What can I do to get conformation people on a thread?

[the dog lover]

Can anyone stop talking about agility that seams to be ever dog persons life, what about a showmanship thread? I am not saying I dislike agility, every one is always nice at trials but know one ever talks about showmanship, I am a conformation person (for you agility people, conformation means showmanship) and I love working with my dog in Jr showmanship but I also love the breed ring. Please post about conformation experiences!

 

[Aleron]

I do conformation too. What would you like to discuss?

 

[Saeleofu]

All it takes is posting a thread about it. No need to get huffy, we're an equal opportunity forum

Anyway, I do conformation with my smooth collie. I've found that when you're judging the dog, it's called conformation. When you're judging the handler (which is what they do in juniors, from what I understand...please correct me if I'm wrong!) they call it showmanship. The reason is that in conformation, they're judging how well the breed conforms to the standard. In showmanship, they're judging how well you show your dog - that is, they're judging your showmanship.

Despite my dad being a huge dog person with a long history of showing and training dogs, I somehow never really got into juniors. I didn't even THINK about competing until after Gavroche got is CGC. Then the next natural step was rally, and the rest is history. Now I really want to do ALL THE EVENTS, but alas, time and money are not cooperating with that desire.

 

[SizzleDog]

I don't think there are a ton of agility folks here... are you having issues with another forum or something?

I show in conformation too. Sadly I never got to do juniors. Actually have a new show puppy right now, but we have to balance that with all the obedience and lure coursing we do too. I'm like Saeleofu.... I like to do ALL the things!

 

[*blackrose]

Hey, since this is a conformation thread and I have a question...

I'm tempted to do conformation with Future Puppy. It would likely just be "for fun" and I wouldn't actively show him. Maybe do a couple, see if I like it, see how he places compared to the other dogs, etc.

How would I go about getting started? Or, in other words, what would be some foundations I'd have to work with him on, both training and grooming wise? Would AKC or UKC shows be better for a more "relaxed" atmosphere? Would it even be worth it trying it "just for fun", or would that be a waste of money?

There is a local kennel club here that I could take him to for handling practice/etc. so I don't look like a total buffoon.

His parents are both champions and I'm going to be acquiring him with full registration, so I figure if he can do it, why not try? I just don't want to make a total idiot of myself. lol

 

[Dizzy]

You start, tell us your best tips!

I'm keen to learn!

 

[Dizzy]

Hey, since this is a conformation thread and I have a question...

I'm tempted to do conformation with Future Puppy. It would likely just be "for fun" and I wouldn't actively show him. Maybe do a couple, see if I like it, see how he places compared to the other dogs, etc.

How would I go about getting started? Or, in other words, what would be some foundations I'd have to work with him on, both training and grooming wise? Would AKC or UKC shows be better for a more "relaxed" atmosphere? Would it even be worth it trying it "just for fun", or would that be a waste of money?

There is a local kennel club here that I could take him to for handling practice/etc. so I don't look like a total buffoon.

His parents are both champions and I'm going to be acquiring him with full registration, so I figure if he can do it, why not try? I just don't want to make a total idiot of myself. lol

Well I'm there now... Lol.

I didn't buy to show... I was warned that once you get a rosette, it's addictive though! I haven't found a way to do it other than just doing it! Luckily the breeder and family are very very encouraging and supportive so basically they have talked me through most of it, and keeping in touch with Fred's sibling owners who are also showing has helped a ton. They have experience, but either haven't shown for awhile or have never shown gsps.

Will the breeder be supportive? And can you keep in touch with other puppy owners who are doing it too? I have been really encouraged by that moral support.

I still don't know if we will even keep it up, but it's certainly wetted my taste buds, so if Fred doesn't fancy it, then I would want to try with next puppy.....

Just find local shows, enter and see what happens!

 

[Keechak]

I do conformation as well, but not showmanship. Maybe we can talk about show leads, what does everyone use? I like the fine hex chains myself attached to a loop ended 3-4 foot mendota lead.

If I had the money I would like one like this, a braided kangaroo leather beaded loop lead, nothing too "flashy" but a bit more finished looking than my paracord leads.

I have a thing for loop leads with the chain attached, I have had snap leads in the past and I just don't like the weight of the snap no matter how small it is. Not to mention I have seen snaps break at shows and I have a bad habit of uncliping them when I'm grabbing the dog around the collar.

 

[Laurelin]

If you want a thread on something, then start a thread on it. We've had threads on all sorts of dog sports and training, not just agility.

Beau is an AKC champion. That's about the extent of my show experience. I have thought about it again with Nextdog but I think money is going to dictate that we stick with other things I enjoy more. If I had all the money and time to train in the world, we'd try everything.

 

[Flyinsbt]

Hey, since this is a conformation thread and I have a question...

I'm tempted to do conformation with Future Puppy. It would likely just be "for fun" and I wouldn't actively show him. Maybe do a couple, see if I like it, see how he places compared to the other dogs, etc.

How would I go about getting started? Or, in other words, what would be some foundations I'd have to work with him on, both training and grooming wise? Would AKC or UKC shows be better for a more "relaxed" atmosphere? Would it even be worth it trying it "just for fun", or would that be a waste of money?

There is a local kennel club here that I could take him to for handling practice/etc. so I don't look like a total buffoon.

His parents are both champions and I'm going to be acquiring him with full registration, so I figure if he can do it, why not try? I just don't want to make a total idiot of myself. lol

The handling practice is how to start. Is it a class? Around here, there are several handling classes available, they tend to be drop in classes so one can go as needed, usually about $10/class. The instructor will show you what you need to do. The main thing you want to do is to have a show lead/collar when you go to class. There's always that occasional person that shows up with just a regular collar & leash, and you can't really learn the skills with those. The show lead, and lots of tasty treats, is all you need to bring to the class.

