Crufts is one of the biggest dog shows in the world. It's a huge event that attracts thousands of dog lovers and competitors every year. But is Crufts good for dogs, or is it harmful to their welfare?
As a professional dog trainer, I've always had mixed feelings about Crufts. Some of my dog trainer friends love the event and attend every year, while others refuse to go because they believe it's cruel to the dogs involved. Until recently, I didn’t have a strong opinion because I’d never been. So, I decided to visit Crufts myself and see first-hand what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Click here to watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJf1-xrjFGQ
The Good Side of Crufts
First, let’s start with the positives. There are some genuinely brilliant things happening at Crufts.
I attended the agility competition in the main arena and was seriously impressed. The level of training and communication between the dogs and handlers was incredible. These dogs were clearly well-trained, confident, and genuinely enjoying the activity. The handlers used positive reinforcement to guide the dogs through complex courses with speed and accuracy.
I also watched a presentation from the medical detection dogs team. These dogs are trained to detect illnesses like cancer, and the training methods used were based on positive reinforcement. It was heartwarming to see the trust and bond between the dogs and their handlers. This was a great example of positive dog training at its best — calm, focused dogs working happily with their handlers.
The event also featured various stalls and displays offering advice on dog health, nutrition, and behavior. The Kennel Club had a section where they showcased young handlers learning to work with their dogs using kind, reward-based methods.
The Dark Side of Crufts
But unfortunately, not everything I saw at Crufts was positive.
After watching the agility and medical detection displays, I took a walk through the show floor where the breed judging was taking place. This is where things got uncomfortable.
I saw a dog that had won some rosettes being forced to sit still for a photo. The dog was struggling to stay in place, and instead of adjusting to make the dog more comfortable, the handler resorted to over-handling — yanking the dog’s lead and physically manipulating the dog’s body into position. The dog was clearly stressed, yet the handler's response was to apply more pressure rather than help the dog feel safe.
Not long after, I saw another handler working with a dog in an empty ring. The dog was running from side to side, and when it failed to meet the handler’s expectations, the punishment was swift and severe. The handler shouted at the dog and yanked it sharply by the lead. Then another handler stepped in — and instead of calming the situation, they demonstrated even harsher corrections.
I stood there, shocked — not just by the harsh treatment, but by the fact that no one else seemed surprised. Everyone around me watched as if this was completely normal. I couldn’t believe how desensitized people had become to this kind of treatment.
Why Is This Happening at Crufts?
The most frustrating thing is that in the same venue, the Kennel Club was promoting positive reinforcement training through the young handlers program — encouraging good loose lead walking and calm handling. So why are experienced show handlers allowed to use such heavy-handed techniques in the same space?
It’s clear that there’s a disconnect between the positive handling methods promoted for training and the old-school, aversive techniques used by some show handlers. The fact that the Kennel Club allows this to continue is deeply concerning. If a dog can’t be shown without being physically manipulated or forced into position, that’s not training — that’s abuse.
What Needs to Change?
Crufts is an influential event. The dog world looks to it as a benchmark for excellence in training and breeding. That’s why it’s so important that the Kennel Club takes action to address these welfare issues.
If a handler is seen over-handling or using excessive force, they should face immediate consequences — possibly even disqualification. The focus should be on rewarding calm, confident behavior rather than forcing dogs into unnatural positions through fear and discomfort.
It’s also time to have a serious conversation about breed standards. If a dog’s natural conformation makes it uncomfortable or difficult for the dog to be shown without heavy handling, then maybe it’s time to rethink the standards themselves. A dog’s welfare should always come before appearance.
My Final Thoughts on Crufts
I’m not saying that Crufts is all bad — far from it. There were some incredible examples of positive training and strong handler-dog relationships. But there were also deeply concerning moments where dogs were clearly stressed, uncomfortable, and unfairly punished.
Crufts has the potential to be a real force for good in the dog training world. If the Kennel Club can ensure that welfare and training standards are consistent across all parts of the event — from agility to show rings — it could become a shining example of how to celebrate dogs in a way that truly prioritizes their wellbeing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts — have you been to Crufts? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below.
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