For a chance to qualify for a special competition at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts
The Kennel Club, the organisation behind Crufts, is inviting dogs and owners based in the south east to its ‘Have a Go’ training and special show, hosted by Windsor Dog Show Society on Saturday 1 July at Home Park, Windsor.
Owners can find out what it’s like to compete in the show ring with their pedigree dog, while also having the chance to qualify for a special place at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts taking place on the 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Edita Sebova, 40, and Roman Zuzanek, 38, from Surrey, took part with their Shih Tzu, Tao, last year at Windsor and as a result of taking part in the ‘Have a Go’ event, have continued to compete successfully at further shows and qualify for Crufts.
Edita said: “The Have a Go event gave us an amazing opportunity to meet other people involved in showing dogs and learn how to groom and show a Shih Tzu. We were introduced to local ring craft classes recommended through our new show friends and that helped us to socialise Tao even further with other people and dogs. It was incredible to see Tao walking confidently in the ring on a lead without being distracted by other dogs. We are so thankful to have met so many new friends through showing and they have been supporting us on our journey so far!”
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 2024.
Booking a place at the Windsor ‘Have a Go’ show, taking place as part of Windsor Dog Show Society’s championship show, costs £10, 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 2023 at various all-breed championship dog shows.
Helen Kerfoot, Chief Operations Officer, commented: “The ‘Have a Go’ dog shows have always proved to be an energetic and fun-filled event 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. Just like Edita and Roman, I have no doubt there could be further 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 The Kennel Club website. Bookings for the Windsor event are due to close on 28 June, subject to availability. Further details about Windsor Dog Show Society’s championship show and the society can be found here.
A specially-made video for owners interested in getting started in dog showing can be found on The Kennel Club website.