Hi,
Do any of you champdog members go to the puppy play and social classes in Haughton youth club, Rockwell Ave, Darlington. I am planning on going tomorrow (Friday) so just wondered what it was like. Also what would be my nearest ringcraft class, does anyone know if there is actually one in Darlington, and do I need to take my pup to general obedience classes before I join ringcraft, or does ringcraft teach both.
Thanks
Michelle.

Hi,

Ringcraft are just for show training and practice, you will need an obedience class for basic bedience training. If you are doing both, I recomend you use different leads and before you start, tell the dog whether you are working or showing.

Some people believe that obedience training is bad when you are showing, because it ruins the dog for the show ring. I have to say this is untrue if done the right way.

We have beardies and when we were showing, we competed in both and always used different leads and always told them what they were doing. Just to confirm it can be done.......When I took Tassel to a club show a few years ago now (she is 12.5 years old now bless her!! :) ) we competed in obedience (two classes) had just finished stays and was being shouted for by the ring steward in breed and had to run right accross the tennis courts, down the step and into the hall to get into the breed class and had to change leads in mid run, but we won both the breed classes and both obedience classes....we were so pleased :D :D

Just shows you it can be done!!!! :)

If you want obedience classes in your area, e-mail me privately (click on my name at the top) and let me know where you are and I will give you some APDT classes who train using motivation and modern methods.

manda
X

Hi Michelle

Let me know how it goes at Haughton - I was planning on giving it a whirl as it seems like the only local dog club. I'm expecting some info back from the Kennel Club re local ringcraft classes, so will keep you posted.

My pup won't be venturing outside for another couple of months but I'm planning ahead ...

Hi Jo
I wasn't very impressed with social class, I thought it was going to be quite a few pups all roughly the same age, just generally socialising with each other, as in my opinion they are a bit young to do anything else. But it was what I would call a training class. heel work sit and stay etc, Toesy is just learning to walk on his lead never mind any thing else. So no it wasn't really what I was expecting. How old should Toesy be before I take him to ringcraft. I've heard there is one in Aycliffe, I don't no if it's mixed or just Staffs, do you know anything about it. If you find out about any I'd be very grateful if you would pass on any info.
Thanks Michelle.

Hi Michelle

I haven't got any info back yet from the Kennel Club about ringcraft but will let you know when I do. I know that my local vets (Grange) run puppy classes - I think that most of the local vets do, but not sure how frequently. A new large vets has just opened on Grange Road - called vets4pets or something, they might organise something.

Were most of the dogs at the training club on Friday adults then? That's a shame if so. Re your Ringcraft query - I would say the earlier the better, but would always ring the organiser first to check whether there are any conditions imposed on participating dogs.

Good luck in your search!

Btw, Jaffa (Bev) who also uses this board and lives in Darlo may know of some classes ...

Jo

Hi Jo

There was only 3 other dogs at the class, a 6 month old boxer which came over to Toesy for a sniff, he was 3 times bigger than him and he got scared and growled which almost ended up as a small battle, So Toesy hid under the chair shaking for the rest of the class. There was a Keeshound (I think) over a year old, and some sort of mountain dog which was obviously quite young but the size of a retriever. They all had some sort of experience at heel work so we were the odd ones out. I wouldn't of took him if I new it was that sort of class. It is actually down as puppy play and social sessions, so what does that sound like to you.
I will ask around the vets (thanks for that)
Keep in touch about ringcraft.
Have you actually got your pup yet.
Michelle.
p.s what breed does Jaffa have.

Hi Michelle

Just remembered there is a Skernedale dog training club in Darlo. I've emailed you the details.

Jo