Sorry, I feel like such a whinger, but I am not sure what to do.

I have entered my 7 1/2 month old pup in a championship show, which is just under 2 weeks time. I have never done a 'proper' show before and puppy has never been shown yet either. We have been to ringcraft, but haven't been for a while due to me having an operation. I am planning on taking her twice next week though. I have been practicing at home with my other dogs around, and at friends houses with their dogs around and she has been fine.

I have no-one to trim her as of yet, and although I have a good idea of what to do (and am a hairdresser, which sort of helps, I think) I have never trimmed a Golden myself before. Her breeder is miles away, although did say that if anyone she knew was going, she'd ask them to help me on the day if I need them to. Someone local did offer to help me trim, but we haven't got round to it yet. I am chasing it up though.

Anyway, when I told the breeder it is our first show, I think she thought I was barking, although when I asked if I should cancel, she did say it would be a shame not to go if we are entered and that everyone has to start somewhere.

I feel so pathetic. I am a confident person in life usually, but this has really got me. I think because we bought this pup with the intention of showing and the breeder helped me chose her, I feel under quite a bit of pressure. Shows nearish to me are fairly few and far between, so I am reluctant to pull out, but am seriously considering it now. I feel very under prepared.

Am I mad if I go ahead and attend the show? I really want to do it, but am wondering if I should?

Help?!?!? :-)

don,t pull out
get there real early and ask people to help
somebody will i,m sure
we all started as novices once

My reponse would be to go,youve paid entry fee so why waste it,especially as Champ shows can be expensive.
When I did my first show I told the steward as I was unsure of what to do in the ring and he was brilliant told me where to stand and everything. Also as your dog is still a puppy it wont be expected to stand perfectly still the whole time in the ring and the judge will allow for that too and possibly give words of advice after your class....mine did....dont be nervous and just do your best.....
no matter what happens you take the best dog home with you anyway.
Good Luck im sure you will be fine and once in the ringand  you have got the first show over with and you know what to expect ...your nerves will gradualy dissappear too...mine did
Let us know how you get on
Philly xx

what show is it ? maybe someone on here could meet up with you ?

Maybe you should just take the pressure off yourself by thinking first time out is just for the fun and the experience.  Once you feel more sure of what to do then you could step up your game.

Just go and enjoy yourself :) Get there early (but not too early) so that you can find out where everything is, and your bound to see someone else with your breed. I'm sure most people will be helpful - and if they're not, then don't get too fussed about it, just look for someone else. I think your breed usually has quite big classes, so at least you aren't likely to have to go in the ring on your own. Are you showing a dog or a bitch? If the latter it's easy because you will have loads of time to watch everyone else. If you have a dog puppy, try not to stand too near to the front of the line - let one or two others go in the ring first. Then you can watch what they do - does the judge ask for a triangle or, as often happens nowadays, up and down then right round.

When you've finished, take time to watch the exhibitors in the higher classes, you'll get a better idea about the way your breed is handled from them. If you show an interest in your breed, people will take you under their wing and help you.

Am I mad if I go ahead and attend the show? I really want to do it, but am wondering if I should?

Go and have fun and see it as a GREAT opportunity to socialise your pup! Just don't expect anything else. You're likely to have huge entries in Goldens at champ.shows so even if you were no at all new to showing you might not get a card. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the experience and make sure your dog does too. :)

Now am I right in thinking the show is Belfast? In which case you'll already have an advantage -there won't be anywhere near as many dogs as at other champ.shows. :) It was you that asked before, wasn't it? I didn't realise the breed then, checked last year's results now and in Minor Puppy bitch there were only 6 entries with 2 absent. Nothing like the 30 odd you come across elsewhere, so relax! It will be fine! If you're going to start off with a champ.show, a small one like this is perfect! And a good judge SHOULD be extra tolerant of such young pups as well!

Thankyou!!!

I feel much better after being reminded that dogs will be judged first. I have a bitch puppy, so that is good. I have been to watch some open shows before, although not for a while, but am going to watch one on Saturday, so that will reassure me aswell.

If the judging starts at 9am and there are two breeds in the same ring before our breed, what time would be best to get there? I don't want her to be tired, but would prefer her a bit chilled out to hyper! Between 7.30 and 8am?

I do think I am worrying for no reason really. Puppy is pretty reliable and well behaved. Maybe I should get myself some rescue remedy! :-)

It could just be that your breeder has been at it longer and knows the effort involved . Getting up early ,travelling, stress,juggling home responsibilities.Its easy to forget that first enthusiasm we first had,going to a show ,completely eager to be part of it. The longer you show you may pick and chose where you go or may leave a fresh puppy a bit longer before you show it. Don't worry just go for it ,give yourself plenty of time, try ond keep it fun for your pup and enjoy

Thankyou ever so much Marianne.

