The Great Greyhound Gala Competitor Information

Practice “trotting” out your dog (slow jog). The lead should be loose, and dog relaxed. Please note a harness, martingale collar or flat collar will be acceptable for the event.

Practice having your dog stand in place. It is ideal if you are able to stand so the judge can see your dog at all times; if the judge is standing to the side of the dog, move to stand in front of your dog, if they’re in front of your dog, move to the side. If this is too confusing/distracting for your dog, just stand to their side while acknowledging the judge.

Wash and groom your dog (clean/wipe face, clip nails, remove any dirt/markings, etc.)

Ensure your collar/harness and lead are clean and tidy. GAP are happy to supply GAP branded leads for those who’d like one.

Your Hound:

• A collar or harness they’re comfortable and familiar with.
• A travel mat if you think they’d like to lie down in between classes.
• You are welcome to use a muzzle for your dog, it will not affect your class results.
• Poop bags. There will be bins, mops and poop bags available, please dispose of your dog’s poo respectfully.

The Human:

• Shoes suitable for walking/jogging (preferably enclosed).
• Neat and tidy attire.

• Dog water bowls will be placed around the grounds
• Vendors (Fast Friends R&R, Woofalicious, Don’s Designs & Wildtails)
• Photographer – VickiPhotos will be photographing the event and free images will be available to download. A link will be sent to competitors and shared across social media.
• Food & Beverage vans (That Little Van & Leenie’s Food Van)
• A flower wall for lovely photos!
• Toilets
• First aid officers and first aid kits

Please sign in at the welcome desk (location marked on map) upon arrival. You will be given a competitor number to wear on your person (a sticker). You will also be presented with a show program which will have the event timetable and map. Please review the map and timetable so you are aware of where your classes will be held and what time they are likely to begin. Announcements will be made over a PA regarding class start times, as well as indicated by the Ring Marshals.

A demonstration on ring etiquette, how to run your dog out, and general handling tips will be given at 9am.

Ensure your dog is attended at all times. Ensure you are close enough to see and hear the Steward’s call.

Immediately the Ring Marshal call your class, make your way quickly to the assembly area and wait for the Steward to call your exhibit number.

• When your exhibit number is called, acknowledge your presence and move to the area nominated by the Marshal.
• From this time onwards pay attention to the Marshal until they direct you to move into the ring.
• All dogs in your class will be asked to line up, with your dog facing the centre of the ring. Please ensure you are a comfortable distance from your neighbours.
• The judge will give direction on the ring exercise you are to complete at the start of the class. If you require clarification, please ask the judge before beginning the exercise.

Best Coat

The judge will give direction to turn to your right and walk the perimeter of the ring individually. Please ensure that you have at least two meter’s distance between you and the person/dog in front of you. Once you’ve completed the lap, return to your original place in the line.

Golden Oldies, & Costume Classes:

The judge will give direction to turn to your right and walk the perimeter of the ring as a group. Please ensure that you have at least two meter’s distance between you and the person/dog in front of you. Once you’ve completed the lap, return to your original place in the line.

Best Trot:

The judge will task each competitor to perform the required exercise (examples illustrated below). Once you have completed the exercise, please return to your place in the line.

Best Handler:

Each handler will be asked to guide the dog through weaving cones, perform a halt, trot and walk on, and place the dog on a mat (either stand, lie down or stand).

All classes:

Once all competitors have completed the exercise, the judge may inspect the dogs while they’re in line. Please ensure the judge has a good line of sight to your dog.

The judge will then call forward the placegetters to receive their rosettes in the order of third, second and first.

Best Trot

• Evenness of stride
• Dog’s willingness to move forward with handler
• Comfort and confidence of movement

Best Coat

• A clean and tidy coat
• Shine and overall health of coat

Best Handler

• Effective and clear communication with dog; a clear bond displayed
• Proper handling of the dog
• Confidence and presence of dog and handler
• Ability to follow judge’s instructions

Golden Oldies

• A calm and obliging temperament
• Silver “frosting”
• Bond with handler
• Heart Melt factor

Costume Class

• Creativity and eye-catching costume
• Use of colour and design
• A clear theme / character

Champion Classes

The winners of the Best Trot and Best Coat classes (three for four classes for each) will be eligible for the Champion class for each ring. The second and first placegetters of the Best Handler (two) classes will be eligible for the Champion Handler class.

Once the individual classes have been completed, the Champion class will be called.

The Champion class will run in a similar manner, but the Judge may ask for a variation of the original exercise.

Second Reserve, Reserve and Champion placings will be awarded in that order.

All Classes / Placings

There will be a dedicated area for photos with your (placegetter or not). Please let Vicki know if you would like a photo. Placegetters are encouraged to have their photos taken with their rosettes and prizes. If applicable, GAP will supply these photos to the sponsors of the class.

Pawticipation Certificate

All competitors can collect a Pawticipation Certificate from the Welcome Desk once their last class has finished.

We encourage you to stay and support your fellow owners, shop at the stalls, and sip some coffee!

The GAP Team will be on the lookout for worthy recipients of the below awards throughout the event.

Laziest Hound

Best Mannered Hound

Sportsmanship Award

Best Ears

Please enter through the Dogs West gate on Warton Road and park anywhere outside the red highlighted zone in the map below (reserved for vendors and entryway).

This event has been supported by our wonderful sponsors who have donated a prize for the Champion placing. To thank them for their support, and hopefully encourage their involvement in future events, please thank the sponsors through their social media or contact information below.

Best Handler

Bakes On Lakes

Best Trot

Sniff Space

Best Coat

Studio Noah Photography

Golden Oldies

Frank’s Barkery

Costume Class

Wildhunde