Oodlemania Competition

Participant arrival: Please be in the pavilion by 9am

Public opening hours: 9am – 2pm

Judging: Takes place between 10am and 2pm

Dogs must remain in the competition area until the competition ends at 2pm.

You’ll arrive via Gate 7 on Leonards Crescent and check in at the stewards’ desk to receive your exhibit number. If arriving by vehicle, drop off your dog, handler and belongings before removing your car from the Showgrounds.

Find a bench for your belongings, check the class order and prepare for judging. When called by a steward, bring your dog to the marshalling area.

Between classes, enjoy the day with other Oodle owners, watch the competition or exercise your dog in the designated areas. Dogs must remain within the competition precinct at all times.

Once the competition has finished, collect any prizes, pack your belongings and exit via Gate 7.

If your dog seems nervous, we recommend first taking them to the designated exercise area (you’ll need permission from a steward to use it).

If you wish to withdraw your dog from the competition and leave early (before 2pm), please notify the stewards.

Please note that refunds will not be provided.

When your Oodle’s name is called, you’ll enter the judging ring with your dog on a leash. Simply follow the judge’s instructions. Don’t worry if this is your first time, it’s a fun and relaxed environment!

Fresh water will be available for your dog throughout the day. However, no food will be provided, so please bring any meals or treats your dog may need.

Water is available for your own consumption. There is also multiple food and drink vendor options close to the dogs precinct.

The benching area is your dog’s designated resting spot for the day. It includes a tether point for your leash, and dogs must remain accompanied at all times. Your Oodle may leave the bench only when called up for judging or for exercise (with steward permission).

Please refer to Sections 11 and 12 of the Special Regulations for more information on benching.

Toilet areas for dogs are located near the entry point. If you need assistance, just ask one of our stewards.

There’s a special area available to help your dog exercise during the day. You’ll need to get permission from a steward before using it. Dogs must remain on leash at all times.

No. Only dogs officially entered and accepted into the competition may be brought onto the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Yes, you’re welcome to enter multiple Oodles! Please note that all exhibitors must be the legal owner of each dog they enter and bring onto the Melbourne Showgrounds.

No, dogs must remain within the designated competition precinct at all times. Once the competition concludes at 2pm, all dogs must be promptly escorted from the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Consider your comfort for the day and come prepared! We recommend bringing a chair for each member of your group, a comfortable space for your dog such as a crate or pen, and a blanket or towel for them to sit on.

The Showgrounds can be chilly in the morning, so pack a blanket for yourself too. Don’t forget a water bowl for your dog. Water will be provided.

You’re welcome to take personal photos throughout the day, however, please avoid taking photos in restricted areas such as the benching area or judging ring.

An official photographer will be on site to capture professional photos, including podium photos for class winners and runners-up.

All winners and runners-up are encouraged to visit the photographer for their official photo.