Procedures, Policies, and Protocols

Contestants must enter through The World of Pets Expo and provide their name to the staff at the information counter
Please note that check-in may occur before the Expo opens. Do not arrive earlier than the designated check-in time, as you will not be permitted entry.
Competition check-in station opens 1 hour prior to contest start time.
Contestants must bring their competition dog, and equipment to contest check-in station prior to entering the ring.
Each contestant will be assigned a table.
The check-in station closes 10 minutes before the competition start time. Contestants who have not checked in by this time will not be permitted to compete.

Dogs should be clean, dry, and free of mats and tangles. Nails should be clipped and/or filed, and ears should be cleaned. Sanitary areas and pads may be clipped prior to the competition. All other grooming must be done during the contest timeframe, with exceptions as noted for Poodle and Pre-Groomed Creative categories.
Dogs must be of an appropriate age for a competitive environment. The suggested age range is between 1 and 10 years .
Dogs must appear healthy, in good condition, and free of infectious diseases and parasites.
Dogs must not show obvious signs of pregnancy or nursing
Dogs must NEVER be left unattended.
Dogs must be properly cared for, including access to food, water, and exercise while on the show premises .
Dogs must be on a leash when not crated or being groomed.
Dogs must comply with applicable vaccination regulations for the city, county, state, and country hosting the competition.

The judge(s) will evaluate, confirm, and note the following:

Correct class
Sufficient coat growth and preparation
Time frame based on size, breed, or technique
Correct division
Whether the pattern is pre-set
Contestant comments, including but not limited to: ear infections, missing coat, moles, scars, healing injuries, etc.

Decorative objects, such as bows and scarves, are not permitted in regular purebred classes.
Coloring, other than to enhance the natural coat color of the dog, is prohibited in purebred classes.
Hair extensions that match the dog's coat color are permitted. If used, they must be applied during the competition timeframe.
Products such as hairsprays and styling gels may be applied during the competition timeframe. However, hairspray is limited to "freshening up" once time is called. Re-shaping, such as that done on a Kerry Blue jacket, shaping or patting the coat into place using water or product, or shaping a show poodle headpiece, may not be done once time is called. Hairspray is prohibited on poodle tie-ups prior to the competition timeframe and after time is called.
Chalk, such as terrier chalk, may be applied prior to or during the competition timeframe to aid in hand-stripping or enhance coat color. It is prohibited to apply after time is called.

Contestants should remove all hair, tools, and equipment from the grooming table.
A comb should be placed on the table.
Contestants may comb their dogs after scissors are down, both prior to and after judging.
Contestants may use finishing sprays to freshen up their dogs after scissors are down, both prior to and after judging. However, ANY reshaping or styling with hairspray, products, or water is prohibited.
Contestants should stack and present their dog to the judge(s).

Overall uniformity of the trim.
Balance, symmetry, and style of the trim.
Purebred: Adherence to the correct breed profile.
Freestyle: Ability of the groomer to create the best possible profile based on body type, conformation, and coat.
Scissoring: Plush appearance without visible scissor marks.
Hand stripping and carding: Smooth, natural appearance with proper technique.
Edges: Properly shaped, such as cocker and poodle feet, with pattern creation or adherence, considering coat type, texture, quality, and quantity.
Camouflaging conformation faults while accentuating profile attributes.

Post-contest photos will be taken after the technical evaluation has been completed.
Contestants should take their name tag and dog to the photo station, then return to their table and await further instructions.

Tables and grooming arms will be provided.
Contestants must provide all of their own equipment, including, but not limited to: grooming loops, scissors, clippers, blades, brushes, etc.
All personal equipment must removed from arena after each class.
All grooming tools are permitted, such as snap on combs.
Flat irons and curling irons are permitted.

Appropriate grooming attire and shoes should be worn at all times.
Open tie shoes are not permitted.
Contestants determined to be dressed inappropriately will not be permitted to compete.
Professional manner and attitude must be maintained at all times.
Contestants must maintain a safe styling station at all times. Example: open scissors left on the table for the dog to step on would be considered an unsafe styling station.
Contestants must practice kind and safe handling techniques at all times.
Dogs must never be left unattended.
Contestants must apply technical skills with safety.
Nicks, cuts, and clipper irritations are considered unsafe technical skill application and will be penalized.
Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times.
Poor sportsmanship is displayed when a contestant shows disrespect to fellow competitors, judge, contest dog, staff, sponsors, and spectators.
Professional conduct is also carried into the care and responsibility of your contest dog and the hotel grounds, rooms, and property.

Contestants may receive warnings or notifications of disqualifications for rule infractions as described.
Judging panel will determine if rule infraction(s) result in disqualification, depending upon severity and cause.
Awards will not be withheld unless the judging panel determines there is a disqualifying factor.