 conformation classes
Looks like you are off to a great start!!! It always nice to get your ducks in a row ahead of time. You cant enter a puppy in AKC conformation shows until it is 6 months of age. In AKC sanctioned matches, you can enter them, I think, at 16 weeks. I would start training your pups early. Take them for short rides in the car. There is nothing like a car sick dog at your first shows when you are nervous and trying to look good. Start stacking them on a coffee table if you dont have a grooming table. Start play baiting them with baked liver or squeeky toys. Get some compitition going between the puppies. Make everything a game. As they get older, start lead training them, first alone, and later with one walking behind and one walking in front of you. You will need some other people to help you with this. Have some mock dog shows at your house. Have a man and a woman be the "judge" and go over your puppy while he is stacked on the table. Learn as much as you can from the groomer and the handler. Have the first evaluation at 12 weeks of age. Then have them evaluated again at 5 months. Then enter your best one. Dont give up on the others as their conformation is always changing until 2 years of age. Your best dog at 6 months may not be the best dog at 1 year. Make it fun for the dogs and fun for you!!! If the dog thinks its all a big game, he will usually be the one that shows the best. Good luck, Lynn |