Hi
We are at the weekend picking up our new west highland white terrier pup and my 12 year old daughter is really keen to get in to dog showing, we have found a ring craft class for her and found a good groomer who is going to teach us all about handstripping erc I am all for encourging her but must admit all the differant classes for open shows etc does baffle me a bit, does showing get easier with time????

LOLOL sometimes it does !

Basically if you go to a good ringcraft then they should be able to help you & going to Limited shows were no CC winners will be present & there are only members of the society there can be a better starting ground than companion shows

When I have a young dog I usually only enter the age classes at shows with may be an odd maiden & novice as these are for dogs that have never won & not won more that three classes apart from puppy classes

i don't do shows every weekend either with my puppies

Thank you for your advice,
One thing I did think surfing around the web is that other dog showers seem to be helpful and are willing to share advice and once again you have just shown this thankyou very much your help it is much appreciated.

regards John.

Obviously its daunting to start with but and you learn more it will all fall into place and become 2nd nature.Don't be worried...we all have to start somewhere.In the time while you are waiting for you dog to be old enough why not try going and watching a few shows..
Archer

Thank you for your advice I will take on board what you said ,we did visit crufts this year I think this is what gave my daughter the idea to show but I have told her it will take a lot of dedication and hard work if she ever makes it there.I am going to take her a few smaller shows just to let here see what goes on to make sure she defiently wants to show.Thanks again for your advice.

Regards John

John, make sure your daughter buys 'junior handling the white way' by marina white this have been very useful for me when I first started junior handling and it will tell you all you need. There are also a few junior handlers on this board so if she needs any help we will be more that willing to give her a hand

Sarah xxxx

Hi

Thankyou very much for that I will order her that book tonight along with everything else she wants me to pay for!! (combs, brushes grooming table etc LOL)
Thanks again   John.

Also if your daughters intrested I have a MSN group set up for Junior handlers.  I personally know nearly everyone on there and know they are all genuine juniors.  If your daughter is allowed use of internet and is intrested then let me know and I'll PM you the address.  I have set it up in a way that the Juniors can ask questions and get hints and tips from others "bin there done that got the rosette" juniors.

Hi

My daughter would love that she is really interested in the msn group you have ,we are going to our first ring class next monday so a few tips would be great.

thanks John.