Categories
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!

 

Categories
Handling training Show dog training

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training Day

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training session
Yesterday (Saturday, 18 August) was the first handling session I organised under the Winning Paws name. Having been a Junior Handler myself, I wanted to offer the chance for the juniors to attend a training session. I was so pleased I was able to offer this session for free and I enjoyed myself and learnt something, I hope the attendee’s did too. Numbers were kept to a minimum but allowed the handlers to train with a different group of people.

The weather was hot and this meant keeping the dogs in the shade and lots of breaks back inside where it was slightly cooler to allow dogs and handlers to have drinks and a rest. Lots of mini Q&A sessions did lead to some interesting discussions with parents getting involved too.

Well done to those who attended. You all listened well and wish you all the best for your future handling classes.

What’s planned next?
I plan to run some more training sessions in the future and already have a waiting list. If you would be interested in being the first to know about any future training sessions, please get in contact via the website and as soon as any events are planned, I will let you know before posting on the website events page and Facebook.

Future sessions will include;

  • Junior Handling
  • Adult Handling
  • Breed Showing (getting the most from your dog for the show ring)
  • Different Breeds (A variety of different breeds available for handlers to practice with to acknowledge and respect different styles of handling required to suit different breeds)
  • Many more…

Don’t forget, I’m also available for group bookings for pre-existing ringcrafts or groups. Contact me for more details and costs.

Categories
Handling training Judging

To small to reach the table?

To small to reach the table?
For junior handlers, with table dogs, it can be sometimes end up that a small handler has to put a dog on the table which is far to high. There is nothing worse than seeing a young handler struggle to lift the dog to a height just because it’s a table dog.

There is no reason why the handler cannot ask either the judge or steward not to put the dog on or take the dog off the table. As a judge I would personally prefer to help a handler that asked than watch one struggle and possibly injure their charge.

The other way, if the dog is happy and has been trained for it, is to show the table dog on the floor, if the handler explain that they want to show the dog on the floor as they do not feel capable of safely placing the dog on the table, a judge should not knock a handler for this.

If the handler does choose to place the dog on the tab;e but cannot see over, or top and tail a stacked breed, then there is no reason why a handler cannot use a small (but sturdy) stall/step to stand on behind the table. Just make sure that it is low enough to be safe for the handler and it is placed out of the way of other exhibitors while not in use.

Hope this gives you some ideas for young handlers.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #22

Top Tip #22
Remember to thank the judge, in Handling classes especially.

This should be done when you have finished your patternwork, where possible and also after your class or judging of the classes.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #21

Top Tip #21
Attend a breed specific judging seminar for your breed, even if you don’t want to judge.

You don’t need to take the exam, just attend to learn more about your breed.

This knowledge is good if you are showing to help you understand your dogs faults. It will improve your handling as a result!

Another good seminar is the Kennel Club conformation and movement. Again to give you the understanding of what makes a good show dog.

You can find more information on these though breed clubs, dog papers and the Kennel Club website.

Categories
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
Top Tips

Top Tip #20

Top Tip #20
Have “control” of the lead.

Learn to fold the lead in your hand to the desired length quickly, calmly and neatly.

In handling classes this is a must, in breed classes it looks professional and gives a cleaner performance.

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
Uncategorized

Top Tip #19

Top Tip #19
Look where you are moving your dog and make sure your dog is in the line of vision of the judge.