Yes, the show is Belfast. I have had a look and 6 entries seems the most ever in MPB, even when there were equivalent entries to this year (60 bitches). I guess the less int he class, the less chance of any 'behaviour' in the class and less time for puppy to be stood around aswell.

As long as she behaves reasonably well (eg. we don't get asked to leave the ring or anything!) and we get out in one piece, that is all I am after. I have to admit, it is difficult not to secretly get my hopes up, but I just want us both to have a nice day.

Unfortunately, I'll be there on the wrong day for gundogs, or I'd have met you for a cuppa and a chat to calm your nerves.

She'll be fine ... you'll be fine ... and hey, even if you're not, what's the worst that could happen? Believe me, there are few of us showing for any length of time that haven't worn a puppy more or less round our neck while trying to move, or had the dog go to the loo in the middle of the ring, or tripped over our own feet. That's without the factor that says that your dog will stand perfectly at any time the judge ISN'T looking.

Try and chat to a few people who aren't looking obviously stressed themselves, the nerves never really wear off for some - and most of all, have fun.

M.

Go to the show.  You and your pup, at that age, should just be there to learn.  I always go, whether I think I have a "chance" or not.  I also go in the ring, not expecting much of anything.  Just to go round the ring, and have the judge go over my dog.  I think when you go in, with the "this is fun" attitude, and not "this has got to be perfect" things happen easier.

When I got my girls CH, I went to the show, saw the competition, and watched what the judge was putting up in the breeds before.  The judges seemed to like bigger dogs, and mine was the only proper sized one entered.  So I was like, ok, not gonna get anything, but I aint giving up.  Im still going to show my dog the best I can.  Ended up taking Best of Opp and Best of Winners, both days to finish her CH.

Another piece of adivce:  watch the judge before you have to go in the ring.  If there are breeds ahead of you, then watch those breeds, see what the judge wants, and see how he conducts the ring.  If you go in, already knowing what to expect, then you will be calmer too.  I usually watch the judge, from the start of my group (which is usually about 9 breeds before me).  Where does he want to you come in at?  What pattern around the ring does he want?  What kind of dogs are getting put up for placement? Watch all of these things, and you will have a better idea going in, what to expect and what to do.

Go Jackson you'll be fine.

Believe me most of us have been the same. I am still a bag of nerves before every show but once you get a few under your belt it gets easier.  I hate having big gaps between shows even now.

I am the same a very confident person so I have been very suprised at my nerves.

> Maybe I should get myself some rescue remedy! :-)

I used it all the time at my first few shows...drank it by the bottlefull and I dont know weather it works by mind over matter or it actually does calm you down, but it worked for me and I dont need it now , mind you dont know what ill be like at my first Crufts next year though lol
I might need to have some on hand just in case as it is a big occasion.

Try it it cant halm  as its all natural and only a teensy  weensy bit alcoholic.. grape i think it is

Kirstie, go and have fun. You're putting an awful lot of unnecessary pressure on yourself. Your breeder will be pleased if you beat one dog (or not, honest they won't disown you), trust me ;-) Personally, the most important thing to me for a new puppy is that they have a good experience and enjoy themselves. It's only a dog show and only the first of many. :)

If it makes you feel any better I was in the ring with my dog's breeder for my first champ show. I just kept thinking "she'll know how bad I am!" LOL

Go to the show and have a great day out.  Just relax and treat it like you are at ringcraft.  I always say when I take a new pup for its first show that my main aim is for the dog to have fun and enjoy the experience.

Let us all know how you get on!

My Mum swears by rescue remedy. She used to give it to me (and my horse!!) when we were competing. If it has an effect it is very subtle... totally worth a try in my opinion! xx

> If the judging starts at 9am and there are two breeds in the same ring before our breed, what time would be best to get there? I don't want her to be tired, but would prefer her a bit chilled out to hyper! Between 7.30 and 8am?

On average you can allow about 3 minutes per dog - so 20 dogs to judge will be one hour. Some judges are faster than that, but then you have to factor in time for handing out awards, changing breeds and so on.

