Dummy Showing
 

There is a show I am thinking about attending in 2 1/2 months. I have never shown, never been to a practice match, and have only been to 2 shows in my life. I want to try, get my feet wet. If I go its a two day show but I will only enter one day, so I can crawl in a hole the other if Im mega embarrassed.:cool:
I dont mind going and looking rough around the edges, I dont even mind looking a bit foolish, but I just dont want to look like the biggest fool to enter the ring:eek:
I know I have to get a registry in early for the show, I know I need a table, grooming supplies. A show leash.
I appreciate any tips at all, but what I dont know a thing about is the ring. I know it would be best to attend a show, but truthfully Im not going to have the time. Do They call the dogs names? You enter the ring as called? You stand with your dog? in a line stacked beside you?? Or what? What run patterns should I expect, so we can practice? Do you always keep your dog toward the inside, for the judge to see? Do they stack just on the box? DO i pull their gums up for the judge to see? I have every question there is I guess.
Anyone willing to give a step by step as what to do when they call your name?

Thanks anyways. We will figure it out.

Showing for the first time is a very scary exciting thing. I don't think you can ever look stupid in the ring, everyone has their first time and remembers what it felt like. I would do some research on shows, the AKC website is great, so that you have as much info as you can going into it.

Each dog is give a number and that is how they are identified in the ring, you will wear a number on your arm that allows the judge to determine which dog/bitch is showing. Most of the time you will be asked to walk around the ring to the show table where you will stack the dog for the judge, once the judge as gone over the dog then you are asked to follow a path the judge chooses and from there the judge will either place you back in line or ask you walk around again.

Each judge is different, some judges have you go straight to the table, others have you walk around first. Some will have you show them the dog's bite others will look themselves. The best thing is to listen to the judge carefully and ask if you are not 100% sure what to do. The best advice I was given was to make sure you arrive early to the ring so that you can watch how the judge operates in the ring, that way you are more prepared once you go in.

The best training you can do is lots of walking on the lead so that the dog is used to that feeling...also make sure the dog is well socialized so that the environment won't freak the dog out. And most importantly, HAVE FUN, if you are having fun the dog will do...if you are nervous your dog will feel it and get nervous. Don't worry about how you do, just watch and listen and you will do fine.

Thank you very much. That helps alot. I have been working on a regular collar and leash for a few days. I dont have a show leash yet. We have alot of work to do.
I want to go and see the dogs reaction along with my own!
I really appreciate your input.

If it is an AKC you'll go in by classes

6-9 Month Puppy Dogs
9-12 Month Dogs
12-18 Month Dogs
Bred by Exhibitor Dogs
Open Dogs

then the females will follow in the same suit.

The only way to learn is enter just like you're doing. We've all been new and made exteme idiots out of ourselves, even the experienced have made idiots of themselves. Keep an eye on the judge and each exhibitor on each side of you. Show up and ringside early so that you can watch your judge to see what they expect of the exhibitors in the ring. If you have any questions about ring etiquette don't be afraid to ask your fellow exhibitors. Don't set your dog up to close to the person in front of you and don't walk too close behind them. It can spoof their dog. If you are in front, make sure and turn to the person behind you and ask if they are ready before taking off. Alot to remember and learn. But, the only way to do learn is to do it.

Always walk your dog into the ring and out of the ring. Never make the judge wait. Don't brush the dog on the table, it's rude to make the judge wait for you

Oh! It's not called a leash in the show world it's a lead.
Mary

Tip#1 - If you enter (your entry) just near closing (a day or two before closing dates) you will most likely be placed at the end of the lineup, which will allow you to watch the others ahead of you go first. It may relax some of the worries for you. :thumbup:
Tip #2 - Let the stewart (judge's helper) know it is your first time and most of them will help you out - when to go into the ring - things like that.You will get your number - arm band for the stewart.
Tip #3 - buy a catalog when you get there at the show and look at the pages for the yorkies - it will give you the numbers and order of the lineup. You just follow suit. If you win your class - hang around since you will have to go back in for winners.

I use to do so much better showing when I was younger - I didn't know what to worry about.
Good luck and let us know how it goes. :)

T.

oops - almost forgot a very important tip!

Tip #4 - have your dog go potty before going to the ring, Watch your time.

T.

showing
 

Do you mind telling us what area you will be showing?
Don't worry about looking like the biggest fool to ever enter a ring..I OWN that title!

Many years I entered a fun match with a pet male under Anne Rodgers Clark..(they come no better respected then she was)..she was very kind and helpful...told me to speak to some of the breeders around the ring and see if they would advise me as to what is a show dog and a pet dog...but she said it so nicely, I wasn't hurt.

Pat - how do you think I came up with my tips. All from my mistakes! I thought I was the only one that made mistakes at the shows. :D

luvdorkyyorkies - We all make mistakes and we learn as we go. We all had to start somewhere. So welcome aboard to showing! ;) We all support one another and we are here for you too. :thumbup:

Have you bought a book on how to show yet? Also you can get the handbook from AKC about showing (rules and regulations ins and outs) to help you a little.
T.

This is the show Im THINKING ABOUT attending. We have just been working about a week together and my pup has only been here less then two weeks, so I just dont know if we will be ready to even try to fake it by then:p Its going pretty slow.

http://www.royjonesdogshows.com/Prem...aySept2007.htm An illinois show.

If I decide to try what class should be enter?
Classes for All Breeds and Varieties

Regular Classes

Puppy, Dogs Puppy, Bitches

12 mos. & under 18 mos., Dogs 12 mos. & under 18 mos., Bitches

Novice, Dogs Novice, Bitches

Bred by Exhibitor, Dