Crufts is returning to the NEC Birmingham from 5–8 March 2026, which means many dog owners will soon be watching those glossy coats and quick-footed routines.
Pooch & Mutt’s resident Vet, Dr Linda Simon and Canine Behavourist, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, share their at-home ‘Crufts worthy’ tips across grooming routines and agility-style training, allowing everyone to get involved.
Dr Linda Simon’s top grooming tips for a Crufts-ready glow up:
Prep your space (and your dog)
- Pick a calm spot and get your grooming essentials together (brushes, clippers, towels, shampoo/ conditioner, etc.). Take them for a walk and a toilet break before you start, and remember to reward calm behaviour throughout.
Face first: eyes, ears, nose, and teeth
- Start gently at the face, working down the body. Use a damp cloth to wipe around eyes, clean ears carefully (no cotton buds), give the nose a soft wipe, and (if your dog tolerates it) and use a natural Dental Powder and dog-friendly toothbrush for teeth.
The mani/ pedi: paws & nails
- Mud and dirt can get clogged between your dog’s little toe pads. Before you start clipping, carefully clean between them with a wet cloth.
- Use appropriate nail clippers and ensure your dog is calm and comfortable. Go slowly and trim in small slivers to avoid the quick, and don’t attempt at home if nails are extremely long (ask your vet).
Bath time, the non-stress way
- Gently brush out tangles before bathing. Use lukewarm water and soak gradually before shampooing the body (from the neck down first).
- Rinse thoroughly with a shower or hose, being sure to get all of the product out, then carefully wash the head and face without spraying into the ears or eyes.
Dry, style, and finish like a professional
- Towel-dry first; if using a hairdryer, keep it cool and not too close to the skin. It’s essential your dog remains calm during this time, so give them a fuss, a Calming Treat, and attach a lead if necessary.
- Try to trim or clip fur from the neck down in the direction of hair growth in smooth movements. Be extra careful with paws and around the bum area though, as this can be especially sensitive to trim!
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald’s Crufts-worthy training tricks:
Jumping over a hurdle
Start low enough for stepping over and reward every success. Gradually increase height as confidence grows and add in simple commands like ‘jump’ once the motion is reliable.
Weaving through obstacles
Use cones or upside-down plastic cups, spaced widely at first, and teach your dog to follow your hand (popping a treat in always helps!). Guide them through the weave, introducing a ‘weave’ command as they improve.
Running through a tunnel
A kids’ play tunnel works well, or you can DIY with large cardboard boxes. Build confidence throughout with sniffing and rewards, then encourage movement through the tunnel (a helper calling from the other side usually helps). Add a cue like ‘through’ once it’s smooth.
Spin on the spot
Lure your dog in a small turn with a treat, gradually increasing to a full circle. Introduce saying ‘spin’ once they’re confidently completing the movement, then fade the lure over time.
“Crufts season is the perfect excuse to add a little training into your dog’s routine in a way that feels fun, not formal. Short, positive agility-style sessions build confidence and boost mental stimulation, all while strengthening your bond”, Scales-Theobald concludes.
Pooch & Mutt will be exhibiting at Crufts this year! Visitors are invited to stop by the stand (134, Hall 3) to explore the full range of food, treats and wellbeing favourites — now in their fresh new look! Guests can also drop into the ‘Ask the Experts’ sessions, with vets, behaviourists, and microbiologists on hand to answer questions on everything from sensitive tummies to anxious pups.
Keep an eye out for celebrity ambassadors on the stand, a sneak peek of an exciting upcoming launch, and a Crufts-exclusive product you’ll only be able to get at the show.
Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-cutting-dog-s-hair-6816854/
