How to Organise a Dog Show

Co-authored by Nicole Larocco-Skeehan

Last Updated: November 8, 2022 Approved

Organising a dog show, even if it is just for a small group of people, is a rewarding exercise and everyone involved will have a lot of joy from the occasion. If you set up suitable courses, you can do agility with dog shows as well. And while it's perfect for showing off your and your friends' dogs, it is also a good way to raise money for a charity.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Planning for the Dog Show

1
Make sure you are properly covered. Do you have insurance? Do you have a license? Once that is sorted, you can continue.
2
Put out a call for volunteers. To run a successful fun dog show, you’ll need lots of reliable people to help you out. Assign each volunteer a job and make sure everyone knows their role.

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3
Begin by organizing the place you are going to do the show. Make sure that you are allowed to hold a public event here. Also, decide what to do if it rains. Is it indoors? Will it get muddy? Is there somewhere to do agility if you are holding that event? Make sure that once you have your venue, book it with plenty of time to organize everything else.
- Village/school halls with access to a playing field are good choices. Marquees are another option but can be expensive. You will also most likely need good parking facilities for spectators and competitors. Also make sure you have suitable toilet facilities.
- If you have a second ring for agility/obstacle course or obedience, then a notice of that ring’s purpose should be displayed on a prominent noticeboard.
- The ring should be large enough for the contestants to stand along 2 sides and maybe partway down the third side. For a 6 class novelty type show, consider a ring of some 20 meters (65.6 ft) by 20 meters (65.6 ft). If the contestants are stood along 4 sides, then the ring is too small for purpose, so make it bigger. Spectators should be able to sit along at least 2 sides of the ring, if not 3.
4
Decide how serious your show will be. More serious shows use qualified and experienced judges. Fun dog shows are just that––fun––and should be taken less seriously by all concerned. With either, however, you need to plan out a good show program with the right number of classes, etc.
5
Choose judges. If you have access to professional judges, use them. Otherwise, use volunteers who are willing to do it. Either way, they should have experience with dogs.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Setting Up the Events

1
Decide all of the classes you will have for the show. If you are stuck for ideas, you can look up classes. Here are some ideas:
- Suggested Pedigree Classes
- Puppy - Any breed (6 - 12 months)
- Yearling - Any breed (12 - 24 months)
- Gun-dog - Any breed
- Hound and Terrier - Any breed
- Working or Pastoral - Any breed
- Toy and Utility - Any breed
- Any Variety - Open
- Suggested Novelty Classes
- Best Veteran - Any breed (7 years and over)
- Best Crossbreed
- Best Rescue Dog - Any dog that has come from an animal shelter.
- Most Handsome Dog
- Prettiest Bitch
- Most Appealing Eyes
- Waggiest Tail
- Best Condition
- Best Brace - 2 dogs alike
- Best Irish Brace - 2 dogs of different types
- Best 6 legs - Dog and Owner
- Best Junior Handler
- Dog The Judge Would Most Like To Take Home
2
Include some dog agility options. Dog agility classes are often included at dog shows but usually as an interesting novelty. Owners are invited to let their dogs have a try-out at various challenges such as walking along planks, over hurdles or in and out of sticks etc. These competitions are usually just a bit of fun and an added attraction to your fundraising event.You may however like to consider inviting your local dog agility club. These clubs are often keen to demonstrate the skills of their pets and regularly feature in all sorts of summer fundraising events. A run-through of their routines can make a great attraction at your event.
3
Have awards. It is traditional to give rosettes to the winners of every class, with a larger and more colourful rosette to the Best In Show Winners. Some shows give rosettes to the first four places, whilst some shows have rosettes down to 6th place. You do not have to award six places in every class. You could also do certificates. Remember do order these early and in plentiful supply. Cups are also a good option.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Entry Forms

1
Have the paperwork ready, either in digital or paper formats. Every show will have its own style of entry form. Ideally, the form should be A4 size with the entrant keeping the top half - which has venue, class list, class fee, sponsors, etc. The volunteer booking in the entries should write the classes entered on to the kept section, or on to the back of the ring number cards as they are issued. The bottom half should be submitted at the entry point, and include:
- Name, age and breed of dog
- Owners contact details
- Classes being entered
- Total entry fee paid
- Dog Club membership number (If a DC event)
- You may also want to have forms for the judge to fill to say who came where. This is especially important if you are holding a best of show class.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Get Word Out

1
Advertise out space so local dog related companies can come and demonstrate their products and/or services. You can also hold little raffles, tombolas, etc.
2
Advertise the event. Make posters, put notices in newsagents’ windows or on council notice boards, use local newspapers and radio stations, and advertise on Facebook. Make noise and get the word out there. You will want to do this anywhere from a month before to a couple of weeks before, depending on how much publicity you want.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

On the Day

1
Set up. Depending on how early you are allowed at the venue, you may need to get a wiggle on. Lots of volunteers are useful. If you are running an agility course you will need to set up, plan and number a course.
- If you cannot obtain dog agility jumps, make your own. For example, you could use barstools with brooms that sit on the rungs between the stools. Or, use an old unwanted ottoman and other seating from the local charity store. Another option is to use wine or soda crates as jumps.
- A tunnel could be made using folding chairs with sheets draped over them.
- Be inventive, there are many possibilities to rustle up jumps, tunnels and other agility or obstacle items that are cheap, free and safe for dogs.
2
Check the health and safety is in order. Think about the venue and activities that you’ve chosen. Is there anything that could put a dog or owner at risk?
- Vets — you should have a vet on hand should a dog need medical attention. You could ask a local vet to be a judge as well (see above).
3
Enjoy the day. No need to panic, you've got it all sorted but do keep an eye on everything to make sure it all runs smoothly. Be a good host and check everyone is enjoying the day.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I advertise a fun dog show using email, Facebook or other dog-related sites?

Community Answer

Design a colorful poster with some pictures of dogs and the details of the dog show. Then encourage others to post and share.
Question

Can I use this for a horse show?

Community Answer

Yes, they are very much the same.
Question

Can I do the same sort of things, but for a cat show?

Community Answer

Yes, but that would include serious, long-term training for the cats. Dogs are easier to train than cats.

Warnings

Advertise it well, otherwise there is less chance of people going with dogs

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Helpful 11 Not Helpful 2
Keep the dogs well under control

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Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
Do not enter your dog in the show, if you are judging. You may want to go for him!

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Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2
Remember 3rd party insurance ECT. As named above.

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