Well as i have never done showing before, I was wondering what is acceptable in a dog/puppy behaviour in the ring. I am having terrible thoughts going through my mind (and feeling nervous) and we haven't even got that far yet. My boy is just so friendly, I can't ever imagine him sitting/standing still for someone to look over and feel him. He is very bouncy (sure he has springs on his feet)  He would rather lick everyone until he gets attention. Also what sort of things are you expected to do at a show? He is a dobe by the way and is 5 months at present so have a little bit more time before we can show.
Em

First of all, go to a good ringcraft where you will be given help and advice on showing. What is required of you, the dog etc. The second good place to get advice is from the breeder if they show. This is invaluable.
When going in a puppy class judges half expect a real youngster to be cheeky.
My first show, my dog licked the judge to death, sat down etc. He still got a second in a class of five. My feedback from most judges is they half expect a puppy to be just that a puppy. They would much prefer a pup who has bundles of personality than a pup who has had that much training drummed into him that it stands like a statue and looks quite subdued in the ring.
That said, you need to get some training and do alot a home. Not over the top but getting your pup to stand for treats and spending five minutes here and there getting them to stand.  Opening their mouths to show their teeth now and again. At his age he might be a bit sore from teething.  The more you can do in small amounts so that he learns what you want from him but he doesn't get bored.
What is also really useful is get along to a show with a Doberman class and watch to see how the dogs are handled. This is really useful in seeing how the breed are handled, stood etc.
The main thing is enjoy it with your dog as you both learn together.

As log as the judge can go over him ad see some good movement then don't worry.  I let puppies play about abit ad don't expect them to stand still all the time or move without jumping vertically ad in traiing I allow the older dogs to do that aswell! :)  oce they get to about 12 months thats when I want them to trot nicely and stand still while the judge goes over them.  A good ringcraft will get you rdog used to possible situations (and you) and this will help alot :)

O.k thanks. Still really nervous though!  He is good as he will let me look at his teeth and in his ears and stuff, so isn't worried at all and at our last puppy class he let different people there do things with him too. I just need to stop his urge to pull to see another dog in a situation like that. He is pretty good when out walking on a lead, but as soon as you get in a situation with loads of dogs around, he likes to pull and bark :-D Strange, but I'm sure they will be able to help me when I go to ringcraft. Now for my next question does anybody know of any classes in the berkshire/hampshire or oxfordshire areas?

You will be fine.  Was talking to someone yesterday in the ring at his 3rd show ad he said "I'm glad my puppies not the only one who plays up"  Now his 3rd show, and I've been showing for many many years!!! :D  Just don't get worked up about anything or worried because this will make your pup misbehave.

I would be worried about puppies that weren't naughty, it's only natural! :-)

And those pups who are as good as gold in puppy classes are those that don't go on to do aythig whe they are older because they lack sparkle!

My puppy, now 13 months old, was just a pain in the first few months in the ring ;) Why put 4 feet on the floor when 1 will do? Eye contact was a must, at MY eye level :) We were at Gundog breeds last week and SHE BEHAVED :D She actually got place 2nd, unusual for her :D Then we went to Dundee Canine Club show and she decided that she would rather play with her brother in the ring :( Little s*ds :D All in the joys of showing. The more you take them out, into the showring, the better the behaviour will become.

Note to self: Remind the older dog that the ring is not the place to smile at me, and tell me stories. It's where we go round the ring in a STRAIGHT line ;)

When you go in your first class. Try to go last. Then you will have time to watch the other exhibitors and what the judge has told them. Calm your nerves etc. Also, your pup will only have a dog in front of it most of the time. So your dog will look ahead rather than turning round at the dog behind.
I think most people are nervous, especially at their first show. I have friends who have exhibited for over 20 years and some of them still get the nerves before going in.
I think the best way to look at it is, what's the worst that can happen. Your dogs going to lick the judge, maybe jump up. I just think judges have their own dogs and they've had exactly the same with their pups at some stage. Keep the amount of standing to a minimum. So stand your dog when the judge is looking at the beginning at all of the dogs and when he is going over your pup and again in the line up.  When he's looking elsewhere or going over another dog. Let your pup relax. This way they will not get bored and see it as something fun and rewarding.

HI all
I have the same worries as Em. I have a 9 week old boxer (along with a 3 year old) and do plan to show him. The breeder I got him from has been showing boxers for over 20 yrs and assures me he is good quality. But i am sh****g myself (excuse the french) even just going to the ring craft classes as I do not have a clue what to expect! The breeder of my pup, Clay, happens to live near by and is going to go to the classes with me and all she says is don't worry it will be fine!
Ok for her she has been doing it for 20 yr and I'm a virgin!

What is acctually asked of you (and pup) at the first few classes?

Many thanks.

Michael.

I think it is lovely to see the minor puppies bouncing around the ring enjoying themselves and misbehaving - very cute!!!  People forget they are still puppies.   :-)

Ok thanks all, I just had visions that I would have to have him standing still as rock and not moving to even see who was touching him etc. But you have reassured me alot as i am sure that would never happen lol :-)
Will have to watch a few first to see what happens I think. Liisa are you going to LKA?

Not just the minor puppies Lisa, my bitch is nearly out of puppy and still mad!! And my 3 1/2 year old's pretty silly sometimes too.

Perhaps this season she's finally started will calm her down!!!!