Ring Craft Classes!

Hey,

I have finally got around to phoning the Kennel Club and they're sending me a list of Ring Craft Classes in my area!

So, excuse my complete ignorance (and possibly dumbness!lol) but what exactly do these classes entail? Im assuming i need no experience of showing (as i have none!lol) but is there anything i should know?

Sorry for the dumb questions but i hate not knowing whats happening before i get somewhere!!

Hi
You don't need any experience of showing.They are classes by which you can tech yourself and your dog the basics of showing.You will have 1 or 2 'judges'.They will ask you to do exactly what a judge in a ring will do.They will run their hands over the dog like a judge and ask you to move your dog aswell.They will be able to show you what to do and answer any questions you may have.
They are usually really relaxed classes and good socialisation for your dog.

In addition to what Nikki says-

They are a good way to make friends and get tips and advice from more experienced handlers who go too - and you and your dog/s can make new friends

There is no presuure on you , you can stand your dogs and have them handled as many times as you please- or you can just sit and watch the others for a while

Thanks for the replies! I didn't realise it was so 'hands on'.. I thought it would be someone showing you what happens at a show, it definately sounds like fun for the dog and handler! Me and Riley will definately be giving it a go! Though i may have to wait a couple of weeks as im assuming it involves running around with the dogs and my knee needs a couple more weeks healing from my operation before it's up to that!

I'll let you guys know how we get on when we go if you want.

Ooh, one last question.. My mum wants me to take her puppy along as well.. Do all the dogs have to be out at once or could i take one then the other in? My mum doesn't want to take her own puppy (typical) but she's convinced Meg would make a good show dog (LOL!!) plus it is good to get them socialised!!

no you can stand one dog and then do another dog in the next line up - is that what you meant

Not everyone stands up in the one line up- its entirely up to you

Well, i just wanted to give both dogs a chance to have a go and see how they do, but it'll just be me there with both dogs so is there somewhere to leave one of them while im handling the other? Im probably not making sense but my mum really wants her puppy to go and im not sure how she thinks im going to be able to deal with both at the same time there!!

If you are taking more than one dog, then it will probably be best for you to take a crate with you. Thats what I have to do as there's no way any of mine will just sit and watch quietly whilst waiting their turn

It will make life more difficult with taking 2...you will have to find someone to keep hold of one while you 'work' the other.
I suggest you just take one along for the first time and speak to the people that run it while you're there..they will be able to tell you what you can do with pup no 2.
I wouldn't worry too much about the running part...go along and have a go but just walk up and down to start with until your leg is better ...its not a bad idea to start at a slower pace since the dogs are usually very excited to start with.

Thanks for the replies again

I think you are right Archer, just taking the one puppy for the first time and then speaking to people to see if Meg could come along next time. It would certainly make life easier, especially with a bad leg!! One thing i was worried about also is that im pretty sure they wouldn't be able to concentrate with the other one anywhere near them. I know Riley would be wanting to run over to Meg if she was there which isn't good..

So, you're able to do as much or as little as you want then? Thats good, i should be able to go pretty much immediately then! Before you know it i'll be taking Riley to proper shows!!!

Yes you can do as much or as little as you like...even going along and watching will help you pick up some hints and let Riley have some fun.
Showing really isn't as daunting as it looks...its fun and a great way to meet new freinds