Hi all

I am about to start ringcraft classes with my 9 month old dobermann, and am a bit nervous about going along for the first time as I have social anxiety.
I am also a bit worried about how my little darling will behave once we get there! He is very lively and extremely vocal, and although he gets on fine with other dogs, he always gets excitable and barks alot.
Will people get annoyed at us if he is really noisy? I know we all have to start somewhere, but don't want to feel like I am disrupting the whole class.
Or am I just getting myself in a panic about nothing?! :rolleyes:
I'd really appreciate any advice/suggestions on making it an enjoyable experience for us both!
Thanks in advance

Rachael

If I was you I would just advise the organisers before you go that he gets quite excitable, then they are forewarned!  It's amazing how most dogs quickly get used to quietening down and doing the job in hand :d

I would tell them of your concerns that his youth and excitment may make him a little vocal and volunteer to remove him if he disrupts things too much before the class starts. You will be demonstrating that you are considerate of others and that always gets you a little more slack. It is harder to be misunderstood if you are open and talk to people. GO early to give him time to smell the place out and settle down a little. You can take him out if he gets too excited and bring him back when he's calm. He should start to realise that if he wants to be in on the fun he has to behave. Good luck, I'm sure it will all be fine.

Hi

Thanks for your replies.
I will speak to the organisers before the class and tell them what he is like, and will definitely take him outside if he gets too OTT- I wouldn't want him to upset everyone elses dogs.
He was a nightmare at the vets today, and even the vet greeted him with 'hello mad dog'!
He can't help it if he's big, bouncy and noisy!!! :rolleyes:

Thanks for your help
Rachael

Rachael our dog is like yours very vocal so i was very wary and nervous of taking him to ringcraft.  I did what everyone else has said and forewarned the organisers and a year later we're still welcome :D  I think it's done ours the world of good as he now settles in although he does have very mad moments when we're not there :D

Good luck & have fun

Gently discourage the barking, but apart from not letting him annoy / scare other dogs, make sure he has fun. You don't want him thinking ringcrafts and shows mean mum getting angry all the time! :-)