Hello, I feel very disapointed today after phoning to try and book ring craft lessons. I got a man on the other end of the phone who was not much help at all. He rambled on for about 45 minutes basically trying to put me off showing, things like expense, travelling, b*t*hy people. I felt awful and at one point considered putting the phone down. So may I ask what ring craft lessons are, I thought that they are to help people learn how to handle their dogs and other things about showing, am I wrong? He suggested going to shows and watching my breed been shown, then practice practice practice. Which is fair enough, but I feel I need to be taught and need things pointed out if I do something wrong. He suggested going to obedience, but I don't want to because I want to learn about showing! Is this man just a one off or do all ringcraft classes do this? Can someone tell me what ring craft lessons are and do you get offered to go and join in once a week and take part like other classes. As I have said this man did not offer me any help or a place in his class but did mention obedience classes, and then had the cheek to say bad things about them. Please HELP!

What a shame that this man was so unhelpful. I have used the same ringcraft club for a number of years now, and yes the main aim is to train, you and your dog ,the basics of what is expected in the ring when you go to a show. That said it is also a good way of socialization for young dogs as they get to meet other breeds, big and small, quiet and noisey!! Plus you get the bonus of meeting like minded people.
Yes going to shows is also very helpful as you can see what the other people do and how your breed is shown eg. stacked or free stood, but teaching yourself can be problamatic, how do you know if your doing the right things????
Try ringing around and finding a club that others recommend, the club i use, you just trun up on the night and pay your £1/£2 and thats it.
Good luck
Karen.

Where do you live and what breed? Maybe someone on here uses one near you? I go to one in Wakefield because there isn't a GSD only in Rotherham/Sheffield and by the time you've got to the other side of town you're just as quick to jump on the motorway, 25 min and you're there:)

Stacey x x x

HI doggy - poor you!! well even if I were invited to join in his class I wouldn't want to. :-( If you could post whereabouts you are I am sure a poster in your area will suggest a good class or links to one. You are not wrong - ringcraft is for helping people improve the way they show their dogs and to socialise potential show dogs as puppies and get them used to a showing type environment. Many of the people that go are established breeders/exhibitors and go along for a social evening rather than to actually learn much, so there should be lots of opportunities to learn if you are happy to admit you are inexperienced, from organisers and members alike.
Local dog clubs often run a number of classes of which ringcraft is one. Where I go a big hall is divided into two and there is ringcraft at one end and obedience at the other and they do junior handling too when the ringcraft is over. Every month they run a "match" which is like a practise at actually showing - where 2 dogs are sgown against one other, and the winner going through to meet another dog and so on, in a knock out and the eventual winner gets a small prize - but its really for practise and is treated more like fun than serious competition - well it is by me anyway!!

At classes you may need to actually ask for help in certain matters from the committe/other members, like how to prepare, hold or stand or show your dog, as it isn't always volunteered - but only because people are polite(hopefully) and dont want to bombard members with info/advice they may not want - even if it clear its needed!!! It is a very good idea to go along to shows to watch your breed being shown,
especially if you can get to Championship shows where the best dogs and handlers will be. Dates and venues from www.the-kennel-club.org.co.uk Good luck .

Not all people are as 'unhelpful' as this chap is.
Ringcraft is commonly used by all manner of people.
If you can get to find out about several in your area, find out
what nights they are on and go to spectate initially to see which
suits you and your dog.
Good ringcraft classes should welcome all abilities afterall we all
have to start somewhere!
I learned my handling skills at Exemption shows (now called Companion dog show).
Got bitten by the showing bug and am still showing 14 years later :D (Must be mad, LOL)
However I was very lucky, I made some wonderful friends who weren't in my breed but
gave me excellent advice. I have them to thank, sadly some of whom are no longer with us.
Some breeds also have their own breed club match night which may be held nearby
these are also useful.
Obedience is useful training, I have found it helps build on the team work and build that special
relationship with your dog :) The only one I haven't done any formal obedience classes with is
a complete nightmare, I do regret not spending the time to obedience train her too.
Don't believe those that say you can't obedience train a show dog!! You can :)
As others have said let us know where in the country you are and maybe one of us can direct
you to a good club
:)