Tru North Grooming Show

Dog Preparation — General Guidelines

Dogs must be clean, dry, and free of mats or tangles.
Nails clipped/filed, ears clean, sanitary areas and pads may be pre-clipped.
Decorative items (bows, scarves) are not permitted — except show ring applications for Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus; this does not apply to Salon Freestyle or Creative.
Coloring: only coloring that enhances the dog's natural coat color is allowed (Creative classes excepted).
Hair extensions / “switches” are allowed if they match the dog's natural coat color.
Poodles may have coats banded before the competition starts.

Styling sprays and gels may be applied before or during the competition.
Hairspray may only be used for “freshening up” once time is called — reshaping with hairspray is prohibited.
Chalk may be used before/during the competition to aid hand-stripping or enhance coat color, but NOT after time is called.

Pick up your registration packet at show registration upon arrival.
Competition check-in opens one hour before the contest start time.
Bring: contest entry ticket, signed acceptance of rules, competition dog, and grooming equipment.
Pre-contest photos will be taken at registration or your assigned table.
Check-in closes 15 minutes before competition start; late arrivals will not be allowed to compete.
Check in with your dog 45–60 minutes before the competition begins.

Dogs must be 1–10 years old, healthy, and free of infectious disease or parasites.
No pregnant or nursing dogs.
Aggressive dogs will be disqualified.
Dogs must be crated with food, water, and exercise provided. Leash dogs when not crated or being groomed.
Local vaccination regulations apply.

Notify the ring steward immediately if assistance is needed.
Mandatory break: details announced at class start. ALL DOGS MUST COME OFF TABLES.
No grooming or styling permitted during breaks — break time does not count toward official grooming time.
Assistants may hold dogs during breaks.

Remove all tools, hair and equipment from the table; place a comb on the table.
Combing allowed after “scissors down”; finishing sprays permitted; reshaping with hairspray prohibited.
Stack and present dogs to judges.
Judges evaluate profiles outside the ring; hands-on assessments inside.
Judged on: overall trim (uniformity, balance, symmetry, style), breed standards, scissor work (plushness, no scissor marks), hand-stripping/carding (smooth, natural appearance), clipper lines (clean, no irritation), difficulty of the coat removal, and how the groomer accentuates or corrects conformation faults.

All dogs in the holding area must be properly stored and have access to water at all times.
Holding area is monitored — do not leave dogs unattended for extended periods.
Exercise dogs every 4 hours. Label kennels with name and contact number.
Multiple dogs require an assistant.
Clean up after your dog. Neglect = immediate dismissal from the show.