Knowing when not to enter your dog

Sometimes the best decision is to postpone

The show tempts you, the date suits you and entries close soon. Yet your dog seems less available or your arrangements are still uncertain.

You can let this date go by. A season is also built with breaks and with decisions made at the right time.

To decide, distinguish two situations: those where the rules forbid taking part and those where postponing is common-sense advice for the two of you.

1. When the rules exclude participation

At FCI international CACIB shows, the rules provide in particular for the following exclusions. [1]

A bitch in season is not automatically excluded by the FCI: she can take part, unless the organiser's rules prohibit it. So check the conditions of the event. [1]

These rules apply to the framework stated here. For any other event, check its own rules.

2. When his health needs your attention first

An unusual limp, obvious pain or a worrying change in his condition are reasons to put your plan on hold and ask your vet for advice.

Avoid deciding on the mere feeling that "it should clear up before Sunday". Have the situation assessed, then adapt your calendar to the recommendations you receive.

The priority is to understand what is going on, before preparing a presentation.

3. When the atmosphere is still more than he can cope with

Does your dog regularly freeze, try to flee or fail to calm down in busy environments? A show may be too big a step for now.

These behaviours should be observed in context. A single sign isn't enough to draw conclusions, but repeated difficulties are a reason to adapt your preparation.

Plan easier experiences, at a distance and in an atmosphere where he stays comfortable. If the difficulties persist, seek qualified help.

Entering more shows does not guarantee better adaptation.

4. When outings pile up

Two journeys, nights away from home, long waits… Tiredness isn't measured only by the number of runs in the ring.

Watch how your dog gets back to his usual rhythm after each outing. If he still seems worn out, review the programme.

There is no universal recovery time. The break must suit your dog and what he has been through.

Under the FCI framework, health and welfare must remain the priority. The rules prohibit, among other things, exposing the dog to dangerous temperatures in a vehicle. [1]

5. When the logistics don't allow a decent day

Postponing can also be reasonable if:

• You don't have a suitable way to transport him.
• The journey means driving while too tired.
• You can't provide the water, rest or supervision he needs.
• The cost exceeds the budget you can devote to this outing.
• A condition of entry remains unresolved.

A small difficulty can often be sorted out. Several major constraints together should lead you to reconsider the whole outing.

6. When the entry is mostly a response to frustration

After a disappointing result, you may be tempted to enter somewhere else straight away to "make up for it".

Before you pay, ask yourself:

"What will this new show help me learn or achieve?"

If a handling difficulty keeps coming back, a period of work may be more useful than another run a few days later.

Your next entry deserves a goal, even when you are impatient to get back in the ring.

Beginner: three tips for deciding calmly

1. Assess a whole day. Think about the journey, the waiting and the examination as much as the few minutes of showing.
2. Give yourself the right to put off the first outing. You can keep preparing your dog and choose another date when conditions are better.
3. Check uncertain points with the right person. The vet for health; the organiser for admission, documents and rules.

Intermediate: three tips for spotting the need for a break

1. Reread your notes after outings. Look for what recurs: difficulty during the journey, a draining wait or recovery taking longer than usual.
2. Turn the postponement into concrete preparation. Pick one point to work on gradually, without trying to fix everything in a few days.
3. Set criteria for reassessing whether to take part. For example: a health problem checked out, journeys going better or more ease in a suitable environment.

Advanced: three tips for keeping a sound decision

1. Reassess even priority events. A show that matters for your progress is still subject to the dog's current condition and the travel conditions.
2. Keep fees already paid in perspective. A paid entry doesn't oblige you to show the dog if the situation has changed.
3. Adjust the season rather than making up for an absence. Dropping a date can let you prepare better for the following ones. You don't need to replace it straight away.

And if the dog is already entered?

Tell the organiser following their procedures and check the cancellation terms.

For SCC Expo (the French kennel club's online entry platform), the official refund request procedure refers to the show's regulations. A refund should not be considered automatic. [2]

The benchmark before you decide

"If this show were held with no prizes and no title at stake, would this day still be right for my dog today?"

If you have doubts about his health, his comfort or your ability to look after him, take the time to settle that point before confirming the outing.

Sources

• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)
• SCC Expo (France): Entry rules and classes, in French
• Société Centrale Canine (France): Conditions for entering a show, in French