Hi all,

My first post so please be gentle :-)

We are new to showing and want to go to see a major show to see what goes on prior to putting our own pup into a show in a few months time, I see Richmond is on shortly but have a problem / question maybe someone could help with.

We've 2 dogs ( boxer and crossbreed, who is on the agility dog register) and no-one to look after them at home if we go out so would need to take them with us to the show but I'm not sure if this is possible ? I saw on the Richmond show .pdf that there is a non-competing dog tent where they can be left but how does this work ?

I'm guessing we take the dogs and there crates and set the crates up in the tent and when the groups are on that we want to see judged we can leave them in the crates and go see the show ?

They are well behaved and won't cause any problems - I just don't want to show up with 2 dogs and 3 kids in tow and find out when we get there that our dogs can't come in so we have to turn around and go home :-/

I'm sure we're not the only ones in this situation and any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks , Lee

Hiya.  Welcome to CD

Your right no dogs that are unenterd can't enter the show grounds.  The unenterd dogs tent will have benching like in the show where you can either cage your dog in your own cage or bench them to the benches.  There is normally a charge of about £5 a dog and this money goes to a charity or a breed rescue.  (Price does vary and has been known to be as high as £10 a dog)

WHiel the dogs are in the tent you will have to go out during the day and walk them etc.  You getting out is no problem, your hand will be stamped or you will get a pass to get back in :)

IME unenterd dogs tents are excellent and if going to a show of quite some distance we will take all the dogs with us! :)  But they do have limited space and I heard at a champ show last week on gundog/utility day that 88 dogs were booked in!!! (our boy was caged on a bench and they had to move his cage to a space to use the bench for other dogs without a cage!

Thanks, that's good news :-)

Looks like we're coming to Richmond !

There has been in the last few weeks a meeting at the Kennel Club regarding spectators attending General Canine Society/Breed Society Shows with their pet dogs.
It is at the discretion of the society, to admit spectators with their pet dogs. It will provide the spectator the opportunity to ask questions of experienced breeders and copetitors, and learn more about the world of showing dogs.

The socities should have a Spectator Dog Entry acceptance book which the owner of the pet dog would have to fill in the details of their dog, and confimation that the dog is healthy and will be kept strickly under control. 

Phone the secretary of the society to see if  they have applied to the Kennel Club for permission from the Kennel Club to admit spectators dogs.

Thanks, for that - I do recall reading something about that (on here I think) but didn't realise it would be in force immediately.

Will try to get hold of the Richmond organisers and ask them.

Thanks, Lee

Borilar, was that in effect from straight away.  Must say I never saw a date from when it was to be in affect by...Maybe someone knows.

Aaaahhh how lovely if richmond do go along with it.  Not only loads of juniors there with dogs because of semi's but extra spectator's and dogs there....Woooohoooo!!!!!!!!

BTW I'm not started a debate just having abit of a laugh at what could happen!!! :D

I love junior handlers really...I used to be one!!!!!!

Champs shows have the option of opting out I think

I have got my signing book for the show I'm the secretary for but haven't had time to read it yet I think it's a bit off that exhbitors still have to pay for NFC if the public can bring their dogs in for free after all the exbithors have aready signed to say the dogs are ok etc

I'll have a look later today to check the blurp that came with the numbers & booking in book

Hello Ice Queen.  I am led to believe that the meeting at the Kennel Club was on the 5th July regarding "popularising canine activities". It was agreed to amendments in the show, obedience and working trial, that will allow a society, at its own discretion, to admit spectators.

It does not apply across the board to general & group Championship Shows.

My apologies to the lady who wants to take her dog into the showground at Richmond Champ Show.