We were so excited about qualifying for Crufts but I have found out I can't attend as the school I work at is quite strict about having time off during term time (which is fair enough). I was hoping as I do after school classes and can build up lieu time I could use that but apparently I can't.

Hopefully Dan can take the day off (he teaches too, Liz has kindly said she'll take him if he can as he doesn't drive).

Oh that is sad, especially if it is your debut. Lets hope the school heating packs up that day!!!

Pull a sicky

Cant you explain to the school how special this event is - plead exceptional circumstances. I wouldn't pull a sickie as sods law you will run into someone you know from school and you wouldnt enjoy the day so much worrying about getting caught. Good luck! I hope you manage to attend crufts

Hi Mrs Mc
I'm in the same position. This is my firt deerhound and first year of showing. My dog has qualified and I teach, therefore, shouldn't really attend. My headteacher has said we will 'sort something out' but my girl has suddenly developed a dislike for showing and i'm not sure what to do about it. She just won't let the judge go over her. Under any other cicrumstances she is happy for anyone to touch her but get her in a show ring and she turns into the 'she devil'. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Oh poor you. The only thing I can suggest is going to a ring craft class and if you have visitors get some yummy treats and ask them to go over her and give the treats so she gets some really positive reinforcement.

You can ask to display the teeth yourself in the ring if that is a particular problem but I don't know how well that would go down at Crufts but I have seen it done at Championship shows. In fact one Afghan judge at Builth insisted that exhibitors show him the teeth as he is a bio chemist and he feels that the judge putting his/her hand in each dogs mouth is a way to spread germs.

Good luck. I do have the details of a dog behaviouralist who is apparently fantastic at sorting out problems etc and I could PM you if you wish.

Well it's fallen well for me next year, hound day is on my day off from work and I wanted to go anyway (was going to meet up with owners of Mack's sister from Windsor) so it's even more special for me to travel down with Mack and Dan and be able to cheer them on

I've never been to Crufts so will try not to feel too overwhelmed with it all!!

Graizelund wrote:


We will have to meet up Liz - as hopefully i will be going again next year,
few others will be there from LL as well .

Oh excellent Jane!!

Not seen you guys in ages

we will have to make some arrangements nearer the time

Yes we will,
hopefully i will get to meet a few other people this time as well,
as last year i wasnt feeling verry well and didnt have the energy
to meet everyone.

I have managed to get the time off work I am really looking forward to going, it will be lovely to see everyone.

Could any one tell me when the entry date is, and where you apply? This is all new to me.

you can enter now on line for Crufts on Fosse Data just found out.

MrsMc wrote:


That's a shame MrsMc. At least the next 2 years will be ok as they'll fall at the weekend for you. I've also got problems re getting there as work are shipping me off to the Middle East again. But as long as flights aren't delayed I should be back the night before hopefully. We'll try and get photos of Dan. What class are you going to be entered in?