HI

Just wanderd if anyone out there could explain to me what a open show is? I can hear you screaming from here (sorry). What would I be expected to do at a open show ie; just run in a triangle and up and down the mat, then make dog stand for the jufdge inspection?

Thanks

Heidi Dgs

There is no difference in ring procedure between an Opern show and a champ show. When your breed does not have CCs at a champ show, it counts as an Open show win.

Open shows just mean that the awards cannot count towards making a champion. the Kennel Club issues Challenge Certificates to breeds on a sliding scale number wise.

Popular breeds have lots, and less popular fewer. My breed only has CCs at 18 shows a year. there are around 30 all breed Championship shows, and only four of them have CCs for all breeds with CC status (some rare breeds don't have CCs, and you cannot make up a Champion).

Heidi,
Your getting too worried about all this, any idiot can show, I do it all the time:-D. Have you been along to a show to watch yet? There really isn't any great mystery you won't need to do anything that you don't do at ringcraft. The only real difference between an Open and a Champ show apart from CC's is the cost of the entry fee. The best bit of advice I can give you is to go along to a show and watch and when you do enter make sure you aren't first to be seen by judge so you can see what to do. Also expect to spend most of your time in the loo and take something to drink as my lips stick to my teeth my mouth is so dry with nerves but I still enjoy it. Lighten up on yourself you will make mistakes but you'll learn from them,
Anne

Anne

I am going to the LKA in December to watch my first show :) The open show I am entering is only the local ringcraft show after xmas, but I dont want to look a prat and havent a clue what I am doing, I am doing a exemption show in Jan 03 and entering a open show in Feb 03 which will be our first proper show. I am panicing I know

Do you go to ringcraft Heidi? If so the the way the class is run should be pretty much the way the the class at the show will be run.

You'll line up, take the dogs round the ring together then individually stand your dog to be 'gone over' by the judge (either on a table or on the ground depending on breed). You'll then have to run your dog in a triangle, then up and down away from the judge and then stand them again so the judge can have a last look.

Then you rejoin the end of the line and let the others have their go. When all the dogs have been 'examined' all the dogs will be stood again, in the line, and the judge will make the final choice.

Don't forget to keep the dog between you and the judge at all times and WATCH where you're going - otherwise you could end up doing what I did at ringcraft once nad run into the wall :(

Fiona
x x x

Fiona :)

I do go to ringcraft every week, but I just panic in case they ask me to do anything diff at the show.

We do the running in triangle and up and down the mats, so as long as they do not ask me to do anything else I should be ok :)

Heidi ....don't rush to be the first in the ring ...stand aside for a minute or two and then go in. Then watch exactly what the others do and when your time comes ..do exactly the same :)

I was terrified before our first show (only an exemption back in June) but it all went well in the end ;)

Melody

Dogs, your the one paying the money, the judge is there to give their opinion of your dog not you, just watch the others and try to do the same. The thing is to listen to what the judge says and do your best to follow those instructions. And you wont get stood in the corner if you get it wrong, most judges will know you are lacking in experience and help you and make allowance.
Ja:)kie - oh and dog shows are for enjoying.

just make sure youre not first to be seen-then watch where the ones infront of you go, each will be asked to go around the ame way-see its easy, just copy someone else :)