How to Bench Show a Dog
Conformation shows are one of the largest recognized dog sports around the world. During a conformation show, the judge compares competitors against the ideal standard of the breed. The standard outlines how the dog should look, act and move, and the dog that best matches up to this ideal is pinned as the winner. Bench shows require that entrants be housed in a benching area and on display when not in the ring, so fellow breeders, competitors and the public can observe the dogs and speak with owners. Benching your dog is not difficult and allows you plenty of time to show off your furry friend and interact with the public.
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Things You'll Need
- Entry packet
- Crate
- Dog bedding
- Toys
- Chair
- Bench decorations
- Grooming supplies
Instructions
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Arrive at the show grounds at the time designated on your confirmation letter in your entry packet. Your entry packet will be mailed to you from the show superintendent approximately two weeks prior to the show. Most bench shows are two-day events that require competitors to be staged at their bench from the time the venue opens until the conclusion of the show. Review your letter carefully so you are not late.
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Check in with the entry taker to get the location of your bench. At a bench show, most dogs are grouped by breed to make identifying and locating breeds of interest easier for the public. Give the entry person your name, address and dog's information and he will provide you with your stall assignment.
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Prepare your bench area before bringing your dog in. Set up your crates so that your dogs can be easily viewed, and fill them with your dog's favorite bedding and a few toys to keep him occupied. Place a chair or two in your bench area to give yourself someplace to sit, as you are required to stay in the benching area for the duration of the show. Many people decorate their benches with information about their dogs or their breed, so you can personalize your bench space at this time as well.
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Take your dog out for an exercise and potty break, then place him in his crate before the show starts. Make yourself comfortable once you've crated your dog and relax until your ring time approaches.
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Remove your dog from his benching area only to prepare him for the ring and to show him. Move him to your grooming area and get him ready for the show ring as close to show time as possible to keep him as ring ready as possible. If you have a smooth-coated breed --such as an Australian Cattle Dog that requires little grooming--15 minutes is enough time. If you show a poodle or another breed that requires more grooming, you may need as much as an hour to properly groom him. You can also allow him a few minutes to potty and stretch prior to going into the ring.
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Check in with the ring steward as they call your class and enter the ring promptly. The judge will give you instructions and observe all dogs in the class as they enter the ring, so listen to her instructions carefully. The judge will individually examine your dog and watch him gait to see how closely he matches the standard, awarding the top dogs placements based off of her observations. Thank the judge regardless of the outcome and return to your bench.
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Tips & Warnings
Always stay cheerful and courteous when speaking with people at your bench. The way your present yourself and your dogs will have an impact to the public, so the happier and more polite you are, the more positive an image you will put off to people.
Spectators will ask questions about your breed and your dog, so be sure to be as friendly as possible to give a positive image about your dogs.
Ask the show staff if there is a deposit for removing your dog from the building overnight. Many bench shows require that owners pay a small deposit to ensure that spectators on both days of a show have equal chance to see all the breeds.
Never remove your dog from a bench show before the conclusion of the event. Benching rules are very strict, and violating them can result in revocation of any awards and possible banning from future events.
