Showing dogs??

[bluebird]

Another suggestion would be to go to dog shows and talk to exhibitors after they're done showing. Don't take your dog with you.

[wolfsoul]

Try to find some handling classes in your area -- you can take your own dog there, show quality of not. It will give you experience and you are more than likely to find breeders there taking the classes to get their dogs used to a show situation. You can talk to them and see if they would be interested in letting you show their dogs. Alot of breeders appreciate having handlers under them -- it's useful if you are showing multiple dogs, or if you are showing multiple breeds and their ring times run into eachother (can't do two things at once!). You can also just email some breeders in your area, see if anyone is willing.

[borzoimom]

Very good one wolfsoul .
My daughter is going to be taking one not only for her to sharpen skills, but also to get her new puppy ready- out and about around other dogs- half of training a good show dog. A show dog has to be calm and confident around all dogs at all times. Use to being handled in any part of their body and maintain where they are put while the owner/handler continues to move the dog. Trot easily on a lead without getting ahead of the handler too much, but still the hander is maintaing control of direction
Of course, understand I am bias- but I think you will love it. In most populated areas, obedience clubs offer these handling classes.

[coco-bean]

thank you all very much! Just another quick question though...how do i find where shows are going to be held? thats another thing i dont know...i dont ever hear of anything going on in my area! Im sure their is, but i havent heard anything!

[.sarah]

The best place to find out about shows is InfoDog.com. On the left side click on "Show Information", then at the top of that page click on "Show Calendar".

I haven't read everyone's response so I'm not sure if this has been suggested already, but check on AKC's website to see if you have a local kennel club near you. That would be a really good place to meet the "show people" near you. Once the first of the year rolls around I plan on joining the one near me.

[Giselle]

Most people who show do so as a prerequisite to breeding, so, logically, most breeders are going to mentor you as an apprentice. If you are passionate about your breed (looks like Labradors?) and you would like to set up a kennel in the future, this is greyt. However, if you just want to keep it strictly at handling dogs, tell the breeder this. They *should* be willing to help and put you under the care of a pro handler, but be forewarned - some breeders aren't as willing to help as others. Just stay calm and polite and open to suggestions. It'll get you far!

[borzoimom]

The above from my fellow sighthound lover, brings up a very good point to consider. Breeders are a funny bunch. Some are soooooooooo helpful- some are not- especially if your dog is better looking than some of theirs they are currently showing.. lol.. Example- Zubin and Galina hit alot of spring shows, and you start seeing the same dogs. Anyway- this one breeder/handler walked up to me at this one show and said " I see he still hasnt put on a coat yet. If I were you, I wouldnt waste the entry fee money and gas, and just keep him home until he matures more.."" ( nooooooooo kidding!). My mouth all but flew up in shock as well as my husbands- while my handler smiled and said " oh thats okay- he needs the practice".. Imagine my shock when my young 12-18 month old class male puppy, turned around and BEAt her dog out of open to take Winners Dog.. lol.. ..
On the other hand, my inner circle were always helpful before. Just like with people as far as forming trust, watch for things or statements like " well so in so you know their dogs so in so" in the negative. Good mentors are the ones that follow positive statements.. Another good rule of thumb is to never EVER make negative comments at a show..
I really do find the bulk of dog people wonderful. There are a few, and the rest of us just stay clear.