I noticed at WKC that a lot of exhibitors didnt use the benches... they had thier dogs in crates outside the benching area which was right next to the ring.
I have read in the rules that benching must be used ......now are some CH Shows more lax with this or it it quite common across the board.
Being new to the Ch show enviroment we want to get it right.

Any comments gratefully received

Roni

Hi Roni,

only time I ever bench my dogs is at Crufts (inside a cage) because it's way too busy and dangerous (for them) not to ;)  At other shows if I only take one it will sometimes sit ringside with me but mostly I set up crates back a bit but within view of the ring and sit beside them.   Never left my daughter as a baby unattended outside a shop - ain't going to leave my dogs unattended anywhere either ;)  The benching tents are either too damp and chilly for me or much too hot and stuffy - so as far as I'm concerned if I'm not comfortable in them my dogs won't be either!

Norty, aren't I? :P   Regards, Teri

There is a rule that says a dog must be on it's bench unless it's in the ring or being 'exercised'. However, it is very common for the smaller breeds to be kept at or near the ringside in the grooming areas. In fact some large breeds are commonly kept with their owners at the ringside too. So the rule is practically impossible to police.

There is a security risk in leaving your dogs unattended so owners and exhibitors are not keen to take chances. Dogs have been stolen and some have been drugged or had great chunks of coat cut off, so you can understand the owners not wanting to leave them on their own.

Dawn R.

When i went to Leeds i did let Nina sit on the benchs and we sat with her for the experience but she stayed with me mainly walking around the stalls and the rings.

Warm regards Susan

At the bournemouth Ch show recently, not many dogs were benched at all. The odd few were left there, but mainly the dogs were around the ring. Being a newbie, i kept to the rules ..8-)
but it was pretti lonely back there!

I know but not  next time......hey ho