Hi, I would be grateful for any advice as to how to deal with my 6month old very large and bouncy pup who continuously jumps up at people (this includes the judge) He had his first show today - got a second (wow!) but would hardly stand still while the judge went over him. I have tried him at ringcraft and he's just the same. Completely mental. Please help, tips, anything!! He is quite an excitable dog and the fact he is very strong does not help.

Well done on your 2nd! Age and experience will help your boy to calm down. Don't try to steady him too much or he will turn into a wet dishrag, like my boy did in his second year of showing! Thank goodness I seem to be getting the wags back again now, but I nearly ruined him trying to stop him jumping around madly!!

I so hope you are right about him calming down with age. I have always had large breeds but have never had one like this guy! He's quite dominant and although I try hard to do all the right things, the results aren't always the ones I want! I guess the answer is just practise and more practise... It was particularly difficult today at the show as 95% of the other dogs were toys and very small and quiet. Just made mine seem even worse! LOL!! The frustrating thing is that he is such a handsome dog and could do well if he'd just calm it abit!

A boisterous puppy usually develops into a good showman. A calm puppy often turns into a boring slug (don't anyone moan at me for those words - I'm speaking from personal experience!) who may be beautiful and sound but lacks that pizzazz to be a star. Too much practice, by the way, runs the risk of boring him. Then you might as well forget showing him for at least a year.

And remember, the larger the breed, the later it is to mature!
:)

JG you saved me writing it :D :D

Take heed, what JG says is so very true, if your dog has half a brain don't bother practising too much as the sight of a dog huffing when stood for the judge, then backing off because of sheer "don't want to be here"  is very sad :(

I prefer a bouncy pup for showing as they are enjoying themselves :D  this is great for when they calm down when they're older, they still have enough sparkle to shine :D :D :D :D :D

My 11 month old goes round the ring on 2 legs, is usually last, or thereabouts. BUT at least I know she is enjoying herself :) In time I know she will calm down (at least I hope so ) It doesn't bother me, as like others have said at least she won't end up like a slug in the ring.

Absolutely agree with JeanGenie.
My dog is now 13 months and still is a bit of a goon when he feels like it.
When he was in puppy the amount of times he licked the judge and got all excited. It never counted against me and I've had the same feedback from Judges. They expect a pup to be a pup, not out of control but happy and bouncy unlike some statues you can see.
When he was younger I did five minutes a day, no routine just now and again, got him standing for a treat. This combined with a weekly ringcraft did the trick.
He's now in Junior and even though better behaved still the showoff. At a show last weekend and the judge ended up giving him cuddles after he'd been over him and he still won his class.

I too agree with jeangenie.A pup should enjoy itself.I know which i would prefer. My pup is nearly 12 months now and is still excited with the judge, licking and jumping up. Her first show i dont think she walked at all, she was like a kangaroo up and down the mat. Judge must have seen enough of her walking to give her the class. She is still quite naughty (though not as bad). She is a real show off, she thinks she owns the ring. This pup has now had 2 res c.c`s and a c.c with best of breed!!!   Personally i prefer puppies to be puppies, and I would  like my breed to still be a little naughty as it got older, but that is just me :-)    Good luck with your pup

Ok a question for you all now, how can I convince someone to let their puppy be a puppy? He has the most wonderful cavie and when he is showing her she catches your eye because she is so happy and confident and as she is moving she will trot for a while the do a vertical leap! You can still see her movement but she really sparkles. But he tells her off when she does this and wants to make her behave herself but I know people who would give anything to have a dog like that. How can I help him to see that he should leave that sparkle in her? I could just take no notice but I would be such a shame for the dog.

Sarah xxxxx

Try to stop him telling her off, she will turn into a limp dishrag as an adult if she's a well behaved puppy! A mad puppy will (hopefully!) turn into an adult just barely in control but up on her toes wagging madly! :-D

On second thoughts, I don't think I want any really good Cav puppies out there, my huge leggy thing has enough competition already! (just kidding!)

I think I would be tempted to go up to him and say something like 'Oh, I wish mine had half the sparkle yours has. At least you know she will still be wanting to show in a few years time as she enjoys it so much. I just hope that something doesn't upset her. All it needs is the wrong thing to put her off.' :)

Hi,  I am so glad to hear that it is a good thing.  My labrador is very excitable at ringcraft and thought I would look a fool when he went in the ring.  The only thing is that he learnt to sit from his litter mum.  Any suggestions to help overcome this it is so frustrating.  I konw hes only a baby but I need to start training him to get out of it now. 

Many thanks for all the helpful responses re my bouncy pup in the show ring. Its reassuring to know that this could mean he'll do well in the future!! As I said, he's a large breed and very strong (in the head as well!)and I do struggle sometimes keeping him in check. At the moment I use a leather/thin chain type lead as recommeded by breeder who shows but which does not give me a lot of control (He has snapped one already)I just hope he calms down slightly but as everyone says, without losing his 'spark'. I also take him to obedience classes to help with a bit of discipline and they are great there, offering to 'go over' him for me and letting me stand him as often as I like. I still cant find a really good ringcraft class in the area and have had to travel quite far afield. Does anyone know of a good ringcraft class close to Southport/Merseyside area. I have heard there is one in Skelmersdale??? Again, many thanks for your help.

I've noticed people with bigger breeds keep the thin show leads for the last possible second before going in the ring, and have the stronger ones on the rest of the time. If he's already snapped one it might be wise to keep a spare in your pocket just in case! You're lucky with your obedience, mine still mutter about me standing my dogs after heelwork and about not having them heel close enough even after 3 1/2 years!! And it's only pet obedience too!!

Yes, I do carry a spare (I've learned the hard way!) Thats a good idea though to have him on a thicker lead while waiting around. I've noticed a few owners have the rope leads which are easy to get on and off in a hurry. Experience and perseverence are the key words I guess... and still trying to keep it fun for both the handler and the pup!