\jeanie sometimes we learn the most by getting our feet wet in the show ring. It takes awhile for all the rules n regs to gel in someone's mind.

I remember at my second National Specialty, Magic came second in his class. There was a large entry in the puppy classes. So it was 90 degrees out or something, and I brought him back to his crate, because we had fans going, and all I was thinking about was to keep him cool. I forgot that if the winner of Magic's class took Winners dog, Magic was due into the ring for Reserve Winners Dog competition. Well so here I am watching the competition, and thank God the penny dropped. I could tell by the judging the winner of Magic's class was likely to get Winners Dog, and then next up is Reserve Winner's Dog competition. Well I threw my water at my hubby and said, I have to get Magic, tell ring steward if Inca wins, and I'm not back with Magic we will be there very shortly. I ran downhill in 90 degree weather to get him out of his crate. What a panic I was in. We walked very quickly back up the hill, I had about 2 minutes to groom him before we were called back in for the Reserve Winner's dog competition. PHew made it, and he took Reserve Winners' - no points but in a specialty it is an honor to go reserve. He beat out 28 class dogs, all but of course the Winners dog. If I had not been present with Magic at the ring, we would be declared absent and of course never would have won Reserve.



I have never forgotton about how Reserve Winners competition goes. LOL

My first time in the ring Connor won his first point. I didn't even know that we had gotten a point until my conformation teacher told me. I've left the ring when I should have stayed for reserve and other silly goofs. Sometimes it's because you're new and sometimes it's nerves. Everyone is very patient and you just have to keep it fun. It's a learning process every time I go into the ring and I guess it always will be. Each dog I take in requires something different and there is always more to learn.

Have you ever been to a dog show? If not, it would be great if you could attend a few before you actually start showing. It would also be good if you could go with someone that is knowledgeable about showing so they could explain things to you. It is better if you can attend a larger show with more entries.

Here is a link to a website where you can buy a video of one of the past YTCA specialties. If you look at the top of the website you can watch the preview and that in itself can be educational by watching the exhibitors stack and move their dogs.
National Show Dog Video Professionals

If you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask. It takes awhile for it to all sink in.