Your First Obedience Show - by Chesvale DTC

Great friendships have been forged between people competing in this hobby.  
The support from others around the lower class 
rings is very special, with most competitors giving encouragement to each other.  
There are often large groups of people around 
the lower class rings 
all watching and hoping each other do well. 

Just Chillin' at the show - Debbie's 'Wogan' (Irish Water Spaniel)

Shows are an 'all day' event to attend with an early start.  Non competing friends/relatives can come with you to the show - and if they get bored they can always offer to help with stays or scent (see 'Helping at Shows' page)

• Judging starting time varies from show to show (always check each show schedule for start times), but can be as early as 8.30 or later like 10am
  
• You need to arrive well within one hour of judging start time to allow time to book into your ring (or you cannot compete)

Cost per class varies from show to show - again check each show schedule for price per class

• You only have ONE attempt per class you enter, you cannot go into the ring to try again, its one go only - so make sure its a 'good go' :) 
  

You can IF the show allows it stay overnight (see show schedule) prior to the show in a tent or caravan (you will need to pay in advance for any camping facility), if funds allow you can also obviously book in somewhere local to stay nearby.

• If camping, it is very unlikely that the venue will have any type of shop or shower facilities, its usually just in a field!  Ensure you take enough fresh water for you and the dogs etc.
  

Shows are usually a lot bigger than most new competitors think.

• Most shows are outdoors with no undercover competing area (unless specifically an indoor/undercover show).
• There will be a roped off or signed dog exercise area.
• There will be a large competing area with anything from 8 to 20 rings all separately roped off, often ring entrances have a 'tent' by them.  Each ring has posts with rope to define the ring area.  Rings are not usually enclosed by mesh or fencing (not all shows do but SOME shows do use plastic net fencing around the lower class rings, there is no Kennel Club requirement for them to do this is just what some shows include).  
• There will be a large car parking area, the Secretary area and possible Trade Stand area. 
• If allowed by the Show there could be a large number of caravans and tents on the venue for those choosing to overnight park and stay for the show duration. 
• There will be several hundred dogs at the show on the same day.
• A Stay Ring will also be separately positioned somewhere on the showground.   
• Most shows provide a ring plan map as either a handout at the entrance or as a display on a board either near the start of the ring area or at the Show Secretary area.  
• You will need to locate one Ring for each class you have entered and also the main separate Stay Ring. 
• Booking In is done at the ring for each class you have entered.
• A catalogue (if pre-ordered on your entry form) is usually obtained from the Secretary area.
• Some shows split classes between dogs and bitches.  Others have classes that are mixed sex classes (this will be stated on the show schedule) - however the stays have separate areas for dogs and bitches.  The only exception to this is the highest class : Championship C (held at Championship Shows) which always have a separate class for Dogs and Bitches.

Example of Showground roped ring area layout (before the show starts) .. photo courtesy of Derrick Greer

Example of Showground getting busier during the day (dog in foreground is in a ring competing) .. photo courtesy of Derrick Greer

Dogs of all shapes and sizes compete in the same class, 
so that means that a Yorkie could be competing against a Great Dane.

• Always arrive well before the Judging start time (at least one hour before is recommended so a nice early start is part of your day out!).  
• Always park where you are told and be courteous to those parking you. 
• Give yourself enough time to:  find rings, book in, walk dogs (in allocated 'exercise area'), protect your car from the sun and get settled.
• On warm days (not just hot days, even warm days are dangerous to your dog) - take sheets (click here - reflective sheet supplier) to cover all windows (to be fully opened) and always open tailgates etc so your dog can remain cool all day. Ideally either with dog in a crate (Argos sell them) in the car or a purpose made cage or behind a 'tailgate guard'. You CANNOT just shut your dog in your car with closed doors and windows all day whilst at a show, doors/tailgates need to be open.  You do also need to secure your dog (crate or purpose made metal guard ideally needed) for its own safety and so it cannot 'fly out' at other dogs passing your car.  Show officials have full rights to break into your car if a dog is seen with suffering with inadequate (in their opinion) ventilation on a warm day.
• Dogs should always be on a lead unless you are in the ring competing or preparing to compete.  Dogs must always be under control and not a danger to other dogs or people.

See video example of a whole Beginner round on 'Going Into The Ring'

Booking In & Ring Numbers  .. 

At the ringside there is a large chart which is the main 'score sheet' and usually a smaller sheet with a list of dogs entered on it (this smaller sheet is the class list and is the booking in list).
Take a pen/pencil with you. 

