I have got a 4month old akita bitch puppy and i would really like to show her i think she is beautiful and am hoping judges will think so aswel. I have never shown a dog before and dont have a clue where to start i have been reading some other posts and read about ring craft but im not sure where i can find out about them. Mystic's breeder didnt show her dogs but the dad was shown and did well as i spoke to his owner aswel when i went to pick her up. Also i notice in pictures everyone wheres suit type clothes is there some form of dress code for showing?

Hi! The Kennel Club can help you with the details of your nearest Ringcraft club if you telephone 0870 6066750. As for clothing, 'smart casual' is usually fine. Good luck!

Also i forgot to add i guessed they arnt shown on a normal walking lead, Where do i get one from? What sort of price are they? I really want to do this with my girl but it all seems so confusing there were some entry forms in a pet suppliers and i couldnt fill one of those im they are so complicated. Hope you dont mind my questions, theres probably going to be more.

Mystic wolf, I think you made a smart first move by speaking to the owners of your pup's sire, as you say they show and do quite well. I would suggest going to a few shows to watch would be a great idea to see what goes on, speak to people who are successful and know what they are about. You will see stalls at the bigger shows showing all the 'show equipment' you need.

At ringcraft the people there will help you with entry forms and it is wonderful socialisation for puppies, as they have to learn to settle quietly and be polite with each other while waiting their turn, which can be easier than when at obedience class, where you don't want them interacting with the other dogs but concentrate on you. 

Both are excellent, the one from a social aspect (very neccesary in a breed that can be dog dominant to learn how to be happy around other dogs), the other from a control and technique aspect.

I would start off with ringcraft as after all they will be learning the basics of walking nicely onlead, and being OK with other dogs. 

After a few weeks  the pup has the idea then you can go to Obedience classes as well. 

I would suggest letting the Obedience trainer there know you want to show, and limit your sits to the sit stay excercises, so that pup doesn't learn to automatically sit evey time you stop moving. 

IN the ring the pup needs to stand confidently showing off, and if you have to stop it from sitting all the time it may loose confidence.

Once the pup knows the show stuff well then you can do more in the obedience excersises including more sits, use different commands and leads and the pup will know they are different activities.

Hope this isn't too much info at once.

Whereabouts in the country are you? The Akita Association has its Open Show at the beginning of March in B'ham. If your girl isn't old enough to show there, it would be worth you coming down to see what goes on! PM me if you want more details.

Shes not 6months old until March the 25th. I might go along anyway are you allowed to take dogs with you that are not being shown?

Hi Mystic Wolf
Where abouts are you in the country. Also if you are going to the Akita Association show in Birmingham, let me know. I have friends who show their Akitas who would be more than happy to answer your questions.
Ringcraft is an excellent idea, just one pointer. A lot of people don't know about the Akita breed.
As you know the akita holds its tail up and over it's back.
Never let anyone try to pull her tail down (i've seen it happen all four ringcrafts I have been to)  They're doing it as they haven't got a clue about the breed and it can result in the dog dropping its tail all the time which is something you don't want to happen.
Akitas seem to be shown on half checks with short leads as they are handled on a short lead almost vertically. Luxway are a good company to get them from as they do a range of lengths and colours as Akitas come in such a beautiful array of colours.

You don't have to use a short lead - you just have to have your dog under control :D
(I hate this habit of stringing dogs up so their front feet hardly touch the ground) If you can move her on a loose lead, she'll look & move much better.
You'll find some judges are apprehensive about Akitas - avoid them like the plague :D :D :D
As well as pulling their tails down, some judges try to pull their ears forward - not appreciated by most dogs & heaven knows why they do it :rolleyes:

I didn't mean a short lead to string them up. I agree with you Anwen in hating people stringing their dogs up. I meant a much shorter lead than I would use say on my border collies or to the other extreme German Shepherds. Akitas are shown on a shorter lead than my breed for obvious reasons (their head is higher off the ground for one). That is all i was suggesting. :)

Thought that wa s what you meant, just clarifying things for newbies. Actually though, . I show my Akita on the same length lead as I do my Buhunds. Obviously, I make sure he's a lot closer to me at all times :D  Main problem is finding a collar big enough to go over his head without taking his ears off when it's time to remove it - some Akita owners (including me) use an American choke (all leather & brilliant for showing)