Hi,
long time since I was on here, but I thought where better to ask peoples opinion.

How many people in Staffs would be interested in a Ringcraft club that caters to beginners. Basically, instead of a number of people turning up, someone announcing a class, and then several people with dogs, simulating a show class where a judge goes over the dog etc etc.
A club that if it ran from 6.30pm until 10pm, 6.30 - 7.30ish, would be instruction on how to move your dog, how to stand it, basic show etiquette, but it would be a show training class for beginners. Then 7.30pmish onwards would be classes like a normal ringcraft club but there would still be instruction for newbies.

Also, every 4-6 weeks there would be a seminar from a knowledgable expert on how to show, grooming, movement, and any other suggested topics.  Seminar cost would depend on the number of people attending, but would more than likly be a half day with refreshments included on either a saturday or sunday (shows permitting).

Going back to the beginners class, there would be a small booklet on the basics given out, with room in it to make notes, record results, list which shows, and judges are liked and dogs do well at.

What I could do with knowing is how many people would be interested in a club like this starting. I know there may be clubs like this out there already, but.... we have been to quite a number, and cant find anything that caters to the complete beginner. IF your lucky you find 1 or 2 people who help in that club, if your not lucky, you find someone who thinks your dogs are crossbreed akitas!!!! believe me it happened, and this person had been showing for YEARS!

Hear from people soon.
Jay

Sorry, yes I mean Staffordshire the county

I pressume you mean Staffs as in Staffordshire as opposed to SBT's?

When I read your post I thought you meant a ringcraft for SBT's but then noticed you live in Staffs.  :)

Why is it just for beginer.  My family run ringcraft are for everyone and is a VERY large hit.  We are there to help people train their dogs and to help expert handlers puppies become used to being "gone over"

I don't think one JUSt for beginners would be a very good idea.  But a club that has seminars going would be excellent.  It would mean people could learn from different people.

Also a 6:30 start is not always very good as many people don't get home untill half 5-6 o'clock

Rox

PS this is only my personal opinion so maybe beginners will like a club where everyone is at the same level!

hi, 7.30pmish onwards would be for a general club, open to all who wanted to come along. Beginners would be welcome to stay and either watch or participate with other members

Jay

I think it would be an excellent idea! (Although i live in Merseyside). It can be quite intimidating going along to your 1st ringcraft i know i was nervous. Walking into an established group with an unruly pup was awful (even though my girls breeder ran it, it didn't calm my nerves).
I saw all these well behaved dogs walking to heel, sitting quietly then here i was with a great dane pup that was pulling me all over the place making me look a right fool lol, and actually to be honest although i'm good friends with the majority there were the minority of 'experienced' handlers that looked at me as if i was wasting their valuble training time!

Good luck! Sarah :)
P.S if time was a struggle maybe say 7-7.30 then merge them with the 'experienced'

I think it would be a very good option
I do go to a ringcraft and it can be a bit daunting going for the 1st time
everyone knows everyone and it appears their dogs do as they are told.
I think it would depend on where you are going to do it in Staffordshire though.
If you need any help give me a yell.

I wish you lived in Belfast... we start obedience next week simply because I can't seem to find a good ringcraft nearby :rolleyes:

I'd be especially interested in a 'beginners' class - you could make it so the dog and handler 'graduate' at the end of 'term' and once they have reached a degree of handling?

Wishfairy,I go to a great class and we have match nights where we have most improved dog,most improved handler etc and it's all in great fun,one of my litter of pups got through to the final and we were all cheering her on!!!!:D Sandra.

Sounds fantastic :)

I'll be asking my vet on thursday if he knows of one, so fingers crossed :)

right, so... does anyone from Staffordshire want to come to a new ringcraft club?
we've got a venue in mind, just have to finalise several details etc. but just need to have some idea of who may want to come.
Email me and let me know, I'll mail you some extra details.

jay

Ringcraft for all ... West Riding, Bradford every Sunday evening.

Very important indeed to discuss all areas of showing and what to wear is a major point.  I have trained Junior Handlers (Yorkshire Juniors) for many years and believe me the juniors know how to dress in the ring (well most of them do).  I always say jeans and trainers for TRAINING but please not in the ring.  Many of our handlers, particularly the kids do find it hard to afford smart show wear but one answer is to check out the charity shops ..  we have had some superb, top quality jackets from this source and never cost much.  Shoes can be everyday school shoes or simply a pair of cheap plimsolls.  Always use a lead to compliment either your dog or your outfit (being involved with juniors, I have leads of almost every colour available).  Hair should be fastened back neatly, many girls use the nets which horse riders use or french plait.  I don't like perfume in the ring, this can distract your own or other dogs.

Please when you have finished a move and the judge dismisses you, do say thank you, it will help the judge remember you.

And remember you entered to ask the judges opinion, if judge doesn't like your dog or your handling, then fine, you don't have to enter under this judge again .... but you did ask for an opinion.

Many people will ask what the judge disliked about the dog or handling, I really don't like to discuss my placings when breed judging, but will tell juniors where they have gone wrong or why I placed in such and such way, this is the only way they can learn and improve.

Competition is or SHOULD be the name of the game, we all enter to win but taking part is more important.

Enjoy your day, a rosette is a bonus not essential.

One more point which I like to stress is ....don't come back and tell me you won the class, but you were the only one in the class .... it is not your fault that no one else was there AND there could have been 20 in the class and you may still have won.

Keep going to ringcraft ... not just when you have a puppy, one day you will have a puppy but the class won't be there ...SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLASS.