Benching and Grooming Information
*** New for 2012: Traditional wooden benches will be replaced with pipe and drape spaces. ***
Each year, the Detroit Kennel Club looks for ways to improve its shows for those who exhibit dogs. In 2004 we introduced bench-side grooming, and it was met with overwhelming approval by our exhibitors. We hope to continue to make additional changes to make our shows easier and more efficient for all who exhibit dogs here.
Benching
Once again, the DKC will offer both breed and multi-breed benching sections. The majority of exhibitors bench in the breed section of which they are affiliated.
- Multi-Breed benching privileges will be available ONLY to exhibitors/agents who have four dogs of different breeds (not varieties) and/or are members of a recognized professional handler association (AKC Registered Handler, Professional Handlers Association, Dog Handlers Guild or Owner Handlers Association). NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are an exhibitor/agent and you wish to have all your dogs benched together, you MUST make the request in writing. This request MUST include your name(s), the AKC registration number and breeds of those dogs you want benched together and must be forwarded per page 13 of the Premium List. Benching together of different breeds will ONLY be allowed in the MULTI-BREED SECTION. For exhibitors requesting the Multi-Breed Section, the cost is $25.00 per day, includes electricity. (Fee is collected by MB-F, Inc.; make separate check from entry fees; payable to MB-F, Inc.) A form is included on page 42 of the Premium List for your convenience. This completed form must accompany entries.
- **Only dogs of the SAME BREED/VARIETY are benched together in the breed benching areas.
- A special index will be included in the Judging Program to help you locate your benching area.
- There will be no switching from breed section to multi-breed section or vice-versa. There will be no switching between handlers' spaces. It is your responsibility to send complete and correct information in your benching request.
- All dogs must be benched in accordance with “Notice to all Exhibitors” on page 10 of the Premium List. This will be strictly enforced by the Superintendent and the Event Committee.
- All exhibitors and agents will be permitted to have their grooming equipment only immediately in front of their respective benches. There will be 10' in front of benches for grooming. Stacking of crates on benches will not be permitted, except in the case of Toy Breeds. By order of the Fire Marshal, crates will not be permitted in any aisle, at any ring or on any floor space. All crates MUST be on the benching. Private exercise pens will be allowed only for exhibitors with five or more dogs benched together per the rules on page 11.
- Bench numbers will not be permitted to be changed or altered in any manner.
- Electricity for grooming will be provided by Detroit Kennel Club. However, only one appliance can be connected to each outlet at one time. Additional appliances on a single circuit will cause an overload. Exhibitors will be charged to reactivate a circuit.
- Private exercise pens will be allowed in designated area only and must have plastic covering the bottom and all sides. The Detroit Kennel Club members, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to remove any ex-pens.
- All dogs must be benched in accordance with the AKC “Rules Applying to Dog Shows”, Chapter 13, Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4. This will be strictly enforced by the Superintendent and the Event Committee of the Detroit Kennel Club. See also pages 2, 11 & 13 of the Premium List.
- The Superintendent will provide those benched in the Multi-Breed sections only with name signs for their benches for quick identification in their benching area.
Additional information is available in the Premium List.
Grooming
All exhibitors will have bench side grooming. There will not be separate grooming areas; all grooming is to be performed in the benching area. Electricity for grooming will be provided by the Detroit Kennel Club. However, only one appliance can be connected to each outlet at one time. Additional appliances on a single circuit will cause an overload. Exhibitors will be charged to reactivate a circuit.
All exhibitors and agents will be permitted to have their grooming equipment only immediately in front of their respective benches. There will be 10' in front of benches for grooming. Stacking of crates on benches will not be permitted, except in the case of Toy Breeds. By order of the Fire Marshal, crates will not be permitted in any aisle, at any ring or on any floor space. All crates MUST be on the benching. Private exercise pens will be allowed only for exhibitors with five or more dogs benched together per the rules on page 13 of the Premium List.
Exercise pens
Professional handlers and agent/handlers in the multi-breed section will be allowed to set up private exercise pens, which will be monitored for cleanliness. Private exercise pens must have plastic convering the bottom and all sides.
Exhibitors will also be able to set up private exercise pens if the following requirements are met: a minimum of five dogs entered and benched together per the rules on page 13 of the Premium List; pens must be taken down by 8AM and must remain down until 5 PM each day; private exercise pens will be allowed in designated areas only and MUST BE lined with plastic.
The Detroit Kennel Club members reserve the right to remove any ex-pens that are not properly maintained.They must not be in any aisle way or they will be trashed by the Cobo night cleaning crew. The Detroit Kennel Club members reserve the right to remove any ex-pens that are not properly maintained.
Additional wire mesh dog runs will be added for those in the breed sections with fewer than five dogs in an effort to make it easier to exercise dogs.