• You need to find your entered class Ring(s) (see displayed showground map or handout)(take a pen or pencil with you)
• On the table at the ring entrance to your entered classes will be a sheet with a list of dogs names on it (the 'class entry' list) - find your dogs name on this list and clearly tick beside your dogs number.  This list can sometimes be in small print, so if needed take glasses with you just in case.
• Once you have ticked the list this completes the 'booking in' procedure.
• You must do this within ONE hour of judging start time.  
• If you do not do this you will not be able to take your dog into the ring at all in that class.  

ALSO:

• Collect your Ring Number (a piece of card) at the time of booking in, this will be at the ringside table relevant to your lowest entered class, occasionally your number MIGHT be at the ring where you have an early running order. Occasionally all the ring numbers might be with the Secretary and not at the ringside.
• The number will either be pre-written on a card as per above OR there will be a blank pile of cards at the ringside table for you to take one and write your own dogs number on it. 

• Each dog you enter will have a separate Ring Number.  If you have more than one dog always clearly write your dogs name on the relevant card, and display the correct dogs number when entering the ring. 
• The number must be as per the 'Booking In' sheet number for your dog (the number will be the same for all classes you enter with the same dog).    
• Always double check you take the correct pre-written one or if you write your own make sure its the correct number for your dog. 
• You MUST clearly display your dog(s) ring number whilst competing in the ring, it identifies your dog to the judge.  
• This number is the one that will eventually be written on the main class Score Sheet, it only relates to your dog, so getting the right number at booking in stage is hugely important.
• You should fix the ring number securely to your clothing (take a safety pin or buy a purpose made ring number holder). 
• On the larger chart like sheet on the table there will be (usually top right corner) a time stated for your 'Stay' exercise.  It is advisable to clearly write this on your dog(s) ring number card (if you miss your stay time then you cannot do them at any other time, so you will have lost all points for the stay test and you are deemed to have withdrawn from the competition. 
• If after 'booking in' you change your mind (for whatever reason) about going into the ring to compete you must let the judge or scoreboarder (if there is a scoreboarder) know, otherwise they will wait for you to turn up as you have 'booked in'.  

Ringside Score Sheet .. 

This is a very large 'chart' like sheet at the entrance area to each class (see bottom of  'Going Into The Ring' page for example of a sheet).  
Note:  In the South and Midlands you do NOT write on this sheet at all, however further up North the trend is to write your dogs ring number in the first column after you have booked in.  Doing this does not mean you have to work in the numbered order shown.

• It lists the points lost by every competitor in the class who has been into the ring.
• There are columns for each exercise.
• There are rows for each dog competing (look for your dogs ring number) - ensure you check the right row for your dog.
• The LOWEST score  in the 'TOTAL LOST' column is the best score.
• If you gain a rosette in your class (usually 1st to 6th, although some shows do more place rosettes in the lower classes) this will be listed in the 'POSITION' column at the end of the row relating to your dogs ring number. 
• Each Class and each Class part has its own Score Sheet.

Scores are added to this sheet by either the Judge or a 'Scoreboarder' (a show helper) :

• Results are added as and when the person entering them has time to do so.  
• If there is a Scoreboarder, then the judge will pass their scoresheet to them once they have completed marking each round, the Scoreboarder then enters the results onto the Score Sheet.
• If the Judge is doing it without a Scoreboarder then it may be some time before they have a break in judging to enable them to add the scores.  
• Never interrupt a Scoreboarder or judge when they are putting scores on the Score Sheet, they will need to fully concentrate when doing this. 
• The Score Sheet can be looked at by anyone at anytime (as long as it doesn't interrupt putting scores on it).

If you would like clarification of your marks you can politely ask the judge if you can look at your scoresheet where a comprehensive breakdown of your marks might be available. 

Running Orders (also known as the 'Draw') .. 

• Every part of every class will have at least the first TEN dogs drawn in order to work early in the class/part - you are very likely to receive a running order at almost every show you enter.  
• If judging starts at 9am then running order 1 dog will need to be at the ringside ready to compete at 9am.
• Although all these 'drawn' dogs should be there to work, sometimes people do not attend the show, so even if you are drawn to work 10th you could work alot earlier than expected if some dogs drawn 1st to 9th don't turn up.  So look to see how many dogs numbers have been 'ticked' before yours to give you some idea of how quickly you will be in the ring competing.
  
• See 'How To  Enter' & scroll to bottom to see more information.
• If you do not receive a draw (always check online incase you missed it) then you are free to come back to the ring at a time you choose to compete with your dog .. however it is extremely frowned upon to 'keep the judge waiting', especially later on in the day.  Always be considerate to the judge and steward who have given up their day and their chance to compete to stand and judging the class all day.

Stays .. 