So find out how many dogs are due  to be judged before you, and work from there. You're right to say that you don't want to get there too early, but at the same time you need to allow enough time to panic when you can't find the ring, or your show lead, or the loo :) :)

ETA: A good way to get to know people is to ask them to look after your dog whilst you go to the loo! :)

Haven't read the replies - but I did this with my adult dog, though I did go to an Open Show first... and after that experience.... since I had paid and wanted to go I went to the Ch Show and took him, but didn't show him, just benched him, shopped, watched the showing and handling and spoke to his sire's owner, who I hadn't met before. I would go with that approach - if you can find a local ringcraft class you might just get the chance to get a training session, then on the day you can decide if you actually want to show or just watch and get her used to the atmosphere and then go to some ringcraft before you enter her at one to show her at. :-)

ETA - is a bit different with a pup tho as a lot of pups will be a bit bouncy etc even if they have done ringcraft, so it's to be expected anyway. :-) If you are showing make sure you aren't first in line then you can watch the other people showing first to see what to do, and say to the judge that you're new to it. :-)

Thanks. She has been to ringcraft when younger, just not recently as I have had an operation so couldn't take her. She has always been well behaved there and the 'judges' commented on how good she was for her age. I will take her twice next week, it's an hours journey each way to our nearest one, so fun!

All the replies have been very helpful, thankyou! I feel reassurred and am just going to take her and take her in. I don't expect to do well (or even come anywhere but last) but I can just put it down to experience and it will be a ncie day out watching the other classes for my breed and maybe getting to meet a few people.

jackson, have pm'd you

Jackson.. everyone has given you super advice... just go and enjoy...

I was judging Labs and Goldens in Ireland in December, also a few other gundog breeds.. including flatcoats... my BOB flatcoat was a very playful youngster, completely untrimmed... while the others were in very much coiffed to the desired level.. she was much the better on conformation and movement.. despite her playfullness.. puppies can be forgiven this.. a long as the judge can see good movement and are able to go over the dog...

Just go and thoroughly enjoy your day.. and the very best of luck to you both :-)

Can't add anything much to the advice you've been given so far so just wanted to say Good Luck & enjoy :)

I didn't realise you had done the ringcraft and stuff before - well what are you worrying about then? ;-) (not intended to make light of worry just to be reassuring :-) ) OK she may or may not be placed, but it's experience for her and you, just go and have a good time. :-) If she's had the training then she's not likely to be any more bouncy than any of the other pups there, and I would suspect everyone that shows has had a dog show them up at one time or another - dogs enjoy doing that. :-D (It's funny cos I get anxious about all sorts of things, but never about dog showing - as long as I'm showing my own dog not someone else's.)

I just love the show atmosphere and being surrounded by the breed, and them all doing the breedy typical things and making the breedy typical noises... I just love it. :-D

Hi, just wanted to say i started showing for first time this summer, and was as nervous as anything! i took my boy to an open show at 6months and then a champ show at 6months 2weeks, where i thought i may throw up due to nerves, i was a mess. anyways, my boy went well, the judge actually asked me to run slightly slower after the triangle and before the straight up and down, said pup was bounding slightly and she wanted to see him better.
she then placed him 2nd out of 6! i couldnt believe it, i was so proud! everybody around the ring was nice to me before and afterwards. i remembered to congratulate the winner, and the girl that came 3rd.
so basically, go, relax (if possible) and enjoy yourself, i had a great day and have been to another 2 champ shows since, another 2 seconds lol, and a few open shows, im really enjoying it, and still get nervous so dont worry.

This is really useful for grooming a goldie, http://www.isselhoeve.nl/grooming/

However, most Goldie bitch pups dont have much coat to until they are older- so really don't need too much doing to them. I think i put my girl in the ring pretty much untrimmed nobody said anything! I have been to a few shows and its not uncommon to see untrimmed Goldies, people trim or not trim to their preference!!

I wouldn't worry about this show being your first, loads newbies start at every show! People are friendly and are not going to tell you your doing it wrong!

I wouldn't get to hepped up about being placed, I know its nice but every time i seem to do that we don't get anywhere and the dogs really naughty so I go to every show hoping that my boy behaves!! If we get placed thats just a bonus!

Definately go, we did a champ as our second show and had a fabulous time. x Good lucK

Hi, looking on the positive side, at least the judge is a breed specialist and is more likely to judge your puppy as a raw baby, and won't expect her to behave like a little robot. I have been told she is a lovely lady and am really regretting not having entered myself. Go along, have a great day and remember you are taking the best puppy home, whatever the outcome.

just remember its supposed to be a hobby and have fun.
Just relex and im sure there will be someone who can help you.
is the breeder going to the show?

I just wanted to say a huge thankyou to everyone for being so supportive, especially those who have pm'ed me. :-)

I went to watch an open show today, the first I have been to in Northern Ireland. It was much more relaxed than I have seen before and everyone was really friendly and lovely! I feel so much better about going next week now. It's even encouraged me to try showing the older puppy (That we bred) and my older girl (age 3) so I am going to enter them for the same open show in December.

Newf3, the breeder won't be there as she lives quite a distance away, in England.

Thanks once again for all the help, no doubt I'll have even more questions, but I really am appreciative of all the help.

Have fun and let us know how it goes!