Showing off: dog shows are held all over the country every year and can be a good way of exposing your puppy to being handled and meeting a wide variety of other dogs in a controlled setting. Whether it’s a local village fête or a Crufts qualifier, a well run dog show provides a wealth of training and social opportunities for you and your dog.

Preparing Travis for a show meant getting him used to being washed, brushed and handled – essential for good welfare anyway – and training him to stand still. This is useful, not only in the show ring, but in the vet too.

It’s been a steep learning curve for me because, although I am a KC qualified judge and have judged in, competed in and run companion dogs shows for many years, I am new to championship showing. Essentially it’s similar, but learning how to groom to a much higher standard led to me having to do a fair bit of shopping and meant more than just a quick wash and brush up. Keeping him clean and tidy on the way to the show was a challenge too as I don’t drive. No popping out of the car ready-made for us, alas.

I booked in for a couple of shows to see whether Travis enjoyed it – the most important thing. Big shows can be overwhelming – some have 40+ rings which are very close together with hundreds of dogs competing – and sometimes it seems all barking at once!

Travis had a whale of a time, also meeting his mother and 5 of his siblings for the first time since he left the breeder – his father and a couple of more distant relatives were there too. So it’s on with the training (him and me!) and out with the schedule to see where we can go next.

Next week: Teenage Tantrums

Meanwhile, why not check out R+Dog Training Puppy Start Right Courses  and the new Puppy Social Walk in Chiswick House grounds for help with understanding your puppy and finding a chance to play safely.