I have a well bred bitch that I bought to show 3 1/2 years ago but never got round to it due to other commitments is it too late to train her to show now or should I start again with a new puppy?

I can't see why it would be too late.  If she is happy to be handled, then it's just a matter of training her to stand in the manner appropriate to her breed and to accept someone going over her.  I'm sure she's lead trained, so no great problem there to do a triangle or up and down or whatever.  Have you tried taking her along to ring craft?

A lot of dogs don't show there potential till later on in life and I have herd of dogs being sold as pet only, due to the breeder not thinking its show worthy only to see it a few years later and beg the owner to show it. lol .so go for it. I don't think its ever to late as long as you both enjoy it

Yes she is happy to have people touch her and she is fine on the lead so from that point of view I dont see any problems, she as never been to ringcraft and I have just found classes fairly close that we could go too I thought I would give it a try and if she is OK then enter her in a few open shows and then work up to Champ shows.

But having never shown an older bitch/dog for the first time at 3 yrs I was not sure how she would cope.

I suppose all I can do is try her and see how she takes to it or not as the case maybe.

The only problem I know I will have is she will sit in the ring for food I know it will be a case of training her to stand but knowing her as I do she will drop her bum at every opportuntity thats the one command she is good at wether you want her too or not LOL.

Thanks for the replies I will give it a go and see how we get on.

My Lab got to five before I showed him. I hadn't intended to show, but then wanted to try it out, and he learned very fast what was expected of him. he doesn't always do it of course, but that's another story!
Our biggest problem was that every time a judge approaches him (for real or at ringcraft) he wants to play and then slump down onto his back for a tummy rub! It's amazing how well bribery and repitition work.
I would say the best you could do is find a patient sympathetic ringcraft instructor who will work with you, and you'll be sorted in no time.

Good luck, Julie 

I dont see why not, my lab bitch at 3 and a half is only just starting to show good potential.. filled out alot more and got alot thicker on the tail (which was her main issue before)

enroll yourself in some ringcraft, and go to some shows without the dog to see how its done with your breed!

Thanks for the replies, Although I have not shown a lab I have shown other breeds over the years so have an idea what to expect and I have seen how the labs are shown but just never got round to going in the ring myself so it's off to ringcraft next week to see how she goes.

Hi Schiplab, I am thinking about doing the same thing with my 3 1/2 yr old bitch. :)
We too considered showing her when we first got her but other commitments got in the way. Now my OH has started to show our pup I'm feeling a little envious!! ;)
I have entered her NFC at a few of his shows early next year to see if she likes the fuss of the shows and if pup will still behave with her there, and that also gives me a little time to practise at ringcraft etc.
Go for it!! what have you got to loose. :)
Paula
 

she will drop her bum at every opportuntity
Used to have a pointer/whippet (rescue!) that did very very well in exemption shows, he had a thin red 'show' collar and lead set and learned NEVER to sit if he was wearing it.
Lent him to a friends daughter for junior handling class, her first try and every time she asked him to sit while waiting he did - and then got straight back up to stand.
It will help her tell the difference in 'everyday' and 'show' if you use different stuff and don't ever ask her to sit in 'show stuff' but treat her for standing instead.
Chris

Yes, I've been told to have different leads & collars for show and obedience, no idea how much it helps but it's worth a try!

>no idea how much it helps but it's worth a try!

I have a 'special' lead that's only used when my stud dog has a lady visitor. And he knows it! ;-) :-D

go for it and  if she likes it all the better.
good luck.

Good Luck!! :-)