CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Activities => Showing => Topic started by: dkirkuk on February 16, 2009, 11:07:34 PM
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Going to my first ever dog show this Saturday - haven't a clue what to expect. Quite happy to make it up as I go along but wondered if anyone has any tips or can tell me what to expect, etiquette etc?
I've done loads of horse showing in my time, and took Daisy (the dog) to a Companion show just before Christmas but this is a real show!!!
We've been practising running up and down the garden on a show lead, standing in a square pose, having our teeth looked at etc but what do I actually do when I get there?
:huh:
HELP !!!
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Where are you going and what sort of show - Limit/Open ?
Main thing is to have fun ;) may well be better organised than the fun show you went to as you've already entered and generally you get your ring number when you go into the class. Have you ordered a catalogue - if so collect from the secretary, it'll show you your number and how many entries in your classes. Make sure you know which ring and what class/breed in before you so you can keep check when you're in.
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Make sure you know which ring and what class/breed in before you so you can keep check when you're in.
Get there in plenty of time to check out where you can set up your crates, grooming tables, etc. The closer to your ring the better ;)
Try to get ringside early so you can watch the judge you are showing under, that way you will know their ring procedure and gaiting pattern (they don't vary it at all, except for showing on/off the table, depending on breed). You can also watch other exhibitors handling their dogs to see how to do the individual exam without interfering with the judge.
Have your dog groomed, clean (don't forget teeth!) and ready to go as much as possible before you go, so that before you show is mainly touch ups and comb out, not a full groom! :005:
If you have a choice, try not to be the first in the ring, but not the last, that way you can watch the others if you are unsure what to do. If you are first in the ring don't be shy about clarifying instructions if you don't understand something. If you are first in, and the class is moving as a group, it is polite to ask the person behind you "ready?" to make sure everyone is on their feet and ready to move (also, you won't take off and have the judge miss your dogs best moments while he/she looks to see where the rest of the class is :005:)
If you have a dog in front of you when you are gaiting as a group, give yourself enough room so that you don't run up on them (just like with horse shows)
Imagine you are showing the judge the most precious beautiful jewel and treat your dog accordingly :shades:
And most of all: HAVE FUN! :D
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Try not to get in the ring first, and dont get pushed into a cornor, show your dog of at all times, make the use of the ring in when moving.
Be prepared with ring clip, for ring number,make sure you know your number when going in. watch the judge
It seems alot to rememberbut when you get the hang of it you will be ok.
Louise & Harbethol gang
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Good luck hope you enjoy yourself :D
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Just wan'ted to say good luck and have fun
We're new to showing and have only done a couple of shows so far. The thing that has got me out of trouble a couple of times now is a micro-fiber towel.
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Good Luck for your 1st Show. :blink:
Ringcraft Classes are really good for Show Practice. Maybe you could see if there are any close to you for practising in between showing :-\
The Ringcraft i took Nina to was only £2 and you just turn up without booking.
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Where are you going and what sort of show - Limit/Open ?
The catalogue says it's an open show. It's being run by the Irvine & District Canine Club which is really close by which is one of the reasons I thought I might as well go along and have a bash.
Thanks for the tips all. I guess many of the tricks are similar to horse showing right enough so I'm sure we'll bumble through.
I have ordered the catalogue of entries. I have actually been watching expectantly for it to arrive in the mail so at least I know now to go and collect it.
I don't have a portable crate or grooming table. I thought I'd be best to wait and see if I like showing and intend to do some more before I invest.
Anything in particular that I should be wearing?
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Anything in particular that I should be wearing?
Depends on the venue, something warm and comfortable if you're hanging around, a colour that shows off your dog. More attention needed if you are doing a handling class ;)
Good Luck, we were doing just one Open show to sy we'd had a go, that was last August and have been bitten by the bug, beware addictive ;)
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Anything in particular that I should be wearing?
.. a colour that shows off your dog. More attention needed if you are doing a handling class ;)
Oh help. Now that does scare me. I've never been any good at fashion / colours. What colour compliments an orange roan?
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Anything in particular that I should be wearing?
.. a colour that shows off your dog. More attention needed if you are doing a handling class ;)
Oh help. Now that does scare me. I've never been any good at fashion / colours. What colour compliments an orange roan?
Good Luck on Saturday :shades: ...... I would wear Black if i was showing a Orange :luv:
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Anything in particular that I should be wearing?
.. a colour that shows off your dog. More attention needed if you are doing a handling class ;)
Oh help. Now that does scare me. I've never been any good at fashion / colours. What colour compliments an orange roan?
Good Luck on Saturday :shades: ...... I would wear Black if i was showing a Orange :luv:
And me, rather than something where he merges with you, like wearing black to show a black ;)
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We survived !
No prizes sadly, but had a good time. Daisy behaved well but we were just a bit "unpolished" compared to the professionals. And I realised my trimming had been a bit over enthusiastic! :005:
Learned lots and got talking to quite a few folks, and found some ring draft classes nearby, so think we'll do a few weeks at that and have another go.
Thanks for the tip about the fabric dog crate - got one from Tesco and glad I did.
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Glad you have a good time :D
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Glad it hasn't put you off ;)
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Well done for notching up your first show! I remember how nerve racking mine was ;)
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Fair dews to you. I have never done a show and will dye when the time comes.its not about winning. Its getting up there and showing off your best friend. and the tips and making more new friends.