Hi there can anyone recommend anything I can give my 6 month old dog to help him relax in the ring. I have tried Scullcap & Valerian tablets from Dorwest Herbs but they don't seem to be having any effect on him. He is fine moving but when he is put on the table or when I stack him on the floor he just goes to bits. He has been going to riingcraft classes for about 2 1/2 months now with no improvement. He has his first show on Saturday then is going to Manchester next weekend. I really don't know what else to try. Help

I've heard of either kalms or rescue remedy can do the trick - not used them myself so not sure if they really work or not.

I had a real problem with my boy after a dog bite (not in the ring).  I found that alot of it was me in the end - worrying about how he was going to act - so once I calmed down then so did he.  Ringcraft also has been a big help too for me - but seems not really helping for you?

Sorry not much help - good luck on Saturday and Manchester.

Thanks. Is it just the stuff you use for humans.

I really would wait its your 1st show and you're going to be a bag of nerves anyway and anything you give your dog your nerves will probably just counteract it.
(If anything i'd say take the kalms yourself :D )

Once you have your 1st show out the way you know what to expect for the future and can work from that.
Many judges are leniant with pups you just can't expect them to be like little statues.

Above all try and relax (easier said than done) have a good day and take it all in.

:)

I think you need to establish exactly why your puppy is scared.  If it's a breed trait and something most youngsters go through then try either Rescue Remedy or Valerian Tincture (not the pills).  The trick is to try and act like nothing's wrong and ooze confidence down the lead :) .  On Saturday try getting to the show early and ask a few knowledgable people (who know how to go over a dog) to go over him both on the floor and on the table before you go in the ring, with loads of praise if he doesn't freak out.  It could be just a "stage" he's going through.  Most youngsters in my breed do it and it's just something you have to work through. 

Thanks Surannon. I am not sure what he is scared of really. They are a slightly aloof breed (hound) but have never had one or seen one this bad before, neither has my mum who has been showing and breeding them for 40 years. I have bought some rescue remedy so will try that on him to see if it helps, if not then I will just have to hope he grows out of it. Do you know how many drops to give him? He is a 10kg dog.

Yeah I know all about aloof sighthounds.. I have Pharaoh Hounds  LOL.  If you give him three drops on arrival at the show and then another three about 15 minutes before you go in the ring it should help.  I've found many Pharaohs, Ibizans, Sloughis, etc go through this stage at some point while they're growing up.  The main thing is to be calm and not overface him but don't pamper him either.  Just act like nothing's wrong.  The happier and more confident you are the happier your dog will be.  Let us know how you get on at the weekend :)

Debs

Thanks Debs I will do that.

As stated above give the dog some, but also give yourself some :D  You'll find they don't make you feel any different, they just stop you getting all hot and bothered ;) 

At my first few open shows and CH shows I couldn't have told you my own name until after we'd been in the ring   and while in the ring :rolleyes: ....   Someone recommended Rescue Remedy and I couldn't believe the difference it made :) 

try and put the rescue remedy under the tongue for a better result...

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll put it under his tongue. Oh It's not my first show, just my first nervous dog. Have had plenty that are the other way but not one like this before.
Thanks again.