The Kennel Club, the organisation behind Crufts, is inviting dogs and owners based in the south east to its ‘Have a Go’ training day and special show, hosted by Windsor Dog Show Society on Saturday 2 July at Home Park, Windsor.
Owners can find out what it’s like to compete in the show ring with their dog, and have a chance to qualify for a special place at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.
The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ training days are designed for people of any age and any ability, with a pedigree dog, and are the ideal opportunity for owners to develop a new skill, hobby and social circle alongside their four-legged friend.
Complete beginners, with no prior experience or knowledge of dog showing, are welcome, with just interest and enthusiasm needed. All owners and their dogs can reap the rewards of the socialising experience, unite with other dog-lovers over shared interests and ambitions, and become part of a close-knit community.
For those who have ever watched the variety of dogs showing their best side at Crufts, and perhaps wondered how their own canine companion could ever be crowned ‘Best in Show’, The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ dog shows could be the first step. At the end of the training session, a competition will take place, with the winner qualifying for a place in a special competition at Crufts 2023.
Pam Reakes, 62, was delighted to compete at Crufts for the first time this year, having fallen in love with Weimaraners whilst enjoying watching the show for over 10 years on TV. Crufts 2022 celebrated many newcomers trying their hand – or paw – at the hobby of dog showing, having had two years away due to Covid.
Pam shared, “I got Wilma, my long-haired Weimaraner in 2020, and we went along to a local ringcraft club, and then entered our first ever show. We got a third and a second place, which qualified us for Crufts 2022!
“I am completely hooked on dog showing, and healthier and happier than I have been in a long time. I just wish I found this wonderful hobby and group of friends 20 years ago! Needless to say Wilma and I will carry on showing for as long as possible and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.”
Booking a place at the Windsor ‘Have a Go’ show, taking place as part of Windsor Dog Show Society’s championship show, costs £15 for the day, including parking, and all participants will receive a beginners’ dog showing pack and training which covers:
- Getting ready for taking part
- Basic skills required for participating
- What to expect when participating
- What to do once you have participated
The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ dog shows are being held across different regions in the UK in 2022 at various all-breed championship dog shows.
Kathryn Mansfield, Kennel Club Secretary, commented: “The ‘Have a Go’ dog shows have always proved to be an energetic and fun-filled day for everyone involved. It’s wonderful to be part of, and watching newcomers discovering and learning the skills of dog showing in a laidback yet educational environment is so inspiring. I have no doubt there could be future Crufts stars in our midst at Windsor!”
For further information on all of The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ shows, and to book a slot, visit: thekennelclub.org.uk/haveagodogshowing/. Bookings for the Windsor event are due to close on 24 June, subject to availability. Further details about Windsor Dog Show Society’s championship show and the society can be found at: highampress.co.uk/shows/windsor-championship-dog-show.
A specially-made video for owners interested in getting started in dog showing can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/newtodogshowing.
