I agree, people should NOT bring their dogs to an event like this. This can be very distracting for the show dogs and even can cause serious problems, hence most shows have a strict policy about prohibiting pet dogs to come with observers. People may not realise this, bring their dog, and might get in because someone on the door believes the dog is a show dog (this often happens at the IKC national show here) but think about how you would feel if you spend a year readying a dog for Crufts only to have some pet owner's dog get overexcited at the side of the ring, start barking, distract your dog, and lose you any chance of placing.
Remember this is the premier professional dog event in the world, and we should all respect the need for those showing to work in an environment in which their dogs can concentrate.
There are lots of fun open show events locally during the year when pet dogs are welcome. It is always good to call and check on what the actual rules are for any show.
I learned all the above the hard way -- it seemed normal to me that you would bring dogs to 'enjoy' a dog show... and no one told me I wasn't supposed to have Jaspar at the IKC national show.
Well, he was well behaved and just a pup then (and to be fair I'd brought him along to meet his breeder who was supposed to be there, but wasn't). But other pet owner's dogs weren't and were a pain to try to manoeuvre around in the crowds; and some were small pet dogs who risked being crushed and the owners were so stupidly oblivious! :shock: And it was a major pain having to mind Jaspar. Dogs aren't allowed into the cafeteria so my friends and I couldn't go eat together; we had to go get food inside and bring it out and stand around which wasn't very relaxing for them. It is not safe to leave a dog out in the car even securely crated as dogs have been stolen from cars at such events before and I wasn't going to risk it.
Believe me, it is much more fun to leave the dogs at home, go enjoy the atmosphere, and view the dogs and meet friends! And bring lots of money to Crufts -- friends who have been say there's so much you will want to buy.... :lol: