My lad just adores showing and has a fabulous time EXCEPT, having been attacked whilst in his crate, he has a problem with aggression with some dogs but by no means all.  If he didn't enjoy it so much I would cease showing him - although I must say I now only take him where I know the set up and can be assured of a reasonably quiet area - either staying in the car if we can park nearby or at outside shows where we can put the crate in a less crowded area.  Sometimes he is slightly better out of the crate but not always - so I have tried that oipton.  Someone mentioned I should try valarian and wondered what views were here and what dosage would be?

Louise

You can get it in different forms from dorwest herbs, pills or liquid, doseage would be on the bottles.

I tried the pills for Izzy after her op to try and keep her "chilled" don't think they really worked for us........but then, nor did Diazapam(sp)

Don't forget herbal remedies have side effects like any other drug so I would discuss any use with your vet too.  I believe this one also acts as a diuretic :)

I'm also wondering if the KC might have anything to say about using sedatives when showing.  Anyone know?

As a great supporter of 'alternative' stuff, I don't think that I would consider sedating a dog just to take it to a dog show. :(

This isn't just for opens but for days out too at comp shows.  As I said he just adores being in the ring and if we can do something to help then he would thoroughly enjoy it.  I believe many people do use low doses for shows.  He will not be shown at champ shows because I would not consider benching him.  I will only ever take him where I can be near at hand to help when he gets stressed.

>He will not be shown at champ shows because I would not consider benching him. I will only ever take him where I can be near at hand to help when he gets stressed.

You can be with him all the time at the benches, remember.

Not so, unfortunately as I have another dog to show

I know loads of people who give their dogs Rescue Remedy before a show. Isn't that the same sort of thing?

I don't really have a problem with people using this kind of thing to calm the dog down a bit if necessary - bit like taking something for your own nerves before a performance (not talking about some of HG's sparkly stuff :P)

Rescue Remedy has tiny quantities of herbs in what is basically Brandy so, the prescribed few drops are unlikely to have any side effects and indeed there are many who will say have no effects at all :)
Taking drugs may well be acceptable in order to still anxieties in normal circumstances, very many people do, but sedating animals for competition is different and may be subject to the rules of those competitions.