What does a
groom at Crufts actually do?
 When
one qualifies for most big agility events like Crufts, Olympia and the various
World Championships, it is traditional to take a groom (usually a friend) with
you. The groom's job is basically to make the handler's day easier. In 2024, Dan
Shaw was grooming for his partner Dave Munnings with Legacy (Susan) in the
Championship and he was helping Martin Reid and Naarah Cuddy with their ten
million qualified dogs in the Singles. Of course, extra love had to be given to
his home bred girl, Runbye Going Bananas! In an interview with photographer
Linda Gore, he explains what the role of a groom at Crufts is.
Some handlers ask more
of a groom than others. Luckily for me, the handlers I was helping at Crufts
were fairly self-sufficient. It turns out my main role was to be a donkey,
carrying the crate - and shopping - back and forth from the van.
A vital role of the
groom is to help make course walking decisions backstage once the competitors
are given the course map. When competing at these big events, I always want my
groom to keep me chilled, so I try to do this when I groom for others, too.
Personally - and Dave, Martin and Naarah are the same - I like to warm up my own
dog, but often grooms help with this role, too. The groom must not forget to
feed and water the handler. Hangry handlers are not pleasant.
Q.
What's the hardest part of being a groom?
A. My days were
incredibly easy, but I am sure the days of all grooms were not the same.
Many competitors need a groom to help them with mental prep, to stay
focused, to cope with emotions. I say it every time at big events, but it is
no coincidence that those who are not flapping backstage are doing better in
the ring!
Q.
And the easiest?
A.
Taking the glory for any success!
Q. How do you feel that so many of your friends have
qualified and you have not?
A. I honestly
could not be any prouder of my friends. Many people only get to see those at
the top of our sport being amazing, but I train with these people when
things go wrong, when they need a shoulder to cry on and watch them dedicate
their lives to being at the top. So, to be there on the great days, like
Crufts, is awesome.
Of the UK finals,
Crufts is probably my favourite so, of course, I was a little sad not to be
there. The 2023 season was not kind to me. With dog injuries and just
general life chaos qualifying was not possible. But the year taught me to be
grateful for the good times, so I focused on the success of my friends and
taking inspiration to be back next year.
 Q.
Have you taught any these competitors?
A. As so many of my
students had qualified for Crufts this year, I won't name them in fear of
forgetting someone, but I was so proud of them all flying that Agility Geek
flag!
Q. Who pays for your expenses?
A. It's not
cheap at Crufts. I don't expect anything to be paid for me when grooming.
It's a fun day out for me, too. Having said that if Dave, Martin and Naarah
wish to take me to an all-expensive trip to the Maldives, I definitely
wouldn't say no!
Q.
Have you done this job before?
A. I was
really lucky that I used to groom for Dave before I had ever qualified for
Crufts myself. It was so helpful in preparing me for my first Crufts all
those years ago!
Q.
What words of advice would you give for anyone else who is asked to be a groom?
A. Just do it!
 About
the author...
Linda Gore loves action photography and doing
agility with her Border Collies.
She lives in Leicestershire.
Photo credit: Dan Shaw headshot - Linda
Gore Photography
First published 14th March 2024
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