Hello I wondered if anyone might be able to give me some advice on showing. I have a blue great dane bitch which up to now was my first and only dog. I took her to ringcraft once when she was about one year old. She was almost fully grown but still 100% puppy at heart and was so excited she was bouncing off the walls for the entire session. I was awarded a rosette for effort but felt that I interrupted other owners training with their dogs. I never repeated the experience after that although we took her to puppy classes and obedience training, which we enjoyed. We decided over 12 months ago that we wanted another dane as we are both completely smitten with the breed. We have been and still are in constant touch with the breeder of our blue bitch and with her support have had  a litter with our dane. We intend to keep a blue dog and I wondered if anyone could advise me on what early training I could instill that would help with showing. Also any general information on what I can be doing at home, how often and how long I should spend training my puppy would be useful. Also whether puppy classes/obedience classes enhance or hinder preparing a dog for showing. I love the great dane and would like to be able to present to others what I appreciate so much in the breed.  

5 mins a day just getting the pup to stand in the show position, checking ears and teeth and generally getting used to being touched in these areas. As soon as possible go to ringcraft to get the interaction with other dogs. All the time make it fun or the pup will not see showing as a fun activity. Also get your pup used to having its nails trimmed, I use a dremmel and its great but the noise and the feeling of it does take some getting used to. Just as a matter of interest, which breeder helped you? (PM me if you like!!) Im just being nosey!

Hi GGI,
I am new to chat forums so I don't know what the 'norm' is but I feel a little uncomfortable about giving other people details out. Thanks for the info though, its much appreciated.

I would try the ring craft again, as only when she becomes familiar with it will she be less excitable.

Hi Brainless,
My blue bitch is over four years old now so I don't know if she's past training for the ring - being our first dane and us being soft touches we let her get away with far too much! But I would like try ring craft with the male puppy that we are keeping.  

Not a problem, I am just being nosey to see if I know them!! Good luck and hopefully see you around the shows!!

Hi GentleGiant,

One of our members 'Mygirl' (sarah) shows Danes send her a pm Im sure she wont mind (tell her I volunteered her!), she's an absolute diamond and can be bribed for chocolate ;) I have a  wonderful photo of her at Crufts, Im sure she can give you some good advice and tips.

Hope this helps :)
Liv x

Thanx - I will do that x

Thanks - but I think it will be a long time before I risk the shows. Probably just stick to the sidelines and ring craft for a while x

Never too late to start, especially if your only going to do it for fun.

Well thats what I'm hoping. Everyone on the site has been very helpful and friendly, and thats all I want to get out of showing - to meet people with similiar interests.