Hi everyone,

I bred my first litter last year and produced three beautiful pups, one of which i have kept.  I would like to get into showing her because she is beautiful and an excellent true type.  The only problem is, i have no idea where to start.  What formal training she will need, what basic obedience level would she need to be at, where do you find out about the shows, how do you enter them etc etc.

I am really clueless about it all but desperate to learn so i can show the world how fabulous she is.

I appreciate any help you can give me.

Leanne
xxxxxx

First place to start is Ringcraft Classes. That way you will be shown how to stand and move your dog. Your dog will also be taught how to behave when complete strangers handle them. Go along to a few local shows and speak to people there in your breed, or in your group if there aren't any of your breed there that day. You will be able to see how your breed is stood and moved in the show ring, and also how they are tidied up for the ring.

Find a ringcraft club near you (if you post whereabouts you live someone on hear will be able to pint you in the right direction), go to some local shows and see what it is all about (again, we will be able to suggest shows in your area).

Edited to add: Sorry, duplicated advice already given as I had a delay in posting.

To add to what has already been said: You can find show schedules on certain websites (some can be entered online, but not all), you find show schedules AT shows, some ringcrafts have schedules available, shows are advertised in the two weekly newspapers Our Dogs and Dog World (available by subscription, some large newsagents stock them or you can ask your local one to order them for you, published every Friday), and you can buy the Starprint Diary which lists all shows for the entire year complete with location and contact details. I will try to give all links!

For showing your pup needs to learn to walk nicely on the lead, stand still, and to be stood (in your case on a table) to be examined by the judge, touched all over, teeth checked etc. This is what you learn at ringcraft.

http://www.fossedata.co.uk/ Fosse Data, has schedules and online entries (and results) for championship shows and some open shows.
http://www.highampress.co.uk/ Higham Press, schedules, online entries and results for some championship shows.
http://www.cidweb.co.uk/ Canine Information Directory, a smaller number of shows with schedules and online entry etc.
http://www.arenaprint.co.uk/shows.html Arena Print, lots of schedules for Open shows.
http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/ Our Dogs newspaper
http://www.dogworld.co.uk/Dog World newspaper
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/265 Article from the KC about starting in showing, includes a link to find local ringcraft classes (note this does NOT list all)
The Starprint website appears to have been hacked! But if you search for Starprint dog show diary on Ebay you will find it there.

This site has advice pages and lists most of the different types of shows, date ans contact details: http://www.prodogs.co.uk/

Another central point for all shows and entry dates, try here http://www.dogshowcentral.co.uk/showlist.php

Noticed in your profile that you live in Northamptonshire. Someone previously asked about Ringcraft in that area and there were a few replies so I hope there is one near you. Here's the link: http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/125015.html

If not then this website is good at listing all the societys that may help you. I'm sure if you ring the secretary of the society they will give you the info you need (Such as where and when). You need to look under Ringcraft or General Canine Societys. http://www.clubcorner.co.uk/index.htm