Hello! I was wondering if anybody could give me some basic info on what to do if you want to start showing. I am completely inexperienced in this, Leon (6 month GR) is the first dog I have ever had. Are there any books I should buy or magazines that I can subscribe to? I really want to get some details together so I can assess the situation properly and decide whether it's something I would be able to do. Or is it completely pointless as I know so little about it?! Would it be best to start off by going to some shows without him and having a look, chatting to people etc?

Hello Charlie

Showing is a great hobby and can be a fun way of spending time with your dog and other dog lovers. Probably the best way to start would be to go along to a local companion dog show. These are relaxed affairs and have both pedigree classes and novelty ( such as most handsome dog etc.)

You can find out where they are held if you buy the 'Dog World' or 'Our Dogs' newspapers and look in the back classified sections under companion shows or you can look on the kennel club website. You could enter your Golden Retreiver in either puppy ( if he is 6-12months), sporting or open. These shows are not really taken seriously and are ideal practise for new comers. I'm sure if you chat to some of the other owners they will help you out.

Alternatively you can find a ringcraft club near you which will help you get the most out of your dog and will give you a chance to meet other people interested in the hobby in your area. Don't feel intimidated by the fact that some folk will have loads of experience and make it seem easy - everyone was once like you and started at the beginning and most dog folk are very friendly and helpful.

Showing can be very addictive and most peolpe who try it love it but if it's not your cup of tea there are loads of other things that you can do with your dog such as agility/obedience/working trials/flyball/Pets As Therapy work

Good luck and happy showing !!!

Yvonne

I think most has been said, find a local ringcraft class, where do you live? someone might know one local to you!?

Also do go to shows without your dog and talk to people, there is alot to be learnt (in how to and how not to) show!

Also get in contact with your dogs breeders if they show, they can help you, also get in contact with and join breed clubs, you will get information this way on showing and other disaplins if you wish!!!

Good luck and have fun, its an enjoyable hobby for most, but not everyones favour!  I myself love it and couln't be without showing, but then i was the girl who at the age of 3 threw paddies because I wasn't allowed in the ring!!!!!!!

im the same like to have a go.contact the kc they have lists of clubs that run ringcraft classes in your area.also go to shows,ask questions and take your dog with you.it helps to get them used to the show ring enviroment so when you are in the ring its no big deal to them.if nothing else it gives them chance to meet/mix with others.your breeder should be able to help if they show your breed.

We are quite new to showing and the best place to start I found is the local ringcraft sessions. I went without the dog for the first session to see how thing were done, what was expected of me and the dog etc. I also went to a show and talked to breeders etc to get a feel for the whole thing.

Our first ringcraft with dog on lead was a bit daunting, but quite honestly once you demonstrate that you are really interested people just bend over backwards to help you. My two daughters took up Junior handling and the support they have had from the clubs has been amazing. They learn so much and people are willing to let them "have a go" with their dog. My advice is definitely have a go, you will meet such nice people.

Thanks for the replies! I will get in touch with the breeder this week, I meant to e-mail her an update anyway and she shows so is probably a wealth of information just like you wonderful people! Will try to find out about local ringcraft sessions. We live in a teeny village called Wing in Bedfordshire, closest towns are Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. Could anybody suggest somewhere fairly local to those places? 

Theres one in MK (not sure where and it isn't registerd with the KC)  There was one in Leigton Buzzerd (Not sure if it is still around)

Thanks! I have heard that there is a lady who goes to the same pub as me in Leighton Buzzard who is really into showing so i'm sure she will be able to tell me all about what's going on locally if I ask really nicely.

Used to be one at Linslade village hall and the Dustable Club meets at Houghton Regis can't remember which day.