42. Mr Hallam, on behalf of Barrow-in-Furness Dog Training Club, requested the Council discuss ways to limit entries at shows whilst retaining Open Show status. The Council noted the matter had been discussed at a previous meeting. It was accepted that some venues were tight on space and therefore the Society was restricted as to how many rings could be accommodated. The Council suggested that limiting camping, the number of runs per dog or the classes scheduled were all ways that societies could restrict entries. The Council did not support the suggestion of allowing an Open Show to be limited by overall numbers as it was concerned that a dog could win a very small class and progress through the grades before it was ready. The Council also agreed that, in the current financial climate, it expected competitors to be more selective as to which shows they would attend.
So, the Council came up with a number of ideas –
Limiting camping – we do that but being in the Lake District we are surrounded with camp sites and holiday homes so all that happens is we get more day entries.
Limit the number of runs per dog – as we have said we run our show for the competitiors and I don’t think any of our members would be keen to do the amount of work required and then only give people 2 runs.
Limit the classes scheduled – sorry we are not sure what this means! Help!
We don’t want a dog to win a very small class and progress through the grades, we don’t want to go from a large show to a minute one, there must be a reasonable compromise.
We agree, in the current financial climate competitors are more selective as to which shows they attend – they come to ours!
We really need some help – do you have any ideas? Let us know.