Finlay's and my first ringcraft class- what should I expect?

[poppy1407]

Hey Just a little advice needed...I am taking Finlay to his first ring craft class next Tuesday, I am a novice in the showing world but its always something Iv wanted to do..iv been practising standing Finlay- dont know if Im doing it correctlytho and feeling over his body and under carridge and his mouth as advised by his breeder, he walks ok on his lead but not had that much practice as he is only 15 weeks, what will he be expected to do in his class? also how long do you have to do these classes for?

any advice appreciated xxxxx

[grracee]

Sorry no advice but will be watching this thread as I'm hoping to take Toby to his first ringcraft class in a couple of weeks when he has had his injections

[Meggie]

take lots of treats and a toy- to keep them happy whilst waiting and to encourage them to walk  ;
Be calm- they'll pick up on your nerves if your nervous.
don't expect him to stand/move perfect first time out after all he's only a puppy.

our ringcraft class runs from 8 till 9.30 but we have a break in the middle and some go home in that break.  

Good Luck
Meg x

[Loudon]

Don't worry. Take someone with you and speak to other cocker owners.

I don't show at all now but remember at my very first ringcraft Palacecraig, Lenoxgrove, Wiljana and Shanaz all had young pups there and all were very helpful. It's just me that was useless. Ha,ha. Someone will show you the ropes. Remember your show lead, treats and slicker.

[poppy1407]

Don't worry. Take someone with you and speak to other cocker owners.

I don't show at all now but remember at my very first ringcraft Palacecraig, Lenoxgrove, Wiljana and Shanaz all had young pups there and all were very helpful. It's just me that was useless. Ha,ha. Someone will show you the ropes. Remember your show lead, treats and slicker.

hey thanks for the advice Idontwant to sound niave but what is a slicker?

[Nicky]

hey thanks for the advice Idontwant to sound niave but what is a slicker?

Its a type of brush 

[poppy1407]

hey thanks for the advice Idontwant to sound niave but what is a slicker?

Its a type of brush 

OOOOOH Silly me!   

[Jeanette]

Don't worry. Take someone with you and speak to other cocker owners.

I don't show at all now but remember at my very first ringcraft Palacecraig, Lenoxgrove, Wiljana and Shanaz all had young pups there and all were very helpful. It's just me that was useless. Ha,ha. Someone will show you the ropes. Remember your show lead, treats and slicker.

There were no cocker owners at my ringcraft class so we didn't get a lot of advice on stacking etc.    

To the OP, the people who run the ringcraft will let you know what you need to do.   It's basically walking up and down, triangle, walking round, stacking on the floor and then on the table where someone will go over your dog.    Along with touching mouth, body etc, get Finlay used to having his balls felt.    

I didn't take treats with me as found that was the worst thing to do with Quinn as he would get far too excited about them.  

Good luck and enjoy.    



ETA  - incase you're wondering why we went to ringcraft, we was planning on showing and he went to two shows but we don't show now - Quinn didn't like the showing after all.   

[sarah phillips]

My main advice would be try to visit the ring craft without your dog first to check you like the feel of the club and to watch their approach.

I was new to showing 18 months ago and went to a ringcraft class weekly for 6 months. To be honest I wasn't comfortable with some of their approach for my dog and their clear lack of understanding about cockers so in the end I tried a different ringcraft club; not before the teacher had suggested 'I pay someone who knows what they're doing to show my dog' though which almost put me off continuing.

Our new class has been so much better for us - more friendly, supportive and encouraging of beginners than the other class. The only thing I could fault it on is there aren't any other cockers there! I wish I changed sooner as I feel our first experience set us back as beginners.

Anyway I hope you have a great time and look forward to hearing how you're getting on.