I really like handling classes for early training with a dog. I would probably go to a few even if I wasn't going to show. It's a good chance for some low key learning in a different environment, with a lot of other dogs and people around. You can pretty much shower your pup with treats, and they learn to focus on you. And the "judge" going over them is good socialization to allowing handling from strangers.

Once you've gone to some classes, you can start showing. UKC is definitely a more relaxed environment than AKC shows. One difference, though, is that UKC judges don't necessarily allow you to bait in the ring. AKC judges almost always do (I did have one AKC judge that asked us not to bait our dogs). UKC used to not allow it, then they switched to judge's choice. Obviously, it's easier to make showing a positive experience for your dog if you can feed them in the ring.

Once you've tried it, you can see if you like it, and if you want to continue. One thing that might affect that is which breed you're getting. In some breeds, owner handlers are common and do well. There are other breeds which are almost entirely professionally handled, and you might find the showing frustrating if you're in one of those breeds. UKC doesn't allow pro handlers, so if you are in one of those breeds, that might be a more enjoyable option for you.

 

[*blackrose]

The handling practice is how to start. Is it a class? Around here, there are several handling classes available, they tend to be drop in classes so one can go as needed, usually about $10/class. The instructor will show you what you need to do. The main thing you want to do is to have a show lead/collar when you go to class. There's always that occasional person that shows up with just a regular collar & leash, and you can't really learn the skills with those. The show lead, and lots of tasty treats, is all you need to bring to the class.

I really like handling classes for early training with a dog. I would probably go to a few even if I wasn't going to show. It's a good chance for some low key learning in a different environment, with a lot of other dogs and people around. You can pretty much shower your pup with treats, and they learn to focus on you. And the "judge" going over them is good socialization to allowing handling from strangers.

Once you've gone to some classes, you can start showing. UKC is definitely a more relaxed environment than AKC shows. One difference, though, is that UKC judges don't necessarily allow you to bait in the ring. AKC judges almost always do (I did have one AKC judge that asked us not to bait our dogs). UKC used to not allow it, then they switched to judge's choice. Obviously, it's easier to make showing a positive experience for your dog if you can feed them in the ring.

Once you've tried it, you can see if you like it, and if you want to continue. One thing that might affect that is which breed you're getting. In some breeds, owner handlers are common and do well. There are other breeds which are almost entirely professionally handled, and you might find the showing frustrating if you're in one of those breeds. UKC doesn't allow pro handlers, so if you are in one of those breeds, that might be a more enjoyable option for you.

I do believe it is a handling class.

And with any luck, the breed will be a Chessie. Not sure how competitive they are!

@ Dizzy: The breeder is really supportive, but she's out of state, so getting her help would be rather difficult. But I'd definitely go to her for advice.

 

[SizzleDog]

Hey, since this is a conformation thread and I have a question...

I'm tempted to do conformation with Future Puppy. It would likely just be "for fun" and I wouldn't actively show him. Maybe do a couple, see if I like it, see how he places compared to the other dogs, etc.

How would I go about getting started? Or, in other words, what would be some foundations I'd have to work with him on, both training and grooming wise? Would AKC or UKC shows be better for a more "relaxed" atmosphere? Would it even be worth it trying it "just for fun", or would that be a waste of money?

There is a local kennel club here that I could take him to for handling practice/etc. so I don't look like a total buffoon.

His parents are both champions and I'm going to be acquiring him with full registration, so I figure if he can do it, why not try? I just don't want to make a total idiot of myself. lol

Go UKC if you want to have fun. AKC can be fun if you have a competitive dog, but UKC's atmosphere is more relaxed and welcoming.

Honestly, I don't think conformation is a "for fun" activity unless you have a chance at winning. But that's just my opinion on it.

 

[Saeleofu]

Would AKC or UKC shows be better for a more "relaxed" atmosphere? Would it even be worth it trying it "just for fun", or would that be a waste of money?

Try UKC if you're in it for fun. I have a blast at UKC events! Also check out puppy matches and fun matches. Those are ALL about fun.

I actually enjoy UKC conformation, and Logan does too. It's low pressure, no training involved really (Logan knows how to stack, his breeder started him and I just have to make sure he continues to remember it), and it really doesn't matter if I win. The first time I tried it, I did it the same day as the rally trial and earned a Total Dog award for Logan!

I have not done AKC conformation yet. I will do it for the first time in April. I am NOT looking forward to the grooming aspect. UKC doesn't allow products in the coat and is generally pretty strict about it - not even finishing spray is really allowed. I like that, because it means all I have to do is bathe my dog, blow dry him, and brush him, and that's that. AKC on the other hand...I'm considering doing that for one day (the first day) and seeing how it goes, but generally there's a LOT more grooming and product that goes into AKC grooming, at least for my breed. However if I can go in with a dog with no product in his hair and blow the competition away (or even place), I'd be thrilled :rofl1:

 

[Saeleofu]

For a lead, I use a black bullhide lead with a built in fine gold chain. I got it from OnLead (same place I get all my leather leashes! <3). No bling, just plain and simple.

I have a backup lead that's just a cheap black nylon cord slip I got at the pet shop because I didn't have my good leash yet. Basically this: http://www.topdog.ie/photos/dogshowing/show-lead.jpg However it's kind of painful to hold, and if you pull, the collar loosens, which means a dog with a skinny head like a collie can slip out. No good, but it's just in case my good one breaks, I still have something.