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By Iggy
Date 04.03.08 15:34 UTC
My puppy is nearly 5months old and i'm intrested in showing her, we started ringcraft classes but didn't like the way people there were treating their dogs it was shocking, there isn't another one for miles around.
Where do i start with entering her in shows and what are the best shows to be starting out with?
Is there no-one near you who shows that would be willing to mentor you? I could have done with one when I first started out. ;-)
If you haven't done it before then I would say to you to go to a few local shows first, just to see how it's done. Start talking to people in your breed, if there are any there. Ask questions. So long as you don't get in the way of people about to go into the ring then I would hope that you will get someone friendly. Most people are uptight about the first time showing, and some of us are still scared after many years :-)
If you still go to ringcraft you should find the show catalogues there. If you don't see any then ask someone in authority if they have any. Don't make the mistake of entering every class, just because you can. It's very tiring for you and a puppy when you haven't done it before. Enter the puppy class for you breed, if they have one, or the lowest breed class. If not, then I would probably just enter the Puppy class for the group (eg, av puppy gundog) There are usually plenty of catalogues at shows for you to pick and choose where to go. I would enter the local Limited or Open shows first, but if there is a local(ish) Champ show then why not enter and see how you get on?
By Reesy
Date 04.03.08 15:58 UTC

Where are you from, perhaps there's someone on here to help you start out.
By Iggy
Date 04.03.08 16:09 UTC
Thanks for the advise, wheres the best place to find shows that are local?
I stopped going to ringcraft after only a couple of weeks of going, our puppy already does basic obedience and will walk on a lead and stand but she jumps up and licks people like nuts when they go to touch her, shes better when she's given food but not always.
Am in Derbyshire

How were they treating their dogs? Could you not still go, you don't have to treat yours like they do, and it really is very useful. I sometimes think people seem a bit harsh with their dogs when showing, but I'm a bit to soft I think!
Does the breeder of your pup show, could she help?
Where abouts are you in Derbyshire and what breed do you have.
I am in Derbyshire
The 2 dog papers are a good place to start. Dog World and Our Dogs are the 2 papers that will tell you where the shows are, and when. I order mine from my newsagents, but you can get them of the shelf at the big newsagents.
Or you can try here: www.prodogs.net
There is a list there of upcoming shows, and the secretaries email or phone numbers.
By Iggy
Date 04.03.08 17:22 UTC
Her breeder lives about 150 miles away if not a bit more, am in South Derbyshire in between Leicester and Burton On Trent.
Will try getting the dog papers and look on prodogs
At ringcraft they were stringing the dogs up by a thin chain when they wouldn't stand still and smacking them over the head when they barked.
The general atmosphere in there isn't a nice place to be.
I would have walked out on that class myself, so good for you to realise. Unfortunately it means you are missing out on the learning curve. Showing should be fun. My 3 year old bitches first show was WELKS Championship Show (I've been showing regularly since 1993) when she was only 6 months old. Everyone had a good laugh at us as I thnk her feet touched the ground. Once. Maybe twice ;-) Not a good start to a show career, but what can you do? She did everything perfectly at ringcraft, but this was something new. She took a bit of time but shows well now.
Your to south for me as i am more near manchester.
By DMac
Date 04.03.08 21:50 UTC
By patmo
Date 09.03.08 23:24 UTC
hiya iggy,
what breed of dog do you have as i have been showing for a few years and i live between burton on trent and leicester,which ringcraft was it as there are a couple in the area ,but if it is a breed i know i may be able to help you.I have 2 breeds one that is stacked and that is baited ,so please email me if you need help
pat
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