Community Update

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate
Release

August 14, 2013

Somerset Hills
Kennel Club Invites NJ Residents to Attend

The North Branch Cluster, 4-Days of Dog Shows

On September 5 – 8, 2013, a series of dog shows known as the
North Branch Cluster will be held at the beautiful North Branch Park at 355
Milltown Rd. in Bridgewater, NJ. As one of New Jersey’s largest dog show
weekends, the shows will draw many of the top
show dogs from across the country representing approximately 175 different
breeds. Sponsored by Purina, the cluster begins Thursday, September 5th with Sporting, Hound and Non-Sporting group
shows, and features all-breed shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please visit http://northbranchcluster.org/index.htm
for more information.

The cluster’s cornerstone club has been the Somerset Hills
Kennel Club (SHKC) and this year marks their 79th all-breed dog show.
The SHKC show is held on Saturday, September 7th. Lisa Warren, their show chair
says, “This show is the highlight of our club’s year but it is also a wonderful
weekend for all dog lovers to come out and celebrate the beauty and variety of
our beloved companions. Admission and parking are free and food vendors are on
site. There will also be a wide range of vendors selling dog-related products
and gifts.”

A family favorite at this year’s cluster will be the American
Kennel Club’s new Beginner Puppy Competition. On September 6th, 7th
and 8th, puppies from 4–6 months old will compete for the title of
Best Beginner Puppy in Show. The 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition is intended to
introduce new exhibitors and their puppies to the show world in a stress-free
and relaxed environment. The deadline for entering your pure bred puppy is
August 22nd. To enter your puppy, just go to: http://www.infodog.com/entry/. This
will be a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize with people and other dogs
at an optimal time in its development.

If you want to plan your visit to the shows around seeing a
specific breed of dog, you can get the complete schedule for each show at http://www.infodog.com/panels/nj.htm
after August 26th. Look for shows held in Bridgewater, scroll to the day and
the show you are interest in, click on that show and then find the link to the
“Judging Program”. All the breeds will be listed with the times they will be
shown and the ring they will be in. Come out and join us for a beautiful day
with dogs.

Tips for the First-Time Dog Show Spectators

–   After you arrive at the show site, find the
superintendent's table and purchase a show catalog. All of the rings at the
show are numbered and the catalog will tell you which breeds are being shown in
which ring and at what times.

–  If professional
groomers are free under the exhibition tents, visit and talk with them to get
tips on keeping your dog looking his best.

–  However
tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may
have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.

–  At each dog
show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer
helpful information to the general public.

–  Wear
comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair
or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually
limited.

–  If you bring
a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's
tail or feet, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach.
Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows
prohibit baby strollers.