Hi,
I've recently bought my first dobermann puppy, she had a last innoculation yesterday and I'm now looking for a ringcraft class to take her to, any recommendations in the Shropshire area would be great!
I was also planning on starting obedience classes with her this week, but notice from the previous post that this isn't always a good idea. Would I be best to hold fire on this for now?
Thanks!

I've always done both with mine from a young age and never had any problems with the stand, where most ringcraft trainers say that you will have. It's never done my dogs any harm and that's with both Pomeranian's and Spanish. Use a different lead though for obedience and ringcraft and you'll be amazed how quickly they realise which one is for which speciality!!

Good luck with your new puppy:d

I totally agree. I have done both with several dogs, as long as you have the time to spend teaching your dog, he/she will understand the difference between showing & obedience. I've had discussions on numerous occasions with people about this as a lot of people who show feel that you shouldn't teach a dog to sit as he/she may sit in the ring when the judge is going over the dog.
From personal experience you can do both & as we all know you can teach a dog anything if it's done in the correct way. I had a rottie that I showed & also did competition obedience with. Never had a problem. I've done both with terriers & bullmastiffs too.
I have a FCR at present, she is shown & she also comes to work with me, therefore has to be sociable & lie on her bed when asked to do so, we also go to schools & clubs & do talks on Guide Dogs, so I have to have a certain level of obedience so that she does as she's asked when we are out. & then when she's in the ring, she stands like a statue. She just knows what is expected of her & she does her best to please me. :)
Have fun with your pup.

I agree with the others Sal (Stafford) has done obidence and ringcraft and now agility and she has no problem with any, same as Perrodeagua I use diferent leads and she quickly sussed out which is which.

Karen

Edited to say I enjoy meeting the different types of people too, some people who do ringcraft wouldn't dream of doing obidence and vice versa. But sAL AND I get the best of both worlds :D