What do other do? Have trained my pup to go up to people he wishes to greet and to sit in front of them, but he is very friendly and in the show ring the judge is not going to be as impressed with his behaviour as casual acquaintances who think he is very well behaved. How do you tell your dog that what is required in the show ring is different to what is required in the home, street, vets, park? Have to say I have not had this problem before as I have never had such a well mannered pup before, mind you he is only 4 months and I guess things may well change soon :(

Hi Jackie, The judge is going to be more business like with your pup then your friends, he will soon pick up on that.  Plus you will be requiring him to stand in the showring, if he is taught the stand, he should start to understand this is a training exercise and what is expected of him. 

A judge shouldn't penalise a young puppy for not behaving perfectly, they usually understand they won't stand like statues at that age.  It took 3 or 4 months in the ring for mine to start behaving when the judge went over her, but I found once I calmed myself and my voice down, she calmed down too.

I actually found ringcraft a hindrence with an over excited pup and later learn't in my breed most breeders give it a miss for that reason.  I went into the ring with an over confident pup at six months, where the others were a little hesitant but calmer.  It all evened out over a few months, but personally I would not go through the ringcraft again.

Good Luck with him

Sandra