what are proplan puppy stakes and how do they work, what is required etc? i've put my pup in it at boston but not sure what it entails

Hi Tanya

The Proplan puppy stakes are a stakes class sponsored by Proplan.  They have dog and bitch classes, the winner of each then challenge for the winning place each day of the show.

They run qualifiers throughout the year at most champ shows.  The best puppy each day then goes foward to challenge on the final day of the show.  The overall winner from each show then qualifies for the finals.

Stakes classes are fun but can be really long for young pups.  Take a small toy, some treats and perhaps a small spray bottle with water in with you, thins helps puppy enjoy the experience rather than getting fed up and turning them off.  

Vicky x

> perhaps a small spray bottle with water in with you

Hi, just curious what is this for? :)

>> perhaps a small spray bottle with water in with you
> Hi, just curious what is this for? :-)

Just in case it's a bit warm and they start panting.  Just a small spray of water on the tongue refreshes them and stops and drooling.  It can also wake them up a little if it's been a long wait and they've dropped off.

Thank you - what a great idea :)

We had trouble with our pup when he first came out to start showing at 6 months - he wouldn't drink at all.  We thought we'd tried everything but I never thought of a spray bottle.  I wouldn't have enough hands in the ring but it would have been really useful for the rest of the time.

Luckily he's fine now and happy to drink when he needs to but I think it's still a great idea to have one handy.  Thanks again

> I wouldn't have enough hands in the ring

Big pockets help - lol

You can get tiny tiny spray bottles from HUB they are great and only about 10cm high.

I find a splash of milk or cream in the water helps a reluctant dog to drink at shows ;)   I also use water with a little glucose in it, helps to revive them if it's a long hot day and encourages them to drink ;)  but in a pich I've also used flavoured water out of a sports bottle when I forgot the water bottle.  The dog thought it was great having the same as me :-D