Level 1Beginner
Entering several dogs: what to plan for
The answer
Three dogs, three leads, three sets of paperwork… and sometimes two ring calls at the same time! Going to a show with several companions is perfectly possible. The key is to plan who does what and to check each entry before hitting the road.
SCC Expo (the French kennel club's online entry platform) lets you enter several dogs from your owner account, once you have registered them in your profile. A confirmation of entry and payment is sent at the end of the process.
This article covers shows in France. The FCI rules cited apply to international CACIB shows held under its patronage.
A complete file for each dog
When you enter several dogs, it is easy to attach Oslo's paperwork to Nala's entry. To avoid these little mix-ups, prepare one sheet per companion: identity, class, documents sent and confirmation received.
At an FCI international show, age is calculated on the day the dog is shown. The working and champion classes need special documents. So check each dog's eligibility before choosing his class.
Also remember to check the health requirements and the documents requested by the show: the list you prepare must match the event you have chosen.
A budget to work out before you confirm
Don't simply multiply the price for the first dog by the number of entrants. Some shows offer reduced rates for additional dogs and special prices depending on the class.
On SCC Expo, any discounts for several dogs are calculated per owner. They are not guaranteed at every show.
MyDogShow tip: read your show’s whole price list. It may distinguish between the first dog, the second, the following ones and certain classes with a specific rate, with different amounts depending on the closing date. Don’t carry one event’s rates over to another.
Then add your practical costs: transport, parking, any accommodation and entry fees for people coming with you.
Runs that can overlap
Two dogs of different breeds may be called in different rings. Two dogs entered in the same class may also have to be shown together.
Arrange for someone who can take over. The Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) allows a third person to handle the dog; the entry must remain in the owner's name.
A little scenario to picture it
You set off with Rio and Nala. Their runs look close together, then one ring falls behind. Instead of dashing between the two, your helper handles Nala while you stay with Rio.
The key: having prepared this handover before leaving, with someone Nala already knows.
Their waiting deserves as much attention as their showing
Prepare enough water, bowls, bedding and a suitable rest area for each of them. Also arrange for them to be watched while you are away.
The FCI rules make the welfare and health of the dogs a priority. They prohibit, among other things, exposing them to a dangerous situation, such as leaving them in a car in excessively hot or cold weather.
Beginner: three tips for setting off calmly
- Prepare one folder per dog. Write his name on it and gather the requested documents, his confirmation and any supporting documents.
- Do a dry run of the departure. Check that the dogs and the equipment fit in the vehicle, then practise unloading with your helper.
- Choose a number of dogs you can comfortably manage. Take into account their experience, how well they get along and the help available.
Intermediate: three tips for a smoother day
- Prepare a table of runs. Note the rings and the announced times where available, then update your plan on site.
- Assign roles. Decide who handles, who watches the dogs at rest and who gets the next dog ready.
- Compare the final amount with the breakdown of the rates. Check the classes, the discounts that apply and any extra fees before paying.
Advanced: three tips for coordinating the whole team
- Plan for the finals too. Finishing an individual run does not necessarily mean the day is over: a dog may be called back for the rest of the competitions.
- Prepare for any group competitions. At an FCI international show, dogs taking part in the optional groups must also compete individually. Check the conditions of the competition on offer before adding it.
- Set a fallback plan. Decide in advance how to reorganise the handling if a helper is missing, if the times overlap or if a dog needs to go home.
The check before you leave
| What to check | Practical question |
|---|---|
| Entries | Is each dog on the confirmation? |
| Documents | Are the requested documents ready for each of them? |
| Budget | Have the payment and any extras been settled? |
| Handling | Who takes over if runs happen at the same time? |
| Comfort | Who watches the dogs while they wait? |