I have just rung to get the details of ringcraft classes for the area we will be living in, and the lady couldn't have been nicer. But I still felt like a total idiot, as I am completely new to all this!

I am going to be so scared when it comes to the actual showing!

Don't worry, I was so nervous I sent my now ex husband for the first few weeks before I plucked up the courage. I am sure they will be lovely. I now count people I met at ringcraft as close friends and go now weekly purely to socialise ( dog is 2 years old now so really doesn't need much practice). Don't be afraid to ask all those questions you think will sound stupid, I am sure they will be willing to help. They will also help with entry forms, what classes to enter and many more things. Is it a pup you are bringing, most people get sooo excited to see a new pup at class. Showing is great fun and a great way to make new friends. Remember, everyone had to start somewhere.
Good luck 

i have started ringcraft a few weeks ago and i was terrified but everyone was really nice, and i explained i was completely new to it. i have to admit i was terrified, i dread to think what our first show will be like! goodluck!

Thanks! I am hoping if I look scare denough someone will take pity on me! LOL

It is a pup, but I am considering taking my older girl at some point too, so I can show her aswell. We'll be in Northern Ireland, so it makes more sense to have two dogs to take to shows eventually, as it might get expensive with travelling and they would be in different classes.

A lot of people at handling classes (if I am guessing correctly what ringcraft is....) are there for the first time too.  Even if its not the first time for the person, the dog is still pretty new at it, so they are learning as well.

Its a great time to socialize, both yourself and the dog!  Chat with people, and just enjoy the evening.  Everyone has to start somewheres, right?

Good luck at the classes!

Oh goodness yes! When I joined, I'd already been through our pet obedience puppy class and signed up for 8 week courses, so when I turned up at ringcraft I crept through the door nervously and enquired about when the next course started, and was amazed that I could just pay money and turn up any week or not as I pleased! This was after my breeder had said 'you ought to take him to ringcraft too if you're going to show him' and I'd said 'what's ringcraft?' LOL we have all been there!! :-D

Dear Jackson,

I'm afraid it's too long ago to remember how I felt when I started as my first show was when I was very young (I was carried there by my mum as a baby - very doggie family) and now I'm in my early fifties and still at it.
What I do tell people in your position is that the majority of people at dog shows are looking at the dogs!! Contrary to what many people say, spectators and judges are really only there for the dogs and the handlers get very little notice taken.
So relax, let your dog do the talking. If it's a good one people wont be able to keep their eyes off it and even if it's larking around, it will still be the dog that will get the attention.
I know that some on this forum are very bitter and jaded about judging but in my long experience at all levels, a goog dog always rises to the top. I've lost count at the number of complete novices who have brought out a super pup and it has gone all the way to the top, the trick of course is to bring out the next one and do the same!
Enjoy it and love your dogs ..........then you've nothing to lose.

Yes you'll be nervous, but do you know what?  Doggy people are sooooo friendly to new people it's untrue.  DH & I move fairly often so I have to find a new training club every few years.  3 years ago (well nearly) I started at a new ringcraft & the people were soooo friendly & helpful.  It was great for me as they treated me like a complete novice & taught me things about handling that I had either forgotten or never knew.  I've been showing for 30 years & because I had a breed on import & I was new to them they treated me like a novice.  Sadly I have moved area but recently I went back to their annual open show & they were so welcoming & supportive.

I phoned up about joining a ringcraft in my new area & the lady was incredibly helpful.  I haven't made it down there yet as it's the same night as my agility training but when I do go, I'll be nervous for the first 10 minutes by then I know that someone will take pity on me (for my mum's badly behaved dog that no doubt I will be training ;-) ) & I'll be well away

Enjoy :-D

can I join your breed?

our breed is know for its 'unfriendliness' lol  thick skin here I come! 

ah I didn't say it was my breed that was friendly just the ringcrafts.  But having said that I've found most people friendly in Spanish & I grew up in Tibetans so they tend to know me & say hello if nothing else.  I find that you find out who your friends are when you start doing really well in the ring ;-)

The other night I went to Ringcraft to see two puppies training on their first night that are by a dog that I bred. I took a friend who has just lost her GR and needed a bit of puppy cuddling. She had a great time and couldn't believe how friendly people were. She said it was just like a social event and not training at all.

I have started at Ringcraft again as a friend offered to take me after Weight watchers, as she wants a puppy next eyar so is getting soem practice in.  Who did I take along with my junior, my Veteran champion who is 8 1/2 years old and semi retired, only doing champ shows with Veteran classes, or will go if her daughter is unable to.

It is mostly about socialisation for owners and dogs. :D