Procedures, Policies, and Protocols

•  Contestants must enter through The World of Pets Expo and provide their name to staff at the information counter.
  
• Please note that check-in may begin before the Expo opens to the general public. Do not arrive earlier than the designated check-in time, as early entry may not be permitted.
  
• The competition check-in station opens 1 hour prior to the contest start time.
  
• Contestants must bring their competition dog and all necessary equipment to the check-in station before entering the ring.
  
• Contestants will be directed to a designated table upon check-in.
  
• The check-in station will close 10 minutes before the competition start time.

Any contestant who has not checked in at least 10 minutes before the start time will not be permitted to compete. 

•  Dogs must be clean, dry, and free of mats and tangles. Nails should be clipped and/or filed, and ears cleaned.
  
• Sanitary areas and paw pads may be clipped prior to the competition. All other grooming must occur during the contest timeframe, with exceptions noted in the Poodle and Pre-Groomed Creative categories.
  
• Dogs must be of an age appropriate for a competitive environment. The suggested age range is 1 to 10 years.
  
• Dogs must appear healthy, be in good physical condition, and be free from infectious diseases and parasites.
  
• Dogs must not show signs of pregnancy or be actively nursing.
  
• Dogs must never be left unattended at any time.
  
• Proper care, including food, water, and exercise, must be provided while on show premises.
  
• Dogs must be leashed when not crated or actively being groomed.
  
• All dogs must comply with the applicable vaccination regulations of the city, county, state, and country hosting the competition.

 During prejudging, the judge(s) will evaluate, confirm, and document the following.

• Correct competition class
  
• Sufficient coat growth and overall preparation
  
• Appropriate time frame based on size, breed, or grooming technique
  
• Correct division placement
  
• Whether a grooming pattern has been pre-set
  
• Contestant comments regarding the dog’s condition, including (but not limited to):
  • Ear infections
  • Missing coat
  • Moles or scars
  • Healing injuries

•  Decorative objects, such as bows and scarves, are not permitted in regular purebred classes.
  
• Coloring is prohibited in purebred classes, except when used solely to enhance the dog’s natural coat color.
  
• Hair extensions that match the natural coat color are permitted but must be applied during the competition timeframe.
  
• Styling products such as hairsprays and gels may be used only during the competition timeframe.
  
  • A light spray may be used to "freshen up" after time is called, but re-shaping of any kind is not allowed once time is called.
  • This includes shaping or patting the coat (e.g., Kerry Blue jackets, show poodle headpieces), or using water or product to alter the groom.
  • Hairspray is not permitted on poodle tie-ups prior to the competition or after time is called.
    

  Chalk (e.g., terrier chalk) may be used before or during the competition to assist with hand-stripping or to enhance coat color. It may not be applied after time is called. 

• Contestants must remove all hair, tools, and equipment from the grooming table.
  
• A comb should be placed on the table for the judge’s use.
  
• Contestants may comb their dogs after scissors down, as well as before and after judging.
  
• Finishing sprays may be used to freshen the dog’s appearance after scissors down, prior to, and after judging.
  • However, any reshaping or styling using hairspray, other products, or water is strictly prohibited at this stage.
    

  Contestants should stack and present their dog to the judge(s) for final evaluation. 

 Judges will evaluate the following aspects during scoring:

• Overall uniformity and consistency of the trim
  
• Balance, symmetry, and overall style
  
• Purebred Classes: Adherence to the correct breed profile
  
• Freestyle Classes: Groomer’s ability to create the best possible profile based on the dog’s body type, conformation, and coat
  
• Scissoring: A plush, even finish with no visible scissor marks
  
• Hand Stripping & Carding: A smooth, natural appearance using proper technique
  
• Edges: Clean execution around feet (e.g., Cocker and Poodle feet), accurate pattern placement, and appropriate coat type, texture, quality, and quantity
  

Effective camouflaging of conformation faults and enhancement of the dog’s best features 

•  Post-contest photos will be taken after the technical evaluation is complete.

• Contestants should bring their name tag and dog to the photo station.
  

After photos are taken, contestants should return to their table and await further instructions. 

 The following are not allowed in the contest ring at any time:

• Standing on tables or chairs
  
• Beverages not in spill-proof containers
  
• Coaching from anyone during the competition timeframe
  
• Use of visual or written instructions
  
• Smoking or use of any flame-producing devices
  
• Hair dryers
  
• Holding or carrying crates

•  Grooming tables and arms will be provided.
  
• Contestants are responsible for bringing all personal grooming equipment, including but not limited to: grooming loops, scissors, clippers, blades, brushes, and other tools.
  
• All personal equipment must be removed from the arena after each class.
  
• All grooming tools are permitted, including snap-on combs.
  

Flat irons and curling irons are also permitted. 

•  Appropriate grooming attire and shoes must be worn at all times.
  
  • Open-toed shoes or shoes with open ties are not permitted.
    
  • Contestants who are deemed to be inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to compete.
    
• Contestants must maintain professional manners and a positive attitude at all times.
  
• Safety at the styling station is paramount.
  
  • For example, leaving scissors open on the table where the dog could step on them is considered an unsafe station.
    
• Contestants must always practice kind and safe handling techniques with their dogs.
  
• Dogs must never be left unattended at any time.
  
• Contestants must apply technical skills with safety in mind.
  
  • Nicks, cuts, and clipper irritations resulting from improper technique will be penalized.
    
• Good sportsmanship must be displayed at all times.
  
  • Poor sportsmanship includes showing disrespect to fellow competitors, judges, the contest dog, staff, sponsors, or spectators.
    

  Professional conduct extends to the care and responsibility of your contest dog, as well as the care of hotel grounds, rooms, and property. 

•  Contestants may receive warnings or disqualification notifications for infractions of the competition rules.
  
• The judging panel will determine whether a rule infraction results in disqualification, based on the severity and cause of the violation.
  

Awards will not be withheld unless the judging panel deems there is a disqualifying factor