit but not sure if it had to be a certain colour or if it was trousers or skirt :rolleyes: i havent got a clue, but thank you for your help
take care
maria

Maria - as you have dark coloured dogs - avoid dark colours - I wear grey or beige trousers with a red jacket (got Gordon Setter who is same colouring as your rotties!)  But avoid black as they won't be seen as well.

Good luck - just try and relax (easier said than done)

Ice Queen always looks very smart and she is a super handler!!

I might be at Manchester but depends how my boy is (had a large part of his tail amputated week before Xmas) and is recovering well but if still awaiting fur regrowth and his confidence not back will give it a miss!

The best advice is to get there in plenty of time so you aren't rushing - at least 30 mins before judging starts if not more!!  Gives you time to settle in check out where you need to go etc.

Alot of people uses crates on the benches - I certainly have seen them in other breeds not sure in your breed though (not so much in setters either)!

Would suggest that if your crates don't fit on the benches you will
need benching chains and blanket/bed for each dog.
You are only allowed 1 dog per bench.

hi boxacrazy,
i dont really like the thought of the benches, i have heard stories bout em
thanks for your reply
maria

hi rachel,
sorry to hear about your dog i hope he feels better soon;
i have a beige suit maybe i could wear that!
i was just wondering if i could use a cage as an alternative to the benches?

The benches aren't that bad - but best to stay with your dogs when they are on them - Max doesn't really settle very well on them so we sit with him when he is resting or he comes for a wander with us!  We take a bit of vet bed and a blanket - we did try a soft crate but it was better without it really.

If the crate doesn't fit on the bench - not sure where you would be able to put it?  I haven't been to Manchester but don't imagine there is much room for crates around rings etc?  Someone else may know?  But usually the crates around the ring are the smaller breeds I think?

Beige suit sounds perfect!  Show off those black beauties lovely!

You will need a benching chain.

Max is much better he was in so much pain before we had it done and it's all healed up but just want to be sure he feels confident in the ring again with strangers going over him.  So back to ringcraft next week!

Wishing you good luck - it is very different going to an open than a champ show (a lovely exciting atmosphere!) but it is a lovely feeling when you get placed!  esp. if it's a qualification for Crufts!!

Rachel

my boys love the benches, when I get there I have to fumble about unstrapping their beds from my bag and finding benching chains etc and whilst im doing this they will usually hop onto the nearest spare bench, be it theres or not, and curl up for a sleep :rolleyes:  as long as you keep an eye on them im sure they will be fine :)

hi kiss n tell you dont have to leave your dogs, when ive done champshows my girl has always stayed with me i'd never leave her alone.  Showing rotties i'd wear something light coloured and smart so the judge can distiguish between you and the dog.  good luck

Warm regards Susan

I have a friend whose dog can undo his benching chain Yes, it is definately the dog, and not someone letting him loose. We tend to leave someone at the benches with the dogs all the time. Usually it's me as I don't like crowds too much. Champ shows are usually good for shopping :D Things tend to be a lot cheaper there, which helps cover the cost of entering if you buy lots of things you need :)

I have dark dogs and tend to wear red, light blue or any other pale colour. If your dog was white then you would want to wear something dark to highlight the colour. As Rotties are not exactly a pale colour stay away from black, dark blues, etc...Most of all enjoy it. It's just another dog show. Honest

thank you so much everyone youre great!!
i will get some bench chains and see how we get on,
im not sure if manchester is a crufts qualifier or not i applied online and dont have a schedule
thanks everyone, again
maria

Manchester is a crufts qualifier for 2007 as it takes place after the closing date for Crufts this year, which just to remind everyone is Friday :D

Hi Maria
I'm at Manchester the same day as you and apart from my bc friends, I have a lot of friends there that will be showing their rottis. One will be in Junior bitch with you I think if that's what you've entered. Personally I would cage the dogs on the bench. Rottis can be a noisy bunch and all my friends cage on the bench. It's a personal choice but I always feel happier having mine in a cage. You never know what you are benched next two so I feel that my dogs are calmer in a cage. Take a towel to cover the front if needed. It helps calms the dogs sometimes.
I would get there as early as you can, then it will give you time to get you and your dogs settled. When you get  to your bench (your bench number is your exhibitor no.) there will be two cards on the back of the bench. One of these you use in the ring. From then on it's straight forward. You are usually benched near your ring. Rottis are normally a high entry so with your bitches you probably won't be in until late morning lunchtime. My friends dog who is around 15 months has had an average of 18 in her class all last year.
When you go in the ring, don't go first. Have a few dogs ahead of you. Rottis seemed to be moved a lot. So watch the other dogs in front of you as to what the judge is getting them to do. Also make a note when you go in of which dog is last so you ready to stand yours when the time comes. Sometimes the steward  comes round and tells you but not always. Also with a class the judge normally might make a cut and keep anything from 5 upwards in the ring. Just be aware if this happens as it's something that doesn't happen a lot at opens.
In terms of what to wear. I would wear trousers personally. The halls can be cold for one thing. Anything other than black or dark colours would be ideal as you don't want to interfere with the outline of the dog when your running. I just think be smart. You've spent the money and time on your dog to go to the show, so complement your dog.
Have a good time. Let me know what your dogs are called. After i've been in with mine I always come over to the rotti ring to support my friends. It would be nice to see you.
Good luck

Hi
i will take my crates with me, and try and get some benching chains,
I would love to meet some people off here our dogs are Turarks Kiss`n`Tell at Jazzanova & Turarks Just`n`Time at Jazzanova,
thank you for your reply
take care & good luck
maria

Thanks Rachel!  I do try my best in my dogs presentation, my presentation and my handling! :D

Wear wanythign but black or navy really.  You want a colour that will show off your dog. 

As for skirt or trousers, it's up for you.  I personally feel comfortable in skirts (but make sure you can run in them and they are not too short or too tight!) but also wear trousers.  I have one skirt I can't wear with red and whites but can with aussie due to difference in lengh of stride!

Also don't forget comfy shoes.  It's VERY important!  If you ever want to talk on what to wear then PM me.  though years of junior handling and semi professional handling I have learnt what goes with what dogs! :D

At the end of the day you could wear jeans, t-shirt and trainers however your dog is presented well so why shouldn't you be!?

As for cages, these are not a problem as long as there is space (remember you don't want to block up gang ways, doors or walkways etc etc etc! :) )

Hiya Maria.
When it comes to breeds such as rotties i would actually say putting them on a bench would be the best option but in a crate.
At Manchester for the last few years rotties have been in one of the side rooms of the main hall and there isnt much space to put crates anywhere but on the bench. I would also recommend crates for the benches as your girls i am sure have lovely temperments but you do see the odd dog which can be snappy. If you use a benching chain and one of your dogs popss her head out, a not so friendly dog may snap at her and spook her. My dogs prefer it in their cages they seem to relax more and seem more safe!

You dont have to use a crate...but thats my opinion.

Dusty

You might want to check that the cages you have fit in the benching spaces ;)
Nothing more frustrating than dragging your cages to the benching area to find
that they don't fit on the bench

Not sure where you can find out the benching sizes? Perhaps the secretary might
be able to help or the kennel club or the benching company.

Enjoy the show! :)