Hello all,
Well to start with a bit of background. When we were looking for our first labrador we initially wanted more of the gundog style of lab as I've grown up in the country and that's the sort of lab I'm used to...however...when phoning up to enquire about available litters all too often we heard "yeah they're ready on the 10th, you've third pick, come and get one then"..."don't you want to know anything about me?"..."ummm no..."...didn't really sit too easily with me...

So eventually we happened across a lovely breeding couple (on this website) with a pregnant show lab who invited us over to meet them and their dogs, they asked us lots of questions about what we wanted to do with our new addition (show vs work vs draft excluder! :D) and right away I knew I'd be happy have a dog from them.

Anyway...so now I have a beautiful black labrador (although annoying country folk keep asking me if he's crossed with a rottie as he's not shaped like a whippet!!) who loves to work, he's clever and smart and fits the breed standard and I'm thinking about having a go at showing him, just because he's so beautiful and, it turns out, from pretty good stock.

A few questions really...

1) have i left it too late? - he's 18 months old and quite excitable, he's around ppl a lot but always thinks it's time to play......think this may be  general lab quality ;)
2) where do i begin? I don't just want to rock up to a show and poss ruin everyone elses day
3) Any tips on how to calm him down? is lots of exposure the best? how do you combat a dog wanting to lick someone to death when in reach of a hand!!

Look forward to hearing everyones advice - thanks all for you time.

Lena

find your local ringcraft classes. these will teach you how to stand your dog, the socialisation will calm him down, in theory. 18 months isnt too late, you are just at a slight disadvantage as your dog will have set in their ways, so a little more training will probably be needed vs that of a puppy, but you have a "smart " breed... give it a go, you'll either love it or hate it... personally i love it

Thanks Tanya - I'll have a search on the web for a ringcraft class (bristol/south glos/glos if anyone knows a good one?).

I could see that it would be incredibly addictive! :D

Hi i agree ringcraft, we started at 18 months with one of ours but we needed training up both handler and dog as we knew nothing they are very helpful classes to go to if your just thinking of having a go for fun or maybe a bit more serious

I can see that it's a great way of getting your dog used to being around other dogs and being handled by other ppl (if nothing else!)

I've just re-read my post..."he really is a beautiful dog"...I'm sure everyone must think this about their dogs! ;)

My friend is the secretary to this ring craft,not sure how close it is to you.Good luck.Yes it is addictive.
http://www.bristolanddistrictdogclub.com/ringcraft.html
Jude

Thanks Jude I've dropped them an email to see if Digger and I would cause utter chaos.

I guess the key is desensitising (spelling?) him to other dogs and being examined...currently anyone touching him means "ah i see you're here to rub my belly...carry on!"

Don't worry,can't be as bad as taking a Canadian Eskimo Dog!!!!!!!All of Kezzies littermates and Kezzie were a nightmare at LKA.I know she is only 6 months old but normally at ring craft she stands well and doesn't mind the judge going over her,but moves like a donkey.At LKA she lay on her back and expected the judge to tickle her.Luckily she moved really well.So got a 2nd in puppy AVNSC and junior so at least she is going to crufts.

I confess I just had to look up a Canadian Eskimo Dog...how cuddly!!

How exciting a trip to crufts!! We went before choosing lab as a breed to go to the discover dogs section...a really useful resource! I could have watch the judging all day...

> I can see that it's a great way of getting your dog used to being around other dogs and being handled by other ppl (if nothing else!)

Have you done any training with him?  It might be worth looking a general obedience training too - Kennel Club Good Citizens awards are great.

I know some experienced show people won't do both but as a complete newbie like you when I got my pup I found that it was very helpful to do obedience AND ringcraft.  It strengthened the bond between us, got my boy used to working alongside other dogs, being handled by others, including general teeth and ear checks.  It also gave me the confidence to know my lad could listen to and follow instructions.  I had a very good trainer who understood what I wanted in the ring so she helped me adapt some exercises to suit.  Clicker training really suited my clever little bean and can be great for older dogs too.

Teaching your dog basic positions can really help when you want a firm stand (not one of those woo-hoo throw myself on the floor and wriggle for all I'm worth kind of puppy pose!!).  Asking a dog to hold position, to wait, to settle, go to bed etc are also great life skills for the show dog that needs to learn that some aspects of showing are all about the waiting around :)

I went to a good ringcraft class in Backwell (south of Bristol) and an excellent trainer in Locking (Weston Super Mare).  Let me know if you need details...

CM I would of seen you as was watching AVSNC working group, had to watch Yogi going around the ring.. I do wish we could all get our act together and wear CD badges at shows, then at least it would be easier to walk up to complete stranger and ask who they are.

> (bristol/south glos/glos

Frampton Cotterel ringcraft. Tuesday nights for 8pm by Bitterwell lake at Henfield hall, Henfield.

Very friendly club and there is a lovely Lady there called Jo with a couple of very lively labs.

I think I noticed you as I was looking at the PWD and TMs and we had a German Pincher pup(so well behaved).I was soooo tempted to go up to people and say are you a CDer but was worried about being sectioned.

[IMG]http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww10/cornishmals/oggie6.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww10/cornishmals/oggie1.jpg[/IMG]
A couple of pictures of my 16 week baby,Diggers mum.Nightmare to keep clean!!!

I was near Jeff, sat on the floor watching the ring. I did notice you as saw the Pincher. 

Well you will have to say hi at Manchester as I have just entered AVNSC and Rare breed.

Not going to Manchester.. Will be there at Crufts, but that is a battle ground to find people. Was texting backwards and forwards with HG this year and we still never met up, even went around the Husky and Mal rings to no avail..