Hi,

We're off to Southern Counties on May 31st, our first Champ Show.  I gather we'll need a benching chain.  Where's a good place to obtain these, and are they a standard length?

Do dogs tend to settle quite quickly on the benches as a general rule?  She's a very well behaved pup, so I don't think she'll object to being chained, but she may not lie down and relax as she's a nosey parker and likes to know everything that's going on.

If you have a breed that needs grooming before going into the ring, is it usual to take your grooming table, or do you just have to do the best you can with the dog benched or stood on the floor?

Are there announcements to go to your ring, or do you have to keep checking? 

This is a whole new world to us, so any other tips/advice welcomed!

Only from my personal experience, I prefer to put my dog in a crate the benches. I just feel is safer all round. Normally at shows they will announce certain things over the speaker (but not always) they will only announce your breed NOT each class so you have to keep checking. Most dogs will settle on the benches but the odd one or two will bark. I would take your grooming table if you would find that easier to get her ready.

Most of all relax and have fun, don't leave your pup on the bench too long by herself this first time as it is a whole new experience for her. Take loads of water for her and you, treats, show lead, grooming kit, toy, sun cream etc.

Goodluck and enjoy the day.

dont forget a folding chair , a pin for your number and also a  flask (drinks work out quite expensive especially on a hot day) if you dont take your crate take a blanket for pup to lie on (I prefer to take my crate in case I decide to set up in the grooming area .)

enjoy your day

Roni~

If your dog needs grooming you will definately need a grooming table.  Some of the shows actually have sockets for hairdryers and stuff although off the top of my head I dont think Southern counties is not one of them.

Definately a crate or bench guard.  Dogs can get very teritorial in benches and it can set of a chain reaction.  A nice peice of beeding, your grooming kit and lots of dog treats.

They have toilets so you can always get water from there but a dog water bowl is essential. 

Just the usual stuff you would have for a day out with the dog really.

Have a lovely time :)  I love showing although it is addictive.

Ps dont forget your ring clip :)

> This is a whole new world to us, so any other tips/advice welcomed!

Take another sensible adult with you, they are invaluable to help you watch your dog and valuables. Even if you stay with the pup you'll need a comfort stop and to pop to the ring to watch progress.
Never trust a young dog alone chained to a bench, it may try to climb over/off - or someone may give it something unsuitable.
If the weather stays warm take plenty of water, sunscreen and means of shade if possible.
The society will send passes for the show together with a schedule of times, locations and wet weather facilities. Keep the passes on your person (if possible) as you will need them at the end of the day to get your dog out of the show, they have a removal order attached.
Good luck, you'll be an old hand soon.

Thanks for all the tips!  Is there a way of finding out the bench dimensions?  We do have her puppy crate which we could take.

I won't be leaving her alone for a minute!  I'd be too worried about something happening to her.  My partner will be there with me, as will her breeders (probably should be picking their brains really!), so I have people to cover if I need to go to the loo or go anywhere else.

I was struggling to find somewhere to buy a ringclip; we went to an open show last Monday and I used a good old safety pin, but when we came back from the ring someone had left a ring clip on our grooming table, and no-one nearby knew whose it was so it went in the grooming box!

Hi I will be there with my terrier - it is quite worrying to start with and felt quite nervous about setting up my table and getting all my stuff ready - its a confidence thing and i didnt want to upset people by getting to close etc. You soon realise that people set up in sorts of places and quite close together but breeds tend to stick together so its a good way of getting know people.

Not everyone uses the benches even though they are allocated and you will find your ring number on your bench so dont forget to attach before going in the ring. Not like an open show where you're given your number when you enter the ring.

Dont know about southern counties as not been myself before but if the benches are in big tents then it can get very warm esp in weather like this, thats why some tend to set up outside under shade if its possible.

The first thing i do is enter the show and find where the ring is and what non benching facilities (grooming area) near by. Usually i see someone from out breed so that makes it easier. I then set my grooming table up then collect catalogue and coffee!

Remember dogs are fiirst in the ring and then bitches, so you will have a good chance to watch the dogs being judged and get to watch how the judge gets you to move them etc.

Lots of luck to you both.

> If your dog needs grooming you will definately need a grooming table.  Some of the shows actually have sockets for hairdryers and stuff although off the top of my head I dont think Southern counties is not one of them.
>

I have never heard of electrictiy beign provided for grrooming dogs at any UK show, though this seems to be usual in the USA.

Grooming at shows should only be finishing touches to what has been done at home.

> Remember dogs are fiirst in the ring and then bitches

Unless you are in a breed with a very big entry then two rings and two judges.

You could order a ring clip from here
http://www.mydbj.com/
Also, I use a bum bag in which I keep a small purse with all my money and cards, I attach my mobile to the bag and have my car keys attached to a clip inside it, that way I don't have to put any of my possessions down so therefore nothing to steal (except my dog and they are kept well and truly in sight or with someone watching over them). Your schedule will tell you what ring you are in and so have a look around, find your ring, find your benching and keep an eye on the time for start of judging. If you are at the bench a lot then keep popping to the ring and see what class they are on. I would be by the ringside as the class prior to the one you are in has started. Most of all, enjoy!

In response to Brainless as I still cant do the quotes!

They have sockets at Newark, Stafford and Malvern and I have groomed my dogs at all of them so perhaps you just arent looking for them but they are there!

That is interesting so who pays for the electrictiy used?

If you want to find bench sizes call Bannerdown. They do the benching for most show and will be happy to tell you the size for your breed.

You can buy plain ring clips or arm bands from HUB. You can buy breed specific clips from K9centre.

Hi AiredaleKate

How did you get on with your puppy? Hope you enjoyed your first Champ show. :)

We got a 3rd out of 3!  There were 5 entered but 2 didn't show up.  She looked a real baby compared tothe other two, who are both one this week so their last show in puppy class. 

She behaved really well though and seemed to enjoy her day, and her brother got best puppy in breed so it was a really good day out.

does this qualify you for cruft in your breed if so then well done!!

Apparently it does qualify us for Crufts, yes.  That's how much of a novice I am, I had no idea until her breeder and someone else told me!!!

Many congratulations, thats brilliant and 3 of 3 is fine she qualified for Crufts and that is fantastic! You'll love Crufts is so exciting. Your girl will mature aswell it's always very hard to go up against almost 12 month old pups when yours is 6 months it makes a big difference. Goodluck for your next show. :)

Hi i went to my second champ show which was the Southern Counties. My pup qualified for Cufts on his first one which was WELKS.
My baby is now in Junior class and being just into it i found that all the other dogs were nearly out of the class by age and therefore looked so much more mature.
Also the judge seemed to be favouring the larger dogs and ones with mature faces, so we didn't stand a chance as he is such a baby and very very slow in the maturing stakes.

I'll keep plugging away at it and now have another 2 champ shows coming up over the next week. That being 3 counties and also a breed one.