Hello everyone

I have recently started attending a ringcraft class with my leonberger.  We have been 4 times and have also took part in a match night, however unlike every one else just as i am about to go up my nerves take over.  Whilst putting him in a stand, concerntrating and listerning to the judge, although i may not show it, i get really nervous. I am only 16 and my leonberger has just turned 1 he is quite good and has learnt quick.  I have another match night next monday and my first open show on May 2nd if any one could give me any and i mean any advise to help me please do. Many Thanks JHL

PLEASE try and calm down, it will get easier .....at the moment you are having to concentrate on *getting it all right* but you will find that it becomes second nature once you have been doing it for a while. :) Don't forget you might not realise it, but some of the other people there probably feel as bad as you do :D

Also, your nervousness can go down the lead to the dog so you need to try and relax a bit ..it WILL be okay and you will do fine :)

If all else fails a wee bottle of rescue remedy for yourself never goes a miss. I know exhibitors of 20 years that still carry a little bottle in the pocket others carry a quarter bottle ;-))

I was terrible also to begin with but it does ease a bit. Most will say you don't want to lose all your nerves.

Good Luck.

Pam

Ditto...... Pam, always works for me., i can drink a hole bottle by the time i have finished.

Rescue Remedy as recommended and I have also heard about sucking  apeppermint so th dog doesnt smell the *nerves* on your breath :)

Even long term show people suffer from nerves so i believe :)

I was so nervous on my second show, that i couldnt attach my number to my top! I looked so flustered and was literally shaking like a leaf, but I just concentrated on Molly and tried to block out everyone else. She has always played up at ringcraft so I was sure that I would be acutely embarassed, but she took first in minor puppy and made me really proud! I will be just as nervous next time, but you are on such a high afterwards its all worth it, win or lose!

Total addict ;)