Tips on how to start showing?

[FalseImpression]

I apologize if this isn't in the right category.
I've done everything from agility to schutzhund with my dogs for the past 8 years, but would like to get into conformation shows.

I haven't decided on a breed just yet, I believe I should get some experience in the right with borrowed dogs before I spend a couple hundred on a dog of my own. Though I am leaning towards a Beauceron, Kelpie, Schipperke or Smooth Collie.

I've been to several shows around Ontario, so I guess my next step would be enrolling in a handling class.

My questions:
Can I use one of my mutts just to gain the experience, or do I require a show- quality pup to enroll in the handling classes?
Should I skip handling classes all together and simply find a mentor?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dekka]

Do you know of any breeders through agility or schtzhund that you get along with that do a fair bit of conformation?

If so I would talk to them. Yes you can take a mutt to handling classes, BUT because you obviously won't be showing that dog you may not get as much attention as the other classmates (which is wrong, but I hear it happens)

 

[mom2dogs]

Personally? I haven't found handling classes useful, the majority of dogs who hate showing had been to handling classes with their owner and obviously didn't help much. Most important thing IMO is to raise a confident dog who is stable and "happy" to be in a show environment. The BEST place to learn how to handle your chosen breed is a mentor who has been showing (and is successful) for quite some time. All breeds are handled differently. One class I observed really focused on teaching a stay/free stack, yea well good luck trying that with a westie :rofl1: most do NOT grand stand with their tail bang up (I have been blessed, but nevertheless still get down on the floor or lean over to "coax" the tail up). Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great trainers out there I'm sure who understand and willing to work with breeds individually and have experience with this.... I just never met one.

and mutts are good practice! While starting to work for a handler a loooooong time ago I trained and used my little mix have you been to a dog show? I would look up nearby ones and watch/observe as well. But your best bet is a mentor.

 

[FalseImpression]

Do you know of any breeders through agility or schtzhund that you get along with that do a fair bit of conformation?

If so I would talk to them. Yes you can take a mutt to handling classes, BUT because you obviously won't be showing that dog you may not get as much attention as the other classmates (which is wrong, but I hear it happens)

Yes, actually I know many reputable breeders personally.
Ursula Hutton from Mardeck Schipperkes, Olga Kalinkina with German Shepherds, Geri Lordi from Von Hause Lordi Rottweilers and June Demers from Ebonorth Schipperkes.

So basically ---> Visit lots of shows, find a mentor, participate in handling classes, decide on a breed, research as much as I can and get hands on experience with the breed, find a reputable breeder, buy a pup and start showing? I feel like I'm missing something... :S
Does anyone know how long the actually 'process' of it all takes on average? Silly question, but I'm just curious.

Thanks

 

[FalseImpression]

Also does the CKC/AKC website have a list of handling classes... in Canada?

 

[Dekka]

Well many people just get a pup and start showing. I personally dislike showing but do it anyway lol.

You can find handling classes by asking around. Typically the best ones are like good agility classes... never really advertised outside of the community.

 

[FalseImpression]

Well many people just get a pup and start showing.

Oh wow. It's that simple?

 

[Dekka]

For many it is. It depends on where you want to go with this. Do you want to become a breeder? A pro handler? If you are coming from a dog sport background you may not find it that rewarding unless you have a personal interest. I know people who enjoy it, but say its not the same as working as a team with your dog. And unlike agility, rally, schutzhund more training won't (at least shouldn't) give you more success in the ring if your dog isn't 'right'.

LOL as I said I find it boring as heck

 

[skittledoo]

I just had a thread pretty much similar to this one lol.

I'm really interested in showing as well though I probably wont actually get a show dog of my own for a couple more years. I finally decided on a breed and since I've been fascinated with Ibizans for quite a few years now I'm planning to get one to show. I'm already talking to a breeder that Lauren referred me to and she's awesome. Hoping to learn more from her and she's already offered to answer any questions I might have regarding Ibizans and getting started showing.

As far as breeding... I'm not sure yet. That's something that I'll end up talking to my breeder about when the time comes. It's really going to depend on if I end up with a dog that my breeder and I both feel is actually breeding quality and I'd like to be more familiar with my breed before I start taking the breeding step... but I think it I do end up breeding my show dog it will be with the help of my breeder mentoring me through the whole thing...

 

[MafiaPrincess]

If you give a location more specific than earth, some of us may be able to point you in a more specific direction. I assume Ontario, but it's a pretty big province.

CKC site is the overall most useless site I've ever found. You won't find classes for anything there. Local clubs that do conformation is your best bet. Many of them cease handling classes for the summer show season. I wanted to take a handling class with my show pup and gave up. I was given an endless runaround by the local club.

Once you have pup, you can do fun matches, show and gos, whatever they prefer to call them in your area. But you are better off with a breeder to mentor you on the finer points of handling.

 

[JennSLK]

Firstly, you will be spending more than a "couple hundred" on a show quality pup from a quality breeder (other agreements aside whole nother topic)

Pick a breed first. The find breeders in your area who can and will mentor you. Get a puppy and start showing it. Sometimes while you are being mentored the breeders may let you show one of their dogs. Usually the mentoring period is great while you are on the waiting list for a puppy as well. Gives you time to really get to know your breeder. Or get mentored for a while before you get put on the list.

Generally speaking a professional handler won't take a complete novice (conformation wise) and bring them on as a helper at shows. You will probably have to start at their kennel and work your way up.

Each breed is different on how its presented no matter how close their standard or look is. Not to mention grooming ticks and secrets, ect...

I hope that made sense. It's 12:50 am. I'm going to bed. LOL

 

[kady05]

I'm new to the whole show world, but I'll give you some tips.

Definitely pick a breed first, and find a reputable breeder.

I got my pup at 9wks. (Am Staff) and he had already been practicing his stack at the breeder, starting at around 5wks. Stacking practice is important, but you also don't want to overdo it and burn the pup out. I did it for maybe 5min. a day.

I just finished a handling class and I enjoyed it. I think it taught me more than my dog though; he pretty much knows how to stack, but it was good to get him in a group of dogs and whatnot.

I don't really have a mentor, and my breeder is 10hrs. away, so that part gets tough. My friend got a show pup around the same time as me, so we're kind of in this together.

As for actually showing, just do it! My dog is dual registered, so I can show UKC & AKC. UKC tends to be more laid back than AKC. My first show is next weekend and I really don't have much of an idea of what I'm doing LOL. It will be interesting, to say the least.

 

[FalseImpression]

Thanks!