17 December 2010

Nantes Dog Show - The International

As Karen, Kath and the dogs walked through the massive venue the next morning - they spotted quite a number of other events taking part outside!  It was very very cold and good for them to know they were to be well looked after inside the warm venue. 
Who else would you expect a dog to find in a hide?   Looks like there was more than one Father Christmas though!
Obedience was organised on an area of tarmac.
Sheep herding too!
But they managed to utilise some of the grassed areas for the sheep and dogs.
Back in the warmth of the Main Hall - the arena was very popular with many taking their seats early.  The magnificent trophies were on display for the International Breed Show Winners.
The scene was set for the judging of the Best of Groups but before they entered the ring for judging, it was time for Karen and Kath to entertain the audience and organisers.
The Main Organiser of the entire event - Sylvie Desserne.    For the first time ever, this wonderful lady had made all the arrangements for this show.  And what a show she had produced.  It was faultless.  Congratulations Sylvie!!!!
Karen and Kes entertained with "Be Our Guest" - a wonderful routine with a French flavour.
Ready to order?

 Kath and Amber "dancing" to Sway.

Kath & Amber
Both Kath and Karen were kept very busy during their two sets of entertainment - but they were well planned and all ran smoothly
Kath and Spice with their entertaining routine to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines"
Kath & Spice

Once again the audience gave fabulous applause through out the performances.
Karen and Erin gave a very enthusiastic performance to "Lollipop".
Karen and the youngest dog on the team, Erin

Kath and Amber performing to "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)"

Karen with the oldest dog in the Team - performing to "Me Ol' Bamboo"

Kath and Spice also decided to show the spectators their routine performed to "Mr Blue Sky"
Kath and Spice - skipping in unison!

This dog was a Champion!!  Running around the ring as the team and each Breed Group were introduced.  It was cold outside - but very, very hot inside that costume!
After all ten of the Breed Groups had been judged, Kath and Spice were invited back into the ring for a final performance of "If I Only Had A Brain".  The atmosphere at the show was unbelievable and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the routine.
Spice joining in with the cheers!

After all the judging and dancing was completed - time for the Champagne to start flowing!!!
Back at the hotel, the team had been invited to join the judges and organisers each evening, but the last dinner was exceptional - everyone was relaxed and happy that the show had run so well.


The last night and the tables are ready.


An International table with representatives from Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Eire and of course England.
More new friends for Top Lodge Dancing Dogs

Erin was this judges favourite Dancing Dog,

And Spice had been favoured too!

Sylvie makes friends with Spice


And another organiser says Goodbye and Thank You to Spice and the Team

Thank you to Sylvie and everyone involved in making Karen and Kath's time at Nantes absolutely fabulous!

Nantes Dog Show, France

Karen, Kath, Allan and David had arrived in Nantes late Thursday night, so it was a relief to know that Friday was a day of leisure.   However, the team spent their time wisely by checking out the venue for the Nantes Dog Show which was just a 5 minute walk from their hotel.

The organisers had arranged everything perfectly, including a changing room close to the Main Ring for their speedy costume (and dog!) changes, which would also act as a rest area for the handlers and dogs.

Saturday started early - at the Show venue - with a Training Day for a select ten handlers and many spectators in a beautifully carpeted room which was to be utilised that afternoon for an HTM Competition.
Both Kath and Karen had each been provided with an interpreter which was excellent as this meant each handler had time for many individual sessions with their GB Trainers.
Unfortunately, motivation was often lacking when the French delegates were training/rewarding their dogs.  Karen and Kath had arranged a section on motivation in their lesson plan however, many had "forgotten" to bring their dog's toys or food treats but they left the training with no doubts about how important rewards are.

The handlers were eager to learn how Karen and Kath teach their dogs different moves - Kath explains that sometimes with a small dog its easier to get down to their level.
 Another good mixture of breeds attended the training session, proving once again that this is a sport for all dogs!
The spectators were eager to learn too and never missed an opportunity to ask more questions!   The training session had lasted just three hours but in that short time, many had left with months of work ahead of them.   

When Kath and Karen returned to the Main Arena - it was fully decorated for Christmas. 
 An Agility Course had been set up in the ring giving a good display for the audience.
A little Sheltie getting fabulous clearance over the jumps!

Another good mixture of breeds taking part.   This show had a significant number of breeds specifically bred in France taking part in the Agility and the Breed Show.
Kath with Amber - Karen with Fly
After the Agility there was an hour's break for lunch and this was followed by the announcement throughout the halls, that the "Dancing Dogs from England" would be entertaining in the Main Ring.  The crowds suddenly gathered and all seats were filled.   Kath and Karen started their set with a HTM Routine performed to Sleigh Ride.  Christmas trees adorned the ring so it was very apt!
 Amber and Fly did very well - in "perfect harmony!"

After one of the fastest costume changes ever - Karen returned to the ring with Kes and performed their fast and furious routine to "Me Ol' Bamboo".  The crowd were very spontaneous with their applause.
 The atmosphere in the Main Hall was electric as spectators gathered to watch.
Kath was next into the ring with Amber to perform their World Championship winning routine to "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)". 
The routine was very well received.
Karen and the youngest member of the team, Erin, were next into the ring performing to "Lollipop" by Mika - the audience clapped along with the beat.
Erin completed the routine really well and was enthusiastic to the end.
Kath and Spice then closed this set with their routine to "If I Only Had A Brain".  Another well received routine which gained applause for the extra special moves.
Kath and Spice managed to make full use of the ring which was quite impressive as it was massive!
Straight after the Dancing Dog entertainment - the Breed Show continued.  Saturday was a National Competition and it was fascinating watching each of the Groups enter the ring - a couple of individual runs around and the top three were placed.  This dog was placed 1st.
It was good to see that those dogs with beautiful conformation and gait were highly placed.  Yorkshire Terrier (2nd)


This Basset Hound (3rd) was stunning - a good mover too.
Sunday would be an International Show and Karen and Kath were warned it would be even busier!