We are probably going to show our puppy, I wondered if anyone could advise on initial training requirements, he now 13 weeks and we are just doing basic stuff at home. He is allowed out properly as of next week, so is getting a bit of collar and lead familiarization but that is about it,oh and recall too.

Find your local ringcraft (clever people who can do links will hopefully let you know where to look!) and teach him to stand after heelwork rather than sitting, as that's what the judge will want. Good luck! :-)

Thanks for that, I do know where to find the local rincraft, just wondered what we should be doing now as its all so new to us. Forgive my lack of knowledge but when you say heel work? Is that walking on the lead alongside us being interested?

Yes, just trotting along near you, not clinging close like competition obedience heelwork, just showing a natural gait, not pulling away from you sideways or in front or behind. Of course your puppy won't do it right at once (my menance still plays up occasionally and he's nearly 4!!), but that's what you're aiming for! :-)

Hi Poloaussie,
One thing to remember - please - above all else - allow your puppy to be a puppy in the ring.  I judge quite a bit and one thing I cannot stand is puppies who are expected to stand like statues and move like old pros.  There's such a long show career ahead of them.  Any judge worth it will make allowances.
I hope you get many years enjoyment from showing.  It's a great hobby :)

Debs

Thanks Lucy and Debs,
It is good to know as before we begin I am worrying that we should not bother, as so want him to enjoy being a puppy and not worry about drilling him too much. Also, helpful? other OH has taught him to sit...
Karen

Oh dear. I taught my first show dog to sit before going to ringcraft. The problem I had was that everytime I stopped, she sat. So, it's up you to teach him to stand. Move him as if you were in the ring, stop, but at the same time don't let him sit, tell him to 'stand'. If he tries to sit walk forward a bit saying 'stand' and praise him if he doesn't sit. He will hopefully learn the 2 different commands very quickly. I found that a different lead when 'show training' also helps, as the dog differentiates the difference between showing and obedience by which lead it is on. Hope this helps. :)

Yes, that's what I meant about not teaching sit after heelwork. I did that with my first dog as the book I had was intended for pet owners and taught sit first, and it took ages to unteach him! Fully agree with advice to let him be a naughty puppy! Only do this training for a couple of minutes a day, and when you get to ringcraft and then to your first show, make sure he has a great time, whether or not he behaves. Coax him to stand etc, but don't get cross if he doesn't, he has to think 'wow, a show, lots of fun time with mum/dad', not 'oh no, a show, that's where I'm always being shouted at!' :-D

hi poloaussie!

just out of interest what breed is he?

Hi there ,

He is an Australian Terrier, and gorgeous just full of fun (and needle sharp teeth:rolleyes:)

Karen.

Those puppy teeth are sharp Samson is 10 weeks now and if he catches you with his teeth they are like razors . He is just so full of fun and we are hopeful that we will show him but still want him to be a puppy :)

Hi,
What breed is Samson?
Karens daughter.