Is your dog a bit of a poser and loves the limelight? If so, the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) wants to hear from you. Once again, the RKC is encouraging pedigree dog owners across the UK to take their first step into the world of dog showing through its welcoming and accessible Have a Go initiative.
Designed specifically for complete beginners, these sessions, taking place across the UK offer dog owners of all ages and abilities the chance to experience in show ring in a relaxed environment. There’s even a chance to qualify for a special competition at Crufts 2027 held at the Birmingham NEC from 4-7 March 2027, the world’s greatest dog show.
Whether your dog has never set foot in a show ring or you have no prior knowledge of dog showing, you are warmly invited to take part. Any pedigree dog is eligible, and no previous training or experience is required. The sessions provide a supportive environment where newcomers can learn the basics, meet fellow dog lovers and enjoy a rewarding shared experience with their dog.
Each event includes an introductory training session followed by a friendly competition, with rosettes and goody bags provided for all participants. The sessions are sponsored by Royal Canin and Purina, Our Dogs and many more.
One debut shower who started from Have a Go was Bernadetta Rojowska, 41, who qualified at the Three Counties show last year. The full-time mum of three from Staffordshire is also the proud owner of three Samoyeds and she always wanted to get into showing, even though she initially knew nothing about it. After she and her dog, Ozzie, went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Show at Stafford & District Canine Society in September 2025 and they even came third at the Have a Go final at Crufts.
Bernadetta said: “Have A Go felt like the perfect opportunity to gain experience, have fun and maybe get confirmation that I was capable of being a handler myself. Ozzie was still very much a puppy – full of energy and acting more like a kangaroo than a show dog – but somehow we did it and qualified for Crufts. It was an amazing experience.
“One of the best parts of showing has been the friendships. I’ve met amazing people through the show ring and I can always count on their advice, feedback and support. Celebrating each other’s wins and helping each other through the tough days makes the experience even more special.
“For anyone considering showing, make it fun and do it for yourself and your dog. Don’t focus too much on winning – enjoy the experience, learn and make memories together. If you and your dog are having fun, you’ve already won."
2026 HAVE A GO QUALIFYING HEATS
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Sunday 7 June, 2pm – Three Counties Agricultural Society, Malvern Showground, Worcestershire.
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Sunday 14 June, 2.30pm – Border Union Agricultural Society, Springwood Park, Kelso, Scottish Borders.
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Sunday 5 July, 2pm: Boston & District Canine Society, Oakham Showground, Rutland.
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Saturday 25 July, 2.30pm: Leeds City & District Canine Association, Harewood House, Yorkshire.
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Saturday 1 August, 2pm: Paignton & District Fanciers Association, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Devon.
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Sunday 9 August, 2pm: Bournemouth Canine Association, New Forest Showground.
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Sunday 30 August, 2.30pm – Driffield Championship Show, Stafford County Showground, Staffordshire.
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Saturday 5 September, 2.30pm – City of Birmingham Association, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
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Saturday 12 December, 2.30pm – Ladies Kennel Association (LKA), Stafford County Showground, Staffordshire.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing & Engagement Officer at the Royal Kennel Club, said: “Many people watch Crufts and wonder whether their own dog could ever take part. Our Have a Go shows offer the perfect introduction. The sessions are friendly, informative and enjoyable for everyone involved, and it is inspiring to see new participants gaining confidence in the ring. We may well meet future Crufts competitors at these events.”
HOW TO TAKE PART
Entry costs £10, including parking, and all participants receive a beginner’s dog showing pack.
To book a place: Email Have A Go organiser, Christina Chapman to request a booking form on christinachapman.bukris@gmail.com or phone 01507 363736. Entries close two days before each show. Dogs must be registered with the Royal Kennel Club. Entries close two days before each show.
A helpful introductory video for first‑time exhibitors is available at royalkennelclub.com/newtodogshowing.
The Have A Go sessions at each qualifying heat are supported by Our Dogs, Awardboard Rosettes, Birdbrook Rosettes, Dalsetter Rosettes, Yorkshires Finest Pet Foods, Josera Pet Foods, DoggyRade, Eukanuba, Royal Canin and Purina.