Hello everyone. I've been finding it incredibly difficult to find a local ringcraft class ( I'm in South Cambs ). Had found one fairly close, but as my dad intends to be the one handling my puppy, it has to fit around his work schedule and this class unfortunately didn't.

How difficult is it to just jump in at the deep end/self learn via watching YouTube vids/attending small local shows etc? As I understand it the benefits to ringcraft would be to teach my puppy how to remain calm while in the proximity of the other dogs and learn important things such as how to handle him, what side you show on etc etc. Both myself and my dad are complete and utter novices when it comes to showing.

I just feel very disheartened  at the lack of any local classes near by. I know of the Newmarket one too, but to be honest that's  a little to far out, and again doesn't fit around my dad's work. The only other one I can find is an hour away!

Why don't you go to the class and then you can show your dad what you have been taught. That way you pup will still benerfits from being around the dogs and being gone over by strangers. Also that way if something happened to prevent your dad handling your pup (maby falls over at show) then you can step in.

I would agree with Jo, You could go and get an idea of what to do an pass it on to your dad.

Im quite lucky that I have two all within 10 mins drive - but I would really recommend just going, even to one, to so you know what is expected. (How to walk - sounds silly right! Haha) and how to stand the dog on the table/floor. Its also good to have other people checking your dogs teeth - my dog was only used to women, and growled at the first man judge to check her teeth! So I always make sure I get a good mix of people to check her teeth at training.

You can lurn what you need to do from online or books yes however you won't have anyone to watch you do it and point out little things u are doing wrong or could do better as the judges critics if your dog places won't be about your handling. Unless you have someone who knows what there doing who can help you and him.

I've been going to my class for all most 3 years and I still get told off every now and then for doing something wrong lol

You could see if there are any top class handlers near you who would be prepared to give you 1 to 1 tuition--yes, it will be more expensive in the short term but you will learn from the best and pick up the skills you need more quickly.

Short answer is yes you can, but it is best to have some idea, as you could find that you do not do as well as you might have if you and the dog were more prepared. 

Saying that some dogs are natural show offs, and owners who have such a rapport that they can instinctively move them at the right speed and keep their attention.

If you have already been doing the local fun shows and competed in the pedigree classes you will have seen how to show a dog, as at least some of the people will be exhibitors going to give their new puppies practice.

The dog will need to be happy to be gone over (have someone fell all over it's body) have it's teeth looked at and testicles felt for if male.

When up there, we went to one just outside Saffron Walden but it wasn't specifically a Ringcraft class but Obedience.   They knew we - and others - wanted to show, so allowed us to stack our dogs when the others were sitting etc.    I preferred to use these classes for the simple reason it gave my hounds the chance to get used to being in that kind of environment, and the get used to being 'gone over'.

You may be lucky to be able to start at a Fun, or Open show and have a dog who behaves.   However, taking an unruly dog into the ring will be a waste of time, and you won't be popular with the others in there if your dog is being a pain in the neck.  Showing at any level is costly and again, if your dog is going to misbehave, you might as well put your money down the nearest drain.

I agree with the others, it's important for your dog to learn to pay attention just to the handler even with all those exciting other dogs around, and you can pass on handling tips to your Dad, and perhaps have a go handling your puppy yourself some day! Also, if there are any general puppy classes, as well as you make it clear you are not teaching your dog close heelwork or sit at heel, they can be useful for general socialisation.

Thank you all. I didn't think about going myself as I thought my dad would have to be the one to get a feel for what he's doing in that environment, but it makes sense that I could pass on what I learn. I've found a ringcraft class about 40 mins away now and hope to join in the next few weeks.

My puppy is a little nervous of strangers so I'm not even sure it's something he'll be entirely comfortable with but we shall see.

>My puppy is a little nervous of strangers

Ringcraft is excellent for socialisation, even for those who aren't going to show.