Entering a competition
The first step in your HTM journey is find a trainer and a club, and have fun training your dog - Then one day you may feel ready to take that leap and enter a competition. If you look at the events page you will see a full list of competition dates and where they are held around the country.
Along side the official Kennel club competitions which are listed as either Open or Premier competitions there are also training shows held all over the country - These should be your first port of call. They allow you to get used to entering a ring and working your dog. Most importantly you are not being judged but can ask for feedback from knowledgable judges who are also handlers. You will meet friendly people, have some fun and learn the ropes.
There are also what we call Fun shows - which will have classes that are not held under Kennel Club rules and may be themed class for example a class for those who want to compete using music from the 70's or classical music. All fun shows will have their own guidelines and the key element is that they are there for everyone most importantly dogs to have a great time.
Don't forget to join the main Heelwork to music Facebook group Dancingwithdogs https://www.facebook.com/groups/261316807240364
and the Heelwork to Music Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/heelworktomusic.co.uk
Regulations
UK Competitions
Heelwork to Music competitions are run according to the regulations issued by the Kennel Club.
You can read or download the 2022 HTM regulations from the Kennel Club link https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/3466/heelwork-to-music-l-regulations.pdf
Visit the Kennel club website where there is lots of information about entering a show https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/heelwork-to-music/new-to-heelwork-to-music/
International Competitions
Dog Dancing competitions are run according to the regulations issued by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
You can read or download the latest regulations from the FCI link https://www.cmku.cz/data/dokumenty/1698-4818-pravidla-pro-rozhodci-pro-tanec-se-psem.pdf
What Not To Do When Filling In Your Entry Form
By Lesley Brocklehurst
Only those who are committed to our sport of HTM are willing to take on the time consuming tasks of a Competition Secretary and Competition Manager. Processing the entry forms in order to draw up full and accurate information for running orders and catalogue, is only part of the picture but sadly, far too often it is more like a forensic investigation requiring investigative skills and psychic powers.
Entry Form Completion
The most common mistakes made in filling out entry forms are :
- Illegible handwriting - including vital information such as email addresses. All information should be printed – capital letters please.
- Incorrect spelling - what is written on the entry form is what is printed in the catalogue.
- No KC registration number for the dog - this is compulsory for all show entries
- No signature - again a necessity otherwise it negates the entry.
- Number and name of the class entered do not tally making it hard to assess which is the correct one.
- Multiple entries on one form - a separate form must be used for each entry as clearly stated in schedules and on entry forms so please do not scribble additional entries on the back of a form, on a scrap of paper or squeeze 2 or more entries on one form.
- If you wish to have running orders sent by post then you must tick the box on all your entry forms. Also, if requested to send a stamped addressed envelope then please remember to include it.
- Music details are often incomplete with “unknown” frequently written for either or both the track and performer. There are now music applications and software to help identify these necessary details.
Posting Your Entry
The closing date i.e. last day of posting, is clearly stated on entry forms. It should be obvious that entries are expected to arrive within a couple of days of this date. A “proof of posting” slip can be obtained from a post office free of charge and is recommended in case your entry is held up in the post. Late entries are not acceptable so please do not phone or email in the hope you can be squeezed in. On line entries must similarly be in on time.
In Conclusion
Come on everybody - newcomers and old hands alike – let’s make a New Year Resolution to check carefully that entry forms are filled in clearly, correctly and sent in plenty of time so the Show Secretaries do not have to spend an inordinate amount of time deciphering , following up errors and filling in missing information.
Oh! One last reminder – ALL ENTRIES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE CORRECT FEES.