Im about to embark on my first ringcraft class with our new puppy, but im not sure what to take or what we will actually do!

Im assuming I need to take a lead but is there a particular type that most people swear by for this type of class?  Do I need to take treats?  Im sure there's more that I haven't even considered and im a wee bit nervous about what to expect.

Thought this thread might be useful and informative for anybody else in my situation too!
Leigh

If you have a show lead you will need to take this with you, if you don't have one most times you might be able to borrow one or just use the normal lead.  Some Clubs will have some you can buy or borrow but depends on the club.

Do take treats, and plenty of them!  Something nice like suasage or cheese :)

As for what to expect, well that reallly does vary from club to club.  For ours it's Junior handlers in at 7:30 - 8:00 PM, them from 8 till about 8:45 individual work with at east 2 of the 3 trainers , followed by everyone up together for socilisation, the tea break ( socilisation of handlers?)  then abit more work/mock show depending on time.....

However if you really want to know what to expect it's always worht making your first visit without pup so you can watch, learn and chat :)

loughborough is pretty cool, treats yes,poo bags yes (you never know) first few times any lead will do, then go to a show see what type of lead your breed uses and find one online or at a show ( i like the shows to buy as you can try them for size). It maybe match night (normally once a month if so watch others and do as the do) Most importand thing is to have fun with your dog whatever happens. On a normal night you que up then someone goes over your dog (to get it used to being touched and felt) then you trot it a couple of times up and down the mat your dog needs to trot not run or walk, the person will then give you advice and maybe get you to move them again. thats it really

Loads of treats, poo bags and whatever lead you have will be fine for now. Normally you would show an adult beagle on a chain most people do, some people use a leather slip cocker type leads I have one I used to use they are good for puppies. Beagle's are social little hounds so I'm sure you and your pup will have lots of fun and there will be people help and advise you. If you want need any beagle specific info feel free to pm me. :)

I would go, sit and watch for the first time so a blanket for your pup so he has something that smells like him/her.  As for lead you should take with you whatever your breed in normally shown in as there is no point learning on one type say a string when you should be on say a slip lead.  Also poo bags and possibly tissues, sometimes puppies can have poop you cant grab, eww i know.  There is always a mop to hand at every ringcraft. Take treats but dont give them straight away, see if you actually need them first.  Some dogs are real naturals others are distracted by everything.

But most of all have fun, you will end up taking too much stuff, I always do.

Emma

Kitchen roll was a must for my boy at any indoor event - he would great all dogs with a rather endearing sort of sit, shuffle, and pee routine!! 

I did all our practise in his show lead, at home and at ringcraft, as it's helpful to reinforce the message about the type of 'at work' activity you're doing.  We had a different collar and lead for Good Citizens training classes and a general at home/walking scruffy one too.  My dogs def know the difference...

Your breeder should be able to advice what show lead is required and can probably tell you who best to go to.  I had mine handmade on recommendation and I know he has done several litters for the same breeder and I've seen him recommended on other forums too - a real gentleman.

All good advice; may I add, a separate set of command words that do not sound like those used in other disciplines. For example 'walk on', 'trot on' or 'show' when moving as opposed to heel helps to prevent your dog being too close to your side and looking up at you obedience style.

Hi

I have taken my sheltie pup to ringcraft several times now.  She enjoys it but twice has done a poo in the hall (most embarrasing as at home she in 100%).  Must be the excitment of it all, so do take poo bags!  At our club we all do a triangle up and down the mats and then each dog and handler "weaves" in and out of the others.  After that it is up on the table (ours is a table top doggie ringcraft, no bigguns!!) and then more up and down the triangle.  Nothing too challenging I must say!  Tale plenty of treats too.  Quite fun and you get to meet some nice people.

Good luck

Snowflake

The dog/pup :-D

Don't laugh, I know someone who got to ringcraft and had forgotten the dog :-D :-D  15 mile trip too

ROFL Dill!! I went to a show with nothing BUT the dog and lead - I'd left the show bag at home!