At what age can a pup start ringcraft?

Just wondering, I've found one about 15 miles from here and just wondered when I should be thinking of arranging to start going (pup is still only 4 weeks old!)?

Is it best to ring up well in advance? Or do they start at different stages regularly?

A total novice in this area, if you haven't already guessed!

In my experience of four ringcraft clubs, the youngest age is around 14 weeks when the puppy has had both injections and has been given the go-ahead to mix with other dogs in public.
Ringcraft is not a course as such so you can usually start at any time (as long as they are taking more on, some get over subscribed at times) puppies and older dogs are at different stages, sometimes the class will be split if there are enough instructors (and space) otherwise you just join in and the instructor will tailor your "five minutes" individual sessions according to what is needed.
Wouldn't hurt to make enquiries in case there is a waiting list for the one you want.

There are two near to me,One of them has the rule that as long as your younsgter has had all his injections and you bring in their certificate to prove it and the ten days is up.But generally the younger the better i would've thought.

Thanks both!

Think I might ring the KC to see if their are anymore ringcraft classes near me, surely their must be more than one?

It is sometimes a good idea just to take your pup and sit and watch the others working of a couple of weeks, you get to understand what you will be doing and the pup will get used to being in a confined space with other dogs and the inevitable noise.

I'll definitely be doing that, if not for the pups sake but my own!

Hi,

We took our puppy as soon as she was old enough to go out which I think was 13 weeks and I can tell the difference (show wise) between her and her mum who we didn't start ringcraft training with until she was almost 6 months. So, like others have said, the earlier the better as it also gets them socialised with other dogs and used to people handling them from an early age.

sarah & the beagles

I'd like to add that you can 'overdo'ringcraft.I would start from about 12 weeks and go every 1 week until the pup is settled and knows wht to expect.I would then drop to every 2-3 weeks until 6 months unless there is a problem that needs sorted.
My first 'proper' show dog went weekly until 6 months of age and when he went into the ring at 6 month he was like a well tuned ROBOT! Judges like a pup to be schooled but also to have some 'puppiness' about them in my experience and too much ring craft can make a pup seem 'lifeless'
Nikki

Thanks both!
I'll definitely keep that in mind, can see how doing the same thing every week could be a bit mind numbing.