Hi, I have a beautiful Staffie puppy, he is only 8 weeks old, but as the kids are now self sufficient and I have time on my hands I am thinking of showing him - if he looks like he may enjoy it. Please can you give me any advice on the basic things I need to be teaching him, at the minute we are just 'loving, sleeping and playing' with him - he decides which one it will be ha ha.... I know he is ages away from any decision about whether he will come up to breed standards etc... but I hope an early start in training would benefit both of us even if we never show him.

Am I mad for thinking of doing this!!!!!

No you are n9ot mad. Ringcraft classes (you can get a list of them from KC) are a great place for socialisation which with a Stff is a major advantage to have them have lots of posiotive experiences of other dogs.

Apart form learning to satand nicely, trot on a loose lead, he will get used to a person examining him intimately, including teeth and testicles, whcih will always be useful when you got to the vet.

So even if he doesn't turn into the next Crufts BIS winner, you will have fun getting to know other doggie people, start at Matfches, then progress to Companion dog shows, and then onto Open and Possibly Championship shows.

With Luck there may be someone experienced in Staffs who trains at the club, or at least someone who knows more about how they should be shown, and their finer points.

Start taking him as soon as his vaccinations are complete.

Thanks so much, I have e-mailed KC for details and have spent two hours reading from the message board, lots of really useful advice, and some funny stories...

Hi
have sent you an email with 3 links to ringcraft class links in uk and also breed pages
enjoy sandy

Yes you are mad....SORRY I mean No you are not LOL just kidding ... I ditto what Brainless has said and good luck..

Pam

Hiya - You are not too mad for having a go!! :D :D We have just started showing our pup and, although not many, we have had some wins. We go for the fun of it and don't take it all too seriously. Some competitors have been a bit snooty but on the whole we have met some really nice, fun people and have now got to recognise the faces at shows. As your pup is still so young - have you mentioned to the breeder that you would like to start showing? Our's was fab at helping us to get started, even meeting us at shows to help us to find our way around it all, getting the right show collar, lead & stuff. Her help has been invaluable! :)
We found our ringcraft class through our vet. Also try the breed clubs, they should be able to help.
Give it a go - hope you enjoy it as much as we have.
Best of luck
Sharon :)

If you think showing is a mad thing to do in later years, you climb into a wet suit for the first time at the age of 48 and start water work with newfoundlands in a freezing lake in april.That what I call mad .My family keep telling me so, I did it.If you are not mad when you start you will be in the end.

Tell me who else would get up in the middle of the night, travel hundreds of miles, run round in circles with dog's sometimes in the wet and cold,travel hundreds of miles back, and pay for the privledge. and still come home at times with nothing to show for it but a large credit card bill