By Guest
Date 19.09.05 08:00 UTC
I have just finished a course of 20 weeks puppy training classes with my 8 month old boy to socialise him and generally give him good manners. I would now like to show him, although he is a little wary of people coming up and stroking him.
We have been to a companion show and the Judge didn't bother even to try and look him over as he shied away from him.
Is there somewhere I can take him to get him more used to a show environment.
I live in Maidenhead in Berkshire.
If after 20 weeks he is still wary of people touching him at the classes. Then don't jump straight into the showing. You will need to join a ringcraft class to get him used to being gone over by strange people and build up his confidence. You can start at home with going over him yourself so that he is used to being handled. Check his teeth, ears, feet, tail and little bits and these will all be gone over by a judge. When I start with puppies, always say the word of the area before touching then the dog learns what you are doing ie, 'teeth' before opening his mouth. Someone should reply with some clubs in your area. If not contact the Kennel club or look on line for a ringcraft class in your area.
The people who have done your training for the last 20 weeks probably have details also.
The fact that you have socialised him well since he was 12 weeks and is still a bit wary. Take it slow and don't push any situation on him you think he can't handle. I wouldn't even take part in a companion show to be honest until he has built up the confidence of been gone over.