Crates and shows
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| Here in the US, cloth crates are not allowed for most conformation events. Check out kennel club rules before purchasing a show crate. Cloth crates are usually fine for performance events only.
Most exhibitors here have a wire crate or vari-kennel for shows and a separate grooming table. Tack box fits on top of the crate so it's convenient and doesn't take up more floor space. The combination table/crate works fine for small dogs but seems uncomfortable for grooming an OES. Actually, I don't recall anyone with an OES with that arrangement here. A crate and grooming table fit nicely on a crate dolly with tack box and accessories on top of everything and is easy for one person to transport. As you attend more shows, check to see what other exhibitors are using. Most show people have a real system for setting up their areas. |
| I never use a crate at shows, just have them in the van for the drive... at the show they spend most of their time lying on the grooming table. |
| Cassie, ask Colin or Pauline Barnes regarding crates at shows in the UK, I always have a crate with me when I visit shows for a couple of reasons. At some shows the dog is on the table most of the time but it is also good that they can go into the crate and get some peace and quiet. I have both types of crate, a soft crate which Misty loved an I also have a transport crate which Zorro loves, the soft crate (material) is the lightest and it is easily put together. |
Yup, I'm with Stewart - always have a crate with me. What if you're alone and have to run the the ladies? Most places they don't allow dogs into the bathroom with you (the one time I made Mace come into a stall with me she clearly thought I'd lost my mind and and tried to scoot under the partition) and you can just forget about porta-potties with dogs our size 
I have both softsided (mesh) and wire and bring whichever the show dictates. A lot of outdoor conformation shows in the US are OK with softsided crates - it's the indoor ones that tend to be tightly regulated due to space constraints. That said, I prefer a really lightweight metal crate for conformation no matter what since I need somewhere to stack all my cr@p, oops, I mean highly necessary grooming paraphanelia  
I just got back from an outdoor show where I was supposed to be showing a dog for someone so I didn't need to bring a crate and his owner brought a softside. I felt severally handicapped with nowhere to safely store all my cra...I mean stuff
As it happens I didn't end up showing because they actual cancelled the show due to weather, a first in my experience. We were already packing to head home when the announcement came through. Standing there under a big tent with a big metal pole just feet away from us - we were in the middle of the tent and the dogs were still getting wet from the crossdriving wind, oh, yes, and tripping over electrical cords as we're grooming during a bad thunderstorm. Finally we just looked at each other and said: you know what? This is STUPID!
Here's hoping for more pleasant shows for you no matter what type of crate you end up with
Kristine |
| Thanks for the support Kristine and I agree with what you say although I very seldom go to the ladies as I tnd to get thrown out. Stewart |
dairymaid wrote: Thanks for the support Kristine and I agree with what you say although I very seldom go to the ladies as I tnd to get thrown out.
Stewart  |
| As mentioned. I would see what your local rules for shows says.
Unlike the east coast, we have no real limitations on soft-side crates. And, if some list it in the premium (no soft crates) I have never seen it enforced. Or any less of them than a regular show. Kristine - must be a WI thing. It was at the Waukasha show (last year?) that the show was stopped and we all packed into the obedience building until we got the all clear! Sorry you got cancelled - hope tomorrow is better. We are still in a tornado watch, but not a drop here yet - all went around us. |
| The material crates seem to be the same size as the metal ones, but I can imagine Ru just leaning into the side and toppling it over. I like the idea of a lockable one so I can leave Ru & all my cra..stuff.. inside while I make my frequent trips to the loo. I can see how a grooming table on top is uncomfortable for grooming as you can't get your legs underneath, but I hope I wont be doing a full grooming session at a show, just fluffing up.
Pauline & Colin have the one with the grooming table on top, wheels underneath & parasol hole. It looks great, I'll ask them about it. I guess this is one of those things where buying the most useful model would really pay off, I don't want to be worrying about safety and security AS WELL AS the show itself!! |
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