The subject of showing my bitch has come up in another topic, and it is something I have always wanted to do, but due to personal circumstances wasn't able to when younger, and had been told that it is best to show them from puppies really. However, someone has been very helpful in the other thread and suggested it is possibel to showmy bitch.

I have experience of showing horses at a high level, but although I suspect there are some similarities, I am sure it is quite different! So how do I get started?

Thankyou!

Find a local ring craft class.  The kennel club should have a list, but someone on here may know of one near you.

I would also suggest attending an upcoming show to see how your bred is shown in the ring,a s often at ring craft the trainers will not know the little differences in handling, but will be great in general and for going over your dog.

We have Midland Counties championship show starting on the 25th October at Stafford county show ground.

Hi, try and find a local ringcraft class, they are good places to start as not only will your dog learn how to work in the show ring, it will be useful for you too as you will learn along side her!! The Kennel club normally have lists of local ringcraft classes or your vets may also.
Dogs of all ages go to our ringcraft class, some beginners, some are experienced but want to brush up on their tech before the show day!
Good luck, and remember showing is fun!

:D :D Brainless :D :D beat me too it!!
You must have posted that while I was still typing mine!!! :D :D

Thankyou. I am in Bournemouth in Dorset, if anyone knows of any classes near to me. Are they usually run at weekends, evenings, during the day, or all of the above?

I will be busy with my bitch and puppies till January (someone has asked me to keep a puppy until January for them) but am keen to get out and learn as much as possible after that.

Are there any good books I can order to read up on things in the meantime?

Thankyou so much, once agin, people are being ery helpful, and I am keen tolearn as much as possible.

Well in my breed we weren't even allowed to show them until my first one was 7 years old.  She won numerous Best Import Register's and at a gundog club they did a show where all the top dogs went every two years and Dilita won Best Import at it two goes on the trot, the last time being when she was 11 years old, the year before she died.  At the last event she beat a number of dogs in my breed and also the other imports, to my shock! So they are never too old, although I suppose it does depend on the breed :d

Our local ringcrafts have always been in the evening.

As everyone else has suggested, take your dog along when you find one (Sorry can't help there) but also go along to a couple of shows by yourself to see how things work, how your breed is shown etc.  Talk to people who have your breed, you'll find most will be really helpful.

I would suggest going to a couple of companion shows with your dog first but there's more of those during the summer months.  It's a good start, nothing too serious and helps the dog get used to being stood up around other dogs and going round the ring.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.....(but it's very addictive!!:-D)

I meant to add.....the only showing book I have is 'From Beginners to winners' by Robert Killick. I've got two copies, if you'd like me to send you one, feel free to PM me.

Frank Jackson has written a book on the British show scene called I think something like Dog showing from beginners to winners.

Have found it on the Our Dogs Website http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/acatalog/Main_Menu_Showing___Judging_54.html

Some of the othersd may be American where shwoign is rather different.

My first show is Sunday so am starting out myself. I bought three books which I have found helpful. I got them all on Amazon.

Collins Dog Showing: From Beginners to Winners by Killick, Robert (good for tips on how to show like you know what your doing)
Good Showing: The New Exhibitor's Guide to Dog Showing and the Showring (basic book that does things like explain in detail how to fill out the forms, ring etiquette etc)
The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets (Howell Reference Books) (this guy is an american professional handler so it more about upping your game than the UK scene)

I also told my puppy's breeder I wanted to show and she's been very helpful. I been going to her ringcraft class and she trimmed my girl this week so she's all I have to do is bathe her. A good ringcraft class has been the best help for me. The first one I went to was rubbish. They didn't help me at all and the man asked "is that a golden retriever" :( Hardly a rare breed. The second one has been great, lots of tips on how to stand her, gait, trim and loads of patience on their part. :-D (ever seen someone take a minute to stand their dog ;-))

We'll see if it's all paid off in a couple days. I may come back and tell you to run! ;-) :-D

Thanks everyone, it's very encouraging that people are so helpful, as I am quite nervous about it all.

Lori, we have the same breed, woudl you mind if I PM you, or would you like to PM me?

Glad to chat any time jackson. PM any questions you have.

Good luck on Sunday Lori. Will your breeder be there?

Thanks Marianne. I think I'll need it. :)
No, there's a sheep sale that day and she's after a new stud for her rare, native breed girl :-D love is int the air, doo-doo, da doo-doo (and don't ask what they are, I can't remember!)

LOL well that's a different -for a Golden person anyway! Having visions of Border Collie breeders also breeding sheep. :)

She has lovely big pigs too! She has a farm. :) Great for pups as they can meet other animals.
Nothing but goldens for her though!

oops boobed there and attributed the book to Robert's fellow columnist :D

This site pro dogs  might help you find a dog show local to you to go and visit and watch.

Jill

yeah  I did the link the fancy way