Hi all

Well we went to our first ringcraft class last night, and had a really good time! I was very nervous beforehand, but everyone was friendly & made me feel welcome. My boy seemed to enjoy himself as well, and was better behaved than I thought he'd be. He did do a bit of barking, but I was able to distract him without too much trouble.
Thanks to those of you who gave me advice & encouragment when I was worrying about going, you were right- I loved it & can see it becoming very addictive! Can't wait for next week :-D

Rachael

Oh I am glad.  I have always found ringcraft one of the best waysof socialising a dog with people and other dogs, as at Obedience classes the object is to get them doing the excesrsises throughout, at ringcraft you only get a couple of goes at being gone over by a judge and showing, and the rest is sitting about socialising (just like at shows :D), so it is good at teaching them to chill between times.

Ahh that's brilliant news!!!  So pleased that he behaved himself :d

It's nice when you find a friendly place isn't it.  Glad your boy behaved himself.

You certainly will be addicted!

Good luck and keep enjoying it! :)

All sounds very positive Rachel - glad it went well :)   This hobby needs new blood and friendly, helpful training classes are a huge plus point.  We all have to start somewhere and it sounds like now that you've dipped in your big toe you're both ready for a good old fasioned paddle :P

Good luck, Teri

Hi

Thanks for all your positive comments :-D 
I did do a bit of showing years ago with an older experienced dog, but the ringcraft I went to then was so unfriendly I gave it up.
It makes such a difference to find somewhere that welcomes newcomers, and doesn't make you feel like an idiot for not really knowing what to do!
We are taking both our dogs to a companion show on Sunday, so that will be good experience for us both

Rachael

>and doesn't make you feel like an idiot for not really knowing what to do!

LOL - the dogs do that for us :D   I had my youngster back at training last night for the first time in yonks and boy did she make me look daft but it was still good fun!  

Enjoy your show on Sunday - they are great training grounds for handlers and dogs alike - unfortunately a bit thin on the ground round my way :(

regards, Teri

glad you enjoyed it!!! :-)