I did the craft tent last year, it wasn't cheap, and I couldn't use half the stand I'd paid for. I did write to complain, and never heard anything back, so won't support them again; if I ever do a stall there again, I'll take my own marquee.

Good luck to anyone going, hope the weather stays nice, and you all do well with the showing

When we went last year it was quite busy getting into the showground, and I got a bit confused with the different coloured car parks (it was our first show) so allow plenty of time to get there.

What time are you planning on getting there? Il try to come and see you in the ring because we aren't in until after the Bulldogs- all 3 Chows entered!!

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www.wittonbellchowchows.co.uk

My goal's to get there at 8ish so we can find where to park, clean up any sick (Aiden gets travel sick) and give him a little bit of a walk.

I am resorting to bacon and cheese as treats for his big day. Please dont come watch, if ringcraft is anything to go by I will be in tears if he acts as bad as he did.

Bacon and cheese should keep his attention! don't be nervous, everyone has to start somewhere, and puppies are given allowances for boisterousness, I think he will surprise and impress you when you actually get in the ring.

My Cleo is a minx at Ringcraft, only last week she slipped her lead, ran round all outside, made me fall over and I caught my gel nail on her lead which she completely ripped off! I was bleeding and everything, and she has been going for over a year! But when she gets in the ring, it's as though something just clicks with her, so don't get to stressed about Ringcraft.

Have you met a lady called Sylvia at your Ringcraft? She has Shelties and Border Terriers, has she given you any tips for showing Aiden?

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www.wittonbellchowchows.co.uk

I was just about to say that you need to aim to arrive earlier than 9 - queues will be horrendous, because there is all the agricultural show traffic as well as the dog show traffic -then I noticed you said you were aiming to get there for 8ish. We're hoping to get there around 8ish as well. It's better if you come into Bakewell from the A6 end because then you don't have to drive through the village itself, and the first car park you come to is the one for the dog show.

ETA - don't forget the "mint" tip. I've put this on here before, and I don't think there's any scientific theory behind it, but this tip was given to Sarah and Emma when they started in YKC and they swear by it. They were told that if you feel nervous, your dog can smell this in the scents you exude, and he may become nervous in turn. If you suck a mint just before you go in the ring, this scent of the mint masks your "nervous" smell and your dog will be more relaxed. It's worth a try!

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Bergies and borders - what more could anyone want? Siamese and maine coons, of course!

From the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam:
The Moving Finger writes, and, having writ,
Moves on, nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
(But you can always edit your post, of course )

Try not to jinx it here but last night I had a great training with Aiden. We took him out for his walk, he walked the heel 95% of the time and when he strayed infront I jsut gave it a tug and said heel and he would go back to heel.

He saw a child running odwn the street and barked at him but quickly came out of it. He did see another dog off in the distance but didnt really bother.

We are taking him into the city today then to the beech were there will be LOADS of dogs. Try get him used to them.

I do know Sylvia however I am currently taking ringcraft tips from my mentors and Sylvia has not been to ringcraft since Blackpool dog show.

Ya' know, I think we may just be able to do this.

Don't know answers to your questions, but good luck on showing your baby x