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. In 2009, we hope 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 in 2009. The majority of exhibitors bench in the breed section of which they are affiliated.
The Detroit Kennel Club has made changes to the Multi-Breed Benching Requirements for 2009. These changes were made to address concerns of our spectators, who were unable to find breeds in the breed section.
1. 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 14 of the Premium List. This request MUST be received by the Superintendent by the closing of entries, which is Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at noon. There is also a form available for online entries which can be found at Benching Request.2. Only dogs of the SAME BREED/VARIETY are benched together in
the breed benching areas.3. 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.4. A special index will be included in the Judging Program to help you locate your benching area. The Superintendent will provide name signs on benches and rows for quick identification of benching areas.
5. The ring and benching layout will be reconfigured in 2009 so that professional handlers and agent/handlers will be closer to the rings, to address the special circumstances of those showing multiple breeds.
Stacking of crates on benches will not be permitted in either the breed or multi-breed benching area, except in the case of toy breeds. Crates will not be permitted in any aisle, at any ring or on any floor space. All crates must be on the benching.
If exhibitors owning the same breed wish to be benched together, the entries must be received in the same envelope.
Bench numbers will not be permitted to be changed or altered in any manner.
All dogs must be on their benches throughout the advertised hours of the events with certain acceptions as stated in Chapter 13 of the AKC rules. The advertised hours of the events' duration are the times the judging of the event commences until the closing hours. Dogs will be released by 5PM on Saturday and 4PM on Sunday. Puppies cannot be excused any earlier than mature dogs.
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 Event Committee.
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.
There will be an increased area in front of the benches for small tables and chairs, which includes 10 feet in front of benches for grooming. There will be no separate areas for grooming or crates. Crates must remain on the bench at all times. Soft sided crates are not allowed on the benches.
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. In 2009, 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 12 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.