Companion Dog Club - Join today! (£12)

Companion Dog Club Classes 2008

Companion Dog Shows are fundraising events held throughout the year and the shows are mostly organised in conjunction with fetes, charity open days or other similar events to raise money for a charitable cause of the show organiser's own choice. The shows are very relaxed so they are ideal for all dog owners at all levels to enjoy a fun day out with their companion.

Due to the growing popularity of Companion Dog Shows, it is important that you get to events in plenty of time to register your dog for the classes you wish to compete in.

Serious show people tend to take quite a bit of equipment to a show, but at this level you can travel a bit lighter. However, there are certain things you will want to take such as a brush or other relevant grooming equipment, as well as some of your dog's favourite treats. It is also advisable that you groom your dog before venturing into the ring – after all he will need to look his best if he is going to catch the judge’s eye!

When you enter the show you will be given a ring number which you need to take into the ring with you. We recommend you take a safety pin, or what is called a ‘ring clip’, to secure the ring number to your clothes as you will need both hands free to handle your dog.

Please also remember to be a responsible owner and take a poop scoop with you to the show so that you can clean up after your dog.

Due to the majority of Companion Dog Shows being organised over the summer period, it is recommended you take a bowl and some water for your dog. If it looks as if it is going to be a very hot day then you might also want to take a towel soaked in cold water for your dog to lie on, which will help keep him cool while you are waiting to go into the ring.

On arrival at the show, visit the entries table where you can select the classes you would like to enter. If you need help with making your entry, or deciding which classes to enter then just ask, as the people organising the show will be more than happy to help you.

If you have time then take a look around at the other events that might be going on, but make sure that you do not miss your class. Listen to the ring steward as he or she will announce when each class is due in to be judged.

Follow the steward’s instructions as they will tell you where to stand with your dog. If you have a breed of dog which is judged on a table then some stewards like to have these breeds at the front of the class. But do not worry, as the steward will guide you and you will not be in trouble if you stand in the wrong place!

Try not to be nervous or your dog will pick up on this and it may spoil his performance. ‘Stand’ your dog, as you have been shown at Ringcraft classes, and have your dog looking his best as the judge takes his or her first look around the ring.

Some judges may decide to move all the dogs around the ring once or twice before they look at each dog individually - some do not do this, so keep an eye on the judge to see what he or she is looking for. If you are a beginner, and unless you are feeling very brave, it is probably a good idea not to go first. Going later will give you the chance to see what the judge is asking the other exhibitors to do and give you a chance to settle your dog.

Keep an eye on how the class is progressing. Make sure that you keep an eye on the judge when the final selection is taking place - if he or she chooses you to come out into the middle of the ring then you do not want to miss this because you are not looking!

Win or lose remember to praise your dog - he will no doubt have given his best for you. Owners like to win rosettes but praise and a cuddle from you will mean far more to your dog than a rosette does!

Remember to make sure that both you and your dog enjoy the day. Companion Dog Shows are often the first taste of competition for many people and once you are hooked you may decide that you want to go on to greater things.

Here are our Top 10 Tips on showing your dog at Companion Dog Shows:

• Team Effort - Train together and play together so that you build up a real partnership with your dog.
• Back to School - Find out from the Kennel Club about Ringcraft classes in your area where you can learn how to present and train your dog for the show ring.
• Look and Learn - Talk to the experienced people at the Ringcraft classes - they will be more than happy to help a newcomer. Watch how they present their dog to show off its finer points.
• Be Prepared - Try to visit one or two shows without your dog so that you have an idea of what is required.
• All Mapped Out - Plan your journey to the show well in advance and make sure that you arrive at the show in good time.
• Go Walkabout - Make sure that your dog has a chance to stretch his legs before you go into the ring.
• Keep Watch - Keep an eye on the judging - you can familiarise yourself with what the judge is looking for and what he or she will ask you to do.
• Mind Your Manners - Always be polite and considerate to your fellow exhibitors.
• Have Fun - Enjoy your day and remember, win or lose, you get to take the best dog home!
• Finally, if you love your dog and want to get the best out of the thousands of dog events and shows held up and down the country every year why not join the Companion Dog Club.   It’s a great way for you and your dog to become part of the dog community and celebrate your dog’s company with others.  You will even find special Companion Dog Club classes at Companion Dog Shows that only club members can take part in.

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Companion Dog Club (CDC), Exhibiting 

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