Hi,
We are attending our 1st Show in May 2008 - feeling apprehensive. 1st dog (Weimaraner) , 1st show - scary prospect.

Not sure what is expected on the day.

Can anyone give us some advice as to what usually happens upon arrival. Do we head straight for the benching area?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

As you mention bench area I'm assuming it is a champ show.

Will try and find my check list of what to remember to take with you.

But yes head to the bench area and settle yourself and dog in - give yourself plenty of time before judging starts - what do you have dog or bitch - what class are you in?  You will need to know what ring you are in and make sure you know where it is!!

Get there in plenty of time before your class and listen out so you don't miss them call out your class!

Don't go first - that way you will get an idea of what the judge is asking the dogs to do - triangle - straight up and down - watching them to the back of the class etc.

Sure others will think of other things I haven't.

Oh and HAVE FUN AND RELAX - it's only a dog show! :)  And you take the best dog home at the end of the day.

Yes - it's a champ show - have been speaking with breeder and she recommended entering a champ show - best policy - just go for it!!

Will have attended 7 ringcraft classes by the time the show comes around - so really jumping in at the deep end.

I have a male Weimy - he'll be 2yrs in May. We are entering the Post Grad Dog Class.

We intend to have fun and not take it too seriously, but still sticking to the show etiquette as i believe some people take it very seriously.

Thank you for your help - I just hope we won't be frowned upon if Duke decides he doesn't want to stand and wants to lick the judge to bits.

Fingers & paws crossed - teehee!

Good luck

Oh good luck.I know how it is to start showing an older dog. i did exactly the same thing last year with a 2 year old golden i bred. He went to 4 ringcraft sessions then had a 2nd in post grad at his first show. It took a while for him to understand exactly what was expected and he often hopped round the ring but he got it in the end. Enjoy yourself and just remember to have fun, make it exciting for you and your boy. Is it bham national????
mel.

Oh Good Luck and HAVE FUN :)    Just enjoy your day, and if you get a bit confused/lost in the ring just ask someone what to do :)  

In Response to Weimy06

You are doing what owners of mine did, their first all breed champ show was only their third show and the dog was also about two years old.

I told them about the benching and that they would need to purchase a benching chain and to ask and watch the other exhibitors as to when to go to the ringside.

They won their class, the Dog CC and BOB, so good luck.

Weims are a strong breed numerically so I would go into the class near the end so you can see what the others are asked to do.

One tip when you get moved together, give plenty of space before setting off after the dog in front in case he is slower than yours so that you don't have to slow down and spoil your dogs movement.  When standing in lien do not get too close to the next exhibit as you could end up boxed in with the one behind you coming right up to your too and then you have no space to stand or move your dog for the final assessment.

Thanks for all the good luck & tips.
Glad to hear there are other loons out there - teehee!

Yes - it's the Birmingham Dog Show - Stafford.

good luck! let us know how it goes!

Im coming to watch gundog day as all mine would be the wrong colour for our judges so i might just wonder over to the weimeraners to cheer you on!
mel.

Thanks Mel,
You'll probably be hiding under one of the chairs laughing!

What breed of dog do you have? Wrong colour for judges?

I am going with the mind set - that it's a 1st of many practice runs - you'll need to be cheering us on in 5 years or so - Yikes!

Well I thought I would mention that it was Birmingham National that was my my owners first all breed champ show where they won their first CC and BOB. 

No pressure mind :D.

Thats fabulous isn't it - bet you & they were thrilled.

There is hope for us yet - wa wa waaah!

Yep they do more showing than me now and were lucky that the bitch they bought from another breeder became a champion too.

I wouldnt laff cos i know how it feels!!!
Ive got golden retrievers and mine are fairly dark and both the dog and bitch judge have very pale dogs so im saving my pennies.
mel.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU BOTH... :-)

Good luck and enjoy yourself.  Will your dogs breeder be there?  If so go and find them for a friendly face.  It will help you settle.  

Get talking to people and don't be afraid to ask someone nearby a question, most will be happy to help.

I'm not sure yet if I will be at national.  I have to wait for my exam timetable and see about going there for the day! :)