Stays usually take place in a large separate ring area dedicated to all the class stays (see 'What is Stay' page).  The Stays take priority over any other exercise.  If you miss your class stays you are deemed to have 'withdrawn' from competing in that class.

• Each stay for each class & each class part has a separate time allocated for it.
  
• The stay time for your class & part  is shown on the large main chart/score sheet at the ringside of each class you have entered (its a good idea to note this stay time on your ring number).
  
• Find the stay ring at the beginning of the day
  
• Get to the stay ring with your dog at least 5 minutes before your class is scheduled to start. 
  
• Do not enter the stay ring until you are instructed to do so by an official at the stay ring. 
  
• Double check you are in the right class and part.
  
• Leave toys and treats well out of sight of the stay ring and/or your dog.
  

Basic Day Plan .. 

• Get up in good time to leave early enough (recommend arriving at least 1 hour before judging is due to start).
• Take SatNav.
• Take the Schedule - Map or directions are often included on the back. Dog Show signs are sometimes placed leading to the venue.
• Take Proof of Entry, online email confirmation or the returned SAE if you sent one.
• Running Order - If you have one, take it with you.
• Take an ICE card with you - its a 'who to contact in emergency' re your dogs item ( HERE )
• You might want to take a notebook to write down your scores or info on your day to keep a record of your progress (these can be purchased HERE). 
• For the Dog take: Plenty of  Water and Water Bowl, Pooh Bags (take plenty), Lead & collar, Dumbbell or Retrieve article, First Aid kit, Loads of Food or Favourite Toys to reward dog.
• For You take:  Safety Pins or Clip to hold your Ring Number, Pens/pencil, Food and Drink, Waterproof Clothing, Shoes that are not 'clumpy' and First Aid kit.
• For Your Car take:  Sheets that will cover your car windows etc on warm days (click here for a supplier), you will need 'clips' to secure the sheet over the vehicle and ideally either a crate (Argos sell them) in the car or a purpose made cage or 'tailgate' barrier.
• Park where instructed - ALWAYS be courteous to the parking officials.
• Find exercise area - Run your dog.
• Collect catalogue (usually from Secretary area) - only available if pre-ordered.
• Find Ring Plan (either a handout or display near the rings or Secretary area).
• Find Rings - take a pen/pencil with you to 'Book In' at ALL your class rings.
• Collect Ring Number - often at lowest class ring or write your number on blank card at ring.
• Note your Stay Times - write the time on your ring number.
• If you have more than one dog ensure you write all stay times on relevant ring number.
• Find the Stay Ring.
• Have a Tea or Coffee.
• Find loos - Ladies, allow enough time for a queue!!
• Always go back to your ring and check how the class is running.   Do not keep the judge waiting for you to work your dog. 

Note:  You do NOT need to take any proof of your dogs vaccinations or worming etc with you to any show.

Other Types of Shows that May hold Obedience Classes .. 

There are a few other shows that might have an obedience competition class at them, however being placed or winning at these shows does not count towards any class progress or awards at Licence Kennel Club Obedience Shows.

• Kennel Club Limit Shows

A few Clubs run a Kennel Club Limit Show, they are called 'limit' shows as they are limited to either the amount of classes they hold, or the amount of entries they want, or the breed of dog allowed to enter.
The exercises in these shows are the same as per listed on this site, but you need to read Limit Show schedules carefully to understand if you can enter.
Entries have to be made in advance of the Show (ie no 'On The Day' entries are accepted).
Dogs need to be registered with the Kennel Club to enter these Shows.
Limit Show Schedules that hold obedience classes can be found on obedienceUK. 

• Companion Shows

Any person can organise a Companion Dog Show.  Most are licenced by the Kennel Club. 
They hold showing classes and occasionally have some obedience classes.
The obedience classes are not called the same as explained in 'Class Levels' page on here, and rules for entry in the obedience classes vary; so again read the schedule to see if you can compete in the obedience classes at these shows.
Entries are usually made 'On The Day'.
Dogs do NOT need to be registered with the Kennel Club to enter these Shows.
Companion Show Schedules that hold obedience classes can sometimes be found on ObedienceUK, but are also in Pet Shops, Vets and sometimes the local paper.

• Unlicenced Shows

These are just fun events run by people who have not applied for a Kennel Club Licence.
Classes held will vary and schedule will have to be read carefully to ensure you are eligible to enter any obedience classes held.
Entries are usually made 'On The Day'.
Dogs do NOT need to be registered with the Kennel Club to enter these Shows.
These show schedules are sometimes found on obedienceUK, but are also in Pet Shops, Vets and sometimes the local paper.

ObedienceUK, Competitive Obedience, Obedience Shows, Dog Training, Obedience Competition, 
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