Crufts 2012 - Hints and tips thread

[Kelsis]

Any hints/tips etc for a first time attender and exhibitor at Crufts? We will be in the Racing/Coursing greyhound class

All general tips welcome, doesn't have to be breed specific!

[8tansox]

1. Do not carry all your money in one place.
2. Only take the credit cards you think you'll need on the day.
3. Never leave your bag unattended, in fact, have a satchell type that you don't have to put on the floor. My friend had her purse stolen when she put her bag on the floor, between her feet and watched the agility on the large screen, a young mum and child stood next to her, perfectly innocently you might think, but the "mum" bent down to tie the child's shoe-lace and lifted the purse.
4. Wear comfy shoes!
5. Enjoy the day!

[smokeybear]

Take a shopping trolley with you as sods law says you will be parked the furthest away from your actual hall.

In it you can transport:

vet bed
Benching chain
grooming equipment
water bowl
dog food/treats
Water from home (minimizes "incidents")
show lead
wet wipes,
change of clothes and maybe shoes
Flasks (hot drinks are incredibly expensive)
Food (ditto)
pooh bags
Catalogue when you get it as you enter hall and find out your bench number

Wear comfy shoes and take layers as it tends to get warmer as the day progresses even inside as the crowds build up

Go to the toilet before you need to, as queues build up. I have even used the mens before now.

Leave space in this trolley for some shopping and freebies, you will receive some offers via the post (all Crufts exhibitors do) so mark where they are when you get your catalogue and if you can get someone to baby sit dog, you can take home lots of freebies

[hawksport]

Don't forget which carpark you are in and have to spend 4 hours looking for your car in the dark

[Blondie]

Originally Posted by hawksport

Don't forget which carpark you are in and have to spend 4 hours looking for your car in the dark

That reminds of I think 2 years ago, we all trooped back to the car, OH was in the front of us, just kept frigging walking and stupid sod never looked back, we girls couldnt keep up, we lost him and couldtn remember where the frgging car was, wandered round with all the bloody bags for ages, till I had a hissy fit and sat down in the middle of a car park and refused to move, twisitng me head off, calling OH all the bloody names under the sun

We spotted him eventually and the cheeky sod said ' where have you lot been, I've been waiting ages!' He is lucky I didnt smack him out cold there and then!!

[leoti]

i agree with all of the above well except ceerott smacking her fella lol lol but most of all GO AND ENJOY YOURSELF as i was told on my first vist YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO BE THERE ON THAT SMALL PIECE OF GREEN CARPET GO AND ENJOY IT AND DO YOUR BEST

[Darth]

Go with all your dog stuff, plus comfy shoes and plenty of money, there's loads to buy, and take a big bag for all the freebies!

Go to the loo early there's always a queue and take your own food and drink 'cos to buy is expensive.

And last but not least...... relax and enjoy the day.

[hawksport]

If you are going to take your dog outside don't forget his pass or security will make you go back and get it

[Freyja]

Remember to wear comfortable shoes as it is a long day and also wear a colour that complements your dog. If you have a black dog do not wear black trousers or it will look as if your dog has 6 legs.

I may be entering my ex racer Button. If my italian greyhound qualifies then we will be going on thursday for the toys if not I will enter Button and go on sunday.

Practice getting you greyhound to stand for strangers to go over them and getting him to trot nicely at your side you will most likely have to run with a greyhound but don't go to fast you want him to trot at our side.

This is my son showing Button at crufts in 2008 to show you how a greyhpoud should stand


The most important thing to remember is win or loose you will always take the best dog home it is only one persons opinion of your dog.

[Bijou]

get there early and have a look round the trade stands before the worst of the crush ...if you see ladies loo with not much of a queue then GO ( even if you don't need to !! ) .....wear the most comfortable shoes you can ......don't forget poo bags for the journey from the car park to the halls oh and watch where you step especially through that tunnel !! ...don't try and walk your dog through the halls if you can possibly help it after you've arrived at your bench ...the crush can be pretty horrible for them and people can be surprisingly intolerant of dogs ( especially those that are just there for the shopping !! )


.........above all have a fantastic day ...