Category: Getting started

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Getting started

Which class to enter?

Which class to enter?
You pick up your first schedule for a dog show and your new puppy is old enough, but what class should you enter? There are often hundreds of classes at an Open show and even more at a Championship show. but only a handful will be applicable to you and your dog.

If you enter online, then they will only give you the choice of classes you are eligible to enter but looking though a schedule can be daunting.

Breed/AVNSC classes
If your breed has separate classes, this is where you should make your first entry, otherwise you will need to enter Any Variety Not Separately Classified (AVNSC). There could be mixed sex classes or separate classes for dogs and bitches, so read carefully.
Enter the lowest class you can enter, so with a puppy, look for Puppy or Junior, if your starting to show an older dog, look for graduate or post graduate. The full definition of classes will be in the schedule or can be found on the Kennel Clubs Website from page 37 here.

Don’t get too excited and put a 6 months old puppy into a class where he could be up against older dogs. Also consider that you pay for the judge’s opinion, so if you want to do more than one class, look at the variety classes where it’s likely to be a different judge.

Variety and stakes classes
There will be variety or stakes classes for any breed of dog to enter at most shows. They are excellent practise for showing against other breeds. The classification of classes will be similar to that in the breed classes.

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

Show Etiquette

Show Etiquette
Etiquette: the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group (Oxford dictionary)

There always seems to be discussions about the show world and a lot of people believe that those in the show world are “bitchy”, “nasty”, unkind” or “unhelpful”. I’m not going to defend everyone, some people are, but this is no means the majority, half or even a quarter. In fact, it’s a very small percentage.

But, still it is important to be reminded of show etiquette of polite behaviour towards each other while at shows and while discussing shows.

Remember to smile, speak to new people in the breed and encourage them. Share your tips (or at least share the Winning Paws blog!).
Congratulate the winners
Have a laugh with friends
Don’t say bad things about other people or dogs in public

I saw a lovely thing on Facebook yesterday where someone offered to make and give a lead to a 9 year old handler who wanted one. I saw lots of congratulations flying around the internet to people who had done well at shows.

Lets remember to keep the show etiquette and all play our parts in being friendly and approachable to keep this hobby fun and inviting.

I think most/all of us feel sad and guilty when a new person is made to feel unwelcome. After all, they didn’t meet anyone who has probably read to the end of this post.

Like if you agree!

 

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Getting started products

Armbands or ringclips?

Armbands or ringclips?
At a show each dog will have a number allocated to them. This is their ring number and at benched shows will also be the bench number. Each dog has the number to identify it in the catalogue and in the judges book so it is important that the numbers are worn and displayed in the ring at all times.

In fact this is a Kennel Club rule (F, 17, i. Every exhibitor shall ensure that whilst the dog is being exhibited, its handler shall display the correct ring number.)

To display the ring number you can either use a specially designed clip, or an arm band.

There is no rule as to where your number should be displayed but it is helpful to both judge and steward if it is easily visible to them.

You have a large range to choose from for ringclips from 40p-60p basic clips (always worth having a few with your show kit) to handmade ones of your breed down to the detail of looking just like your dog. Armbands can range too with basic simple clear ones to sparkly, patterned ones which you insert the numbers into a pouch or just an elasticated band (with diamante of course!) . A type I haven’t yet used is the mixture of the two. The ringclip is on an elasticated arm band. They come in some lovely looking designs to match any outfit or lead.

Some different types for ring clips and arm bands can be found below:

Any breed or your own dogs photograph can be purchased from http://www.starprintshop.co.uk/
Found in most breeds in either silver or gold from http://www.k9centre.co.uk
My personal choice from http://www.rabartforfineart.com/
Handmade to order ringclips http://www.k9-kreations.co.uk or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/K9kreationsuk
White armband from http://www.dogexhibitor.com
The great ‘spare’ for every show bag!

Edited on 01/10/12 to add a new style of Armband:
This is the style of an armband with a ringclip. As I wrote previously, this is a design I haven’t used but I can imagine it’s great for when changing your ring numbers over.

Armband clip design from Daisy Ann Dog Designs. Visit Daisy Ann Dog Designs on Facebook and look out for their online shop!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For cheap ringclips click here

Categories
Getting started

My first Ringcraft…what to take

My first Ringcraft…what to take
Many people feel nervous about going to Ringcraft classes for the first time. You know there is no need, yet the nerves come rushing and the questions start like “What should I wear” and “What do I need to take”.

My advice to anyone is relax. You will be walking into a  hall of like minded people and you will have at least one thing in common to talk about….DOGS!

As for what to wear, go comfortable and practicle. It’s only training so you don’t need to dress up or wear colours that compliment your dog. Clothing you feel comfortable in and that has pockets for treats etc will be useful. If you don’t have pockets, take a treat bag.

Also, if you have one, take your dogs show lead. If you don’t, a good Ringcraft will have a spare or someone will lend you one.

Take treats for your dog, something of high value that is easy for them to eat. I like “more is less” and having very small treats. This allows me to reward my dog but it’s eaten quickly. But it is personal preference. Take a variety of treats if your not sure.

Many Ringcrafts will ask to see your dogs inoculation certificate on your first visit, so take it  with you, just in case, or find out before hand if the require it.

Grab some change to pay for the class (and a tea/coffee!)

Most importantly, don’t forget the dog!

See also; The importance of Ringcraft classes

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

How do I get my dogs attention?

How do I get my dogs attention?
It’s a common question. Normally starts with “…at home they always respond, but they are too distracted at a show…”

Think about it, at home it’s just you and your dog and you have the treats, therefore, you are the person of highest value.

At a show, there are smells, other dogs, other people, other treats. The list goes on and it’s no wonder some dogs loose interest in their owner/handler.

Quite often you see this and there is the lacking bond between dog and owner/handler and where the dog lacks willingness to please it’s owner..

What can you do?
Short term, you need to be the most high value person/thing on the showground.  Using high value toys and treats will help.
Long term is more training. Get you and your dog on a one to one basis out to as many distracting areas and do some training. Not always show training, but tricks, basic obedience and have games. Ringcrafts can be great for also practice working on their attention while doing show ring training, likewise any training class you and your dog will enjoy together where there are many other distractions.

Case study
When Giles was younger he would easily get bored in the show ring if he was in a big class. As a pup he was used to classes of 2-3 and was always beaten by his sister, so never got a group experience either. So, when we came into bigger classes, his attention span would go. Standing around was boring!!!

My answer was simply to keep his attention. He loves to please, he loves his tricks too. In the ring I would ask for some quite and calm behaviors which he knew. His interest was back to me. A cuddle or two never went amiss either. This keeps his attention on me and by the time it’s his turn, well it’s just another behaviour I’m asking of him and he does it with a smile.

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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

One must queue….correctly!

Standing in line
When in a class, everyone will be in a line/queue. Here are a few pointers to remember when you are standing in a line with all other handlers.

Firstly, work out where your dog prefers to be in the line and try to get to that position. Some dogs show better if they are first, others are better going last. In mixed breed classes, normally the table dogs go to the front. However, some judges will ask for the smaller dogs to be at the end of the line so always listen for instructions from either the judge or steward upon entry into the ring.

When standing your dog in the line always leave yourself room in front, approximately 2 meters. This is your escape route if the handler behind you crowds you. If you find yourself too crowded you have a number of options;

  • If they have room politely ask the handler behind to move back.
  • Move to the end of the line.
  • Ask the steward if they can move people back.

Always try to keep in line with the dogs in front of you.  If you stand back towards the edge of the ring you appear shy and reserved.

If you stand too far forward you will appear to be pushy and forcing yourself on the judge.

Also, avoid getting boxed into a corner where your dog could get obscured from the judge’s vision. In this instance, either start a new line or show your dog across the corner.

Wherever you are in the line, ensure your dog is stood when the judge is looking at him. Always keep one eye on the judge and one on the dog at all times, checking that you dog hasn’t moved and nor has the judge. You always want the judge to be seeing your dog at his very best.

Categories
Getting started

What to take to a show?

What to take to a show?
So what do you all pack for a show? Below are the top 10 general things to take and then top 10 things that make up the show bag.

What to put in the car
1)      Dog(s)
2)      Dog Water
3)      Water Bowel
4)      Your Water/drinks
5)      Your food
6)      Spare dog towels
7)      Rain coat (you and dogs!) or a cool coat for hot days!
8)      Show bag
9)      Spare dog lead
10)   Dog cage and cage plate for ring number (if used)

What’s in the show bag
1)      Show leads
2)      Poo bags
3)      Slobber  towel
4)      Arm band/ringclip
5)      Brushes/combs
6)      Bait/reward (could be a toy)
7)      Dry shampoo
8)      Towel
9)      Small or collapsible water bowel
10)    Benching chain

Leave a comment if you can think of anything else that you consider important to take to a show!

Categories
Getting started

The ring procedure

The ring procedure
You have your first showing coming up, what can you expect when you go in the ring?

Every class you go into will be different in some way depending on class size and the judges preferences; however the structure will normally go something like the following

  1. The steward will call the class in so enter the ring if it is your class. At Open shows the steward will have your number; at Champ shows you will already have your number from your bench.
  2. Set your dog up along one side of the ring in a line with all the other dogs. If unsure ask the steward where the judge would like you.
  3. The judge will walk down the line to get first impressions so it is important to have your dog stood correctly.
  4. The judge may or may not ask you to go round the ring in circuit all together. Listen carefully to the judge’s instruction.
  5. The first dog in the line gets ready for table work to be assessed individually and all other dogs and handlers can relax and wait their turn, however still being alert and watching what is going on.
  6. The judge will go over the dog to assess the dogs’ conformation with their hands.
  7. The judge will want to then see the dog move individually. Normally this would be a triangle and up and down, or an up and down and round to the end.
  8. After movement is completed, take your dog to the end of the line and the judge will then move onto the next dog.
  9. After all dogs have been assessed individually in the class all dogs stand in the line like at the beginning of the class for the judge to look at.
  10. The judge may or may not then ask for all dogs to to go round the ring together, or could ask to see movement again in any number of dogs.
  11. The judge will then pick out his winner, and then second, third and so on until all places at the show are filled.  The judge may also split the class. Pulling out in no order the dogs he/she wants to place and letting the other handlers leave.  (This can happen as many times as the judge feels necessary in big classes.) The judge may want to see the dogs stood and moved again until he/she has made up his/her mind.  The judge will then place.
  12. Handlers who have not won a prize will be asked to leave the ring by either the judge or steward.
  13. Once you have been pulled out for a place stand your dog up again. The judge can always change their mind on the placing, you have not finished until the rosette/card is in your hand.

Remember to congratulate the winners and thank the judge at EVERY show, even if you don’t agree.

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

Jack of all trades…..

Jack of all trades…..
One of the greatest myths of show dogs that I hear, is that you  can’t do anything else with them. So many people come to me saying that they have been told to stop basic/puppy obedience and stop teaching sit, down etc if they want to continue showing and they should only teach their dog stand

To me this is one of the biggest myths, although you will need to work harder if you want to teach your dog more. Just make sure you work evenly on teaching your dog to do everything that you want to do with your dog.

To me, basic puppy training with a local obedience club is paramount in any of my dogs training to be well socialised pets (and show dogs) and there is no reason why you can’t compete in obedience one day and go to a show dog the next day or throw in some agility, gundog work or Rally-O while you’re at it!

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Getting started

Championship show details

I thought I would put together all the championship show websites together for you all.

Show name Month Location Website Printers
Boston & DCS January Newark www.bostondcs.co.uk Fosse Data
Manchester January Stafford Higham Press
Crufts March NEC, Birmingham www.crufts.org.uk Fosse Data
Scottish Breeds Canine Club March Edinburgh Fosse Data
United Kingdom Toydog Society March Stafford Higham Press
National Terrier Club April Stafford www.nationalterrier.co.uk Fosse Data
Hound Association of Scotland April Edinburgh Fosse Data
Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Wales April Builth Wells Fosse Data
West of England Ladies Kennel Society April Malvern Fosse Data
Birmingham Dog Show Society May Stafford www.nationaldogshowbirmingham.org.uk Fosse Data
Scottish Kennel Club May Edinburgh www.scottishkennelclub.org Fosse Data
Bath Canine Society May Bath Higham Press
Southern Counties Canine Association June Newbury www.southencountiesdogshow.co.uk Fosse Data
Three Counties June Malvern Higham Press
Border Union Agricultural Society June Kelso www.buas.org Fosse Data
Blackpool & District Canine Society June Blackpool www.blackpooldogshow.com Fosse Data
Windsor Dog Show June/
July		 Windsor www.windsordogshow.org.uk Higham Press
East of England Agricultural Society July Peterborough www.eastofengland.org.uk Fosse Data
National Working & Pastoral Breeds July Malvern www.champdogs.co.uk/club/571 Higham Press
Leeds Championship Dog Show July Harewood Higham Press
National Gundog Association August Malvern www.nationalgundog.org Fosse Data
Houndshow August Stafford www.houndassociation.org.uk Higham Press
Paignton & District Fanciers Association August Exeter Higham Press
Bournemouth Dog Show August Brockenhurst Higham Press
Welsh Kennel Club August Builth Wells www.thewelshkennelclub.org.uk Higham Press
Scottish Kennel Club August Edinburgh www.scottishkennelclub.org Fosse Data
City of Birmingham August/
September		 Stoneleigh www.birminghamcitydogshow.co.uk Higham Press
Richmond Dog Show September Guildford www.richmonddogshow.org.uk Higham Press
Darlington Dog Show September Ripon www.darlingtondogshowsociety.weebly.com Higham Press
Driffield Dog Show September Wetherby www.driffieldchampionshipdogshow.co.uk Higham Press
Belfast Dog Show Society September Belfast www.belfastdogshowsociety.org Fosse Data
South Wales Kennel Association October Builth Wells Fosse Data
Gundog Society of Wales October Malvern Fosse Data
Midland Counties Canine Society October Stafford Fosse Data
Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland November Edinburgh www.wpbas.co.uk Fosse Data
Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland November Edinburgh Higham Press
British Utility Breeds Association December Malvern Fosse Data
Ladies Kennel Association December NEC, Birmingham Higham Press