I've been going to Ringcraft now for about 6wks, Dicksy isn't getting any better he's getting worse or so I've been told tonight!  I know he's no angel and yes it's mainly my fault I also admit that but what they now suggest is that everyday until next week I make him stand ..no choice he stands being really firm...now the fella said some dogs it will make them flat??? this may happen to him but we can make it fun again after he's learnt because with some dogs especially gun dogs you have to show them from the beginning you mean it?  Is this correct?? Bearing in mind I've never had a pup before, he is now 5mths old and although no angel is not the devil, I've never been to a show in my life let alone shown a dog so it's a learning curve for both of us.  What I don't want to do is make him lose his lively happy nature? What do you think please?  Lesley

Which breed of gundog do you have? There are different handling techniques for different breeds. If you are going to Crufts on Friday, go to the breed ring and watch the more experienced exhibitors. I was contacted some years ago by a flatcoat owner who was getting more and more stressed because her flatcoat would not stand correctly. She was getting more and more stressed by this which in turn was making her dog more and more upset as he sensed her anxiety. I knew as soon as I saw it why, she was trying to "stack it" and hold it's tail like a golden retriever! Flatcoats are supposed to shown free standing on a loose lead. So with that example in mind, do go along and look at what other more experienced exhibitors are doing. One might even give you some tips which will help. Also at 5 months he is still very much a baby, and some dogs mature mentally at a slower rate than others.

You have a Cocker don't you Lesley? We use ringcraft mainly for socialising our Cocker pups and do the bulk of our show training at home. We practice standing them several times a day at home, both on the floor and on the table - short sessions only of a few minutes only and with a nice reward at the end. This way they learn the "stand" command without distractions and it's easier then when it comes to ringcraft to put it all into practice. Try not to worry - I would much rather see a Cocker pup playing up a bit and enjoying themselves at a show than a perfectly trained little robot ;-) It will come together in time if you keep practising & keep it fun for Dicksy :-)

Yes I do have a Cocker Jane and I posted this question as I was quite concerned about what I was being told so thought I'd ask, I'll continue at home and let him be Dicksy in the ring for now. I don't think I even intend to show him but I like to go for socialisation purposes.  First obedience lesson tonight...he's excellent with other dogs, a little wary of people and I never ever want to take the mischief out of him as even when he's really really naughty, he makes me so so happy!

Click to Win! by Karen Pryor is a book that demonstrates how you can clicker train your dog for the show ring which is fun for both you and the dog.

I do have a clicker but have never tried it as I feared doing more harm than good because of me not knowing what I was doing. The class I'm attending tonight does mention clicker training so I'll see what goes on this week and how I feel about the place and then decide if I want to go along that route.  I will order the book to give me more information.

Thank you