I have my first open this week and went to ringcraft class last night .My puppy is 8m and a beardie(bouncing Beardie) she is fine until the <<Judge>> only has to look at her and her tail starts to wag loads and then she wants to lick them and jump up to say hello we've been to lots of ringcraft classes and training classes but I'm starting to worry now that were going to look very inexperienced in the ring with my extremely HAPPY puppy ......I've tried treats a different tone of voice standing with her or knealing down to keep her calm etc but she just gets really excited anyone any last minute tips!!!!!

apart from not turning up!!!

I think you will find most of the other puppies are the same - just typical beardie pups, dont worry, just enjoy yourself :)

Hi Roni,

The best tip I can give you is don't worry about it at all :)  At 8 months she's still a very young puppy and no good judge will penalise her for being overly friendly -  it will probably be a refreshing change for any other judges too :P

Keep yourself as relaxed and positive as you can and don't give a second thought to looking inexperienced - every single person showing dogs had to make their debut at some point and thankfully most of us still remember all too well how it can be a bit daunting and try and calm the nerves of newer exhibitors.  Your bouncing baby will do just great!

Teri :)

As a Bearded Collie B list judge LOL I would expect a beardie puppy to wag its body let alone it's tail I I probably spend more time over a puppy class than any other to give them a chance to settle

I watched Jenni Wiggins judging Affenpinschers at E of E & she gave a lovely puppy extra time & she ended up quite rightly BP ! even though she had been naughty to start off with. Jenni is of course a CC Beardie Judge & she does the same with Beardies

Hi MM,

Maybe we should offer tips on getting BB wagging more :D :D :D

Relaaaaax Roni, Just kidding ;)

LOL I never have a problem as soon as I say "how old" all beardies mug me LOLOLOLOL I had a Tambora dog called Erik bless him he wagged his *ss all the time when he was stood & when he moved, made judging his movement d*mn hard !! He was sooo well bahaved in the junior handling though & did minimal wagging until the prizes were given out ! then he reverted to type !

oh yes MM..... both are typical beardies the whole body wags it does bring a smile to the face ......they think everyone wants to say Hi which of course isnt always the case !!!

well see how it goes!!!!

Don't worry. I had the same with my BC puppy. So much as look at him and he was in your face giving it a good wash. The first time out he did it and the judge was of the opinion that a puppy should have character, bless him. I feel its more important that you and your dog have a good experience whereever you may come. Remember it's not life or death.
Good luck and let us know how you got on.

Don't know about Beardie's in particular but I would think any puppy ought to be over-cheerful rather than scared or bored! The over cheerful ones are more likely to settle down into waggy adults, and the well behaved puppies can become stuffed dummies as adults! Having over controlled my first dog and almost ruined him, I am letting my new puppy be pretty naughty - she likes to launch herself off the table at the judge to say hello!!