this will be my first show this weekend and im nervous, can you tell me at the show will there be the mats down in a triangle as at ringcraft or do you have to imagine theres a triangle there? i know it sounds daft but all these questions keep coming to mind lol

It depends where the show is.  If it is at an inside hall, then there are usually mats.  Outdoor shows never have mats.  Just watch those in the ring before you.

Good Luck
Sandra

I take it that the show is inside. It really depends on the society running the show and whether they own mats. Many indoor shows do have mats but it might well be just one strip down the middle. If you are lucky the rings will be matted in a triangle. Don't worry, just relax and enjoy the experience ;)  Good luck!!!

If there's no mats don't worry, watch a few people and you'll see that most do anything but a triagle, LOL.  As long as the judge sees the dog move from all angles that's what matters. :)

A triagle is a triangle with or without mats! :) (and ebcause of this we stopped making a triaagle out of our mats at ringcraft!)

Think of it as this:

Hopefully the judge will be standing at one end of the ring.  Running off to a slight angle to the left head for the corner.  Then across the top of the ring following the ringtape and then back down head towards the judge! :)  It's that simple...I think! :)  Hope that hasn't confused you even more! :P

Before you set off think about where you want to go and plan your route! :)  Don't rush anything (but don't take hours either!!!) and if you are unsure ask the judge where they want you to go! Most will be happy to tell you. 

Good luck!

One of the best tips I was given when I started showing was to always let a few people go in the ring before you - if you can ;)  That way you can see what the judge will want :)

At open shows with Pugs you are often only asked to go up and down - no triangle, so listen to waht the judge asks, and watch the first dogs to go!
bye
Gwen

and don't forget the mats are there for the dogs to use i have seen many a time the handler on the mats walking brill but the dog sliding all over the floor, and smile and have fun .
let us all know how you got on
carol

Don't you head away to the right from the judge's viewpoint? Then turn left and walk across, then left again and walk back? But I agree, make sure you aren't first in and watch what the people in front do. Have fun and let us know how it goes!

Yes you do Lucy...

You would have thought I would have learnt after loosing 1st place twice because of getting left and right mixed up!!!!

a bit of advice try to no what you are doing before you get there cause at my first show i planned on copying someone cause i didnt have a clue but just my luck i was in mpd and was the only one in the class so couldnt watch anyone it was terrifying but good luck

My husband copied someone who  was stringing their dog up as they were a top handler and he thought that was how you do it ;)

Try and relax and dont forget to do a proper triangle and use the whole ring.  Where are you showing I think if it is a open most are still outdoors.

That's true, more and more Cavs are being shown strung up and not on a loose lead. :-( Mind you I have to run to keep up with my boy!!

Icequeen - phew, thought I had had a brainstorm there! :-)