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 Scotland to its ‘Have a Go’ training and special show, hosted by the Scottish Kennel Club (SKC) Championship dog show on 30 September - 1 October 2023 at The Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh.
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 2024.
The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ training event takes place on Sunday 1 October 2023 and is 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.
20-year-old Kiera Leslie, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, will be competing in the breed classes this year with her Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Stripehead Impact, “Rez”, after they took part and won the Have A Go competition at SKC in 2022.
She said: “I always wanted to get started in dog showing but just didn’t know how so the Have A Go competition seemed like a nice, positive way to get involved. Since the competition, we’ve been attending more shows and Rez has been doing great.
“Having a great relationship with your dog is the most important thing for me, being positive no matter what the result and patience! Rez and I also go swimming, have fun with frisbee games and he gets lots of cuddles of course.
“My advice to those who want to give dog showing a go – just do it! It may seem scary but it’s actually really fun once you get the hang of it.”
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 each training session, a competition will take place, with the winners qualifying for a place in a special competition at Crufts 2024.
Booking a place at the Scottish Kennel Club ‘Have a Go’ show, taking place as part of its all-breed Championship Dog 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. I have no doubt there could be further future Crufts in our midst in Edinburgh!”
For further information on all of The Kennel Club’s ‘Have a Go’ shows, and to book a slot visit the website. Bookings for the Scottish Kennel Club event are subject to availability.
Further details about Scottish Kennel Club 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 here.