Workshops
Members can take part in our fantastic range of workshops and seminars which can help you to brush up on skills ranging from judging to commentary. These take place at the Kennel Club in London and the Kennel Club building in Stoneleigh with plans for some to be held in Scotland. They are a fantastic way to learn new skills and hopefully become more involved in the wonderful world of dogs as a result, 2010 saw the introduction of two fantastic new workshops to coincide with others held in recent years.
Judging Workshop returns to Stoneleigh and visits Belfast!
The YKC will again be holding the Introduction to Judging Workshop and we are delighted to announce we have secured two dates in 2012. The workshops are purely educational with hands on training and there will be no qualification or fast track into judging on completion and is the perfect opportunity to help YKC members develop skills and confidence in the ring. The workshops are open to all YKC members aged sixteen years and above who would like to learn the basics of Judging dogs in breed competitions and there are no requirements to attend, however, members will need to complete the Hands on Assessment but this can be arranged by sending the paperwork out prior to the event and testing on the day. Please note that only a small number of places are available and they will be issued on first come basis. If you would like to apply to attend, please email the YKC office at ykc@thekennelclub.org.uk or contact us on 020 7518 1030 to register your details.
Date: Tuesday 10th April
Venue: Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh
Programme to Include: Basics of a Dog by Mr Frank Kane, Ring Procedure & Presence by Mr Gerald King, Practical Sessions with Mrs Valerie Foss, Hands on Assessment (if required) by Mrs Pat Dufty and Mr Ray Morland
Date: Saturday 29 September
Venue: Belfast Championship Show, Kings Hall
Programme to Include: Basics of a Dog by Mr Steve Dean, Ring Procedure & Presence by Mr Gerald King, Practical Sessions and Hands On Assessment (if required) by Mrs Pat Dufty and Mr Ray Morland, Basics of a Dog by Mr Steve Dean, Ring Procedure & Presence by Mr Gerald King, Practical Sessions and Hands On Assessment (if required)
Grooming Masterclass
For members that compete in YKC grooming competitions and wanted to learn more, thinking of entering a YKC grooming heat but wanted some expert advice beforehand or for members beginning a career in grooming and required some professional guidance - this was the 
perfect event.
The YKC Grooming Masterclass was the first of its kind aimed at YKC members to give them the opportunity to learn more about grooming, not only was it a chance to learn new skills that could be applied to grooming their own dog but also to give a greater understanding of grooming as a profession.
Our two speakers had a wealth of knowledge and experience not to mention the many awards behind them! The Masterclass was held at the Kennel Club Building in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on Wednesday 25th August 2010 costing just £10 per person.
Our speakers were world renowned breeder, handler and groomer Michael Gadsby talking us through a variety of grooming skills and techniques and how to apply them in a competition scenario, from keeping a dogs coat in great condition to competition day itself. The session gave members loads of great tips and ideas for their next competition.
We were also delighted to welcome Groom Team England Member and professional groomer Zoe Duffy providing an insight into the world of professional grooming. Starting with grooming as a career choice and looking at how to progress from grooming as a hobby to running a successful salon of your own.
Commentary Course
The Young Kennel Club (YKC) held a commentary course at the Kennel Club’s headquarters in London in February 2008.
The course was lead by Nick Brooks-Ward and Frank Kane, both of whom are Kennel Club members and commentators, both in the ring and on TV. The day taught YKC members the skills involved in being a commentator and gave them a practical chance to put what they learnt into action.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said “The course provides our young members with the chance to gain those skills which are so crucial to being a commentator. We are lucky enough to have two very experienced members leading them and passing on their expertise. I hope all got a lot of valuable knowledge and enjoyment from it.”
Stewarding Seminar
The Stewarding seminar is designed for exhibitors or those who are about to try stewarding for the first time. It is also a good opportunity for those who are currently stewarding to update themselves on current Kennel Club Best Practice for Ring Stewarding. At the end of the seminar delegates will:
- Have a clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities of Stewards at Kennel Club licensed events
- Be aware of up to date Kennel Club Rules and Regulations
- Gain practical hints gathered from those who have a wide experience of stewarding
The seminar programme includes:
- Guide for Judges and Ring Stewards
- Kennel Club Rules and Regulations
- Arriving at the Show
- Prior to commencement of Judging
- During Judging
- After Judging
- Equipment
Members must be sixteen years of age or older to attend the Kennel Club Stewarding seminar and those wishing to apply to steward at Crufts must obtain a certificate to verify that they have attended a seminar beforehand. YKC members under the age of sixteen can steward at shows other than Crufts to gain experience before they take the seminar, and should contact their local show to offer their services. If you would like to attend a Stewarding Seminar, dates and further information can be found on the Kennel Club website, www.thekennelclub.org.uk/eventscalendar, or obtained from Amanda Grieve or call 020 7518 1039.
