Guernsey has quite a wide range of pedigree dogs that are being shown in the Island. We have two training Clubs one that concentrates on Dog Showing - The Guernsey Kennel Club and the other that concentrates on Obedience and Agility training - The Island Dog Training Club.
The first thing you need to do when you get your puppy is start Ringcraft. This is where you will learn how to move and stack your puppy for the Show Ring. The puppy will get used to being touched and gone over by different people so that when they are in the Show ring and the Judge is examining them they will be at ease and make it easy for the Judge to assess them. It is also good practice for you as you will see what is required when you go into a Show and will have had some basic training to help you get through it.
The Guernsey Kennel Club holds Ringcraft Classes on a Sunday afternoon at the Vale Douzaine Room at 3pm. New members and anybody that is interested in Dog Showing is more than welcome to come along and see what it is all about. Further information please see The Guernsey Kennel Club Website.
There are four Shows held throughout the year. The first one being the Member's Show which is for Member's of The Guernsey Dog Club only and then it is followed by three Open Shows which are open to Jersey residents as well. Unfortunately no UK Exhibitors are permitted to enter their dogs in the Guernsey Open Shows yet, but you are more than welcome to go to the Open Shows in Jersey. If you require any further information please e-mail me. We have special permission from the Kennel Club that the Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show and Best Puppy in Show from the three Open Shows qualify for Crufts.
At The Show
It is advisable to get to the Show early so that you can get the dogs settled, collect your ring numbers and schedule. If you have a coated dog like a Cocker Spaniel you will probably want to do some finishing touches on them and groom them again before they go into the ring. Keep an eye on how the judging is going as some Judges go through the choices quicker than others so you might be called earlier than expected.
In The Ring
When your class is called make sure you have the correct dog and correct number for that class. Make sure that your number is displayed clearly so that both the Judge and the Ring Steward can see it clearly. The Judge usually lets you take the dogs once around to settle them a bit and have a look to see how they all move. Then he will signal for the first one to go on the table if it is a table dog like a Cocker Spaniel. Place the dog on the table or stack on the floor as instructed by your trainer at Ringcraft. Make sure that the front and back feet and legs are placed correctly, that the topline is satisfactory and that the head is positioned properly ready for the Judge to do his examination. When stacking a Cocker Spaniel you will hold the head up and the tail out level with the body.
When the Judge approaches you can let go of the head but if you have a wriggly puppy you can still hold the tail and under the front legs. When he moves down the body hold the ears down to the jaw and extend the neck out so that the Judge can see what a good reach of neck shoulders the dog has. When the Judge has finished he might have moved the legs/feet into a better position make sure that you hold up the head and the tail for him to get another good look at the dog. He will then give you instruction as to whether he wishes you to do a triangle or a straight up and down or just move the dog around the ring. Always keep your eye on the Judge, you should always have your dog on the left side nearest the Judge so that he can see all the angles of the dog ie back movement, front movement and side movement. When you have done what the Judge has asked don't go to close to him when you have finished leave at least a foot or so so that you don't crowd him and then either free stand your dog or stand in the correct Cocker stack again until he says thank you. Then follow on to the last person waiting for their turn.
When the Judge has seen all the dogs he will now make his selection. Make sure that your dog is stacked correctly and than his coat is all brushed down either take a slicker brush into the ring with you or do it with your fingers. Always keep you eyes on the Judge as by taking notice might just get you that extra place!! If you have a fellow exhibitor that seems to be placing their dog out in front of yours move your dog up so that they are in the same line.
If you don't get a first don't give up as all Judges like different types and yours just might not have been his type today. Above all just enjoy it and remember that you always take home the Best Dog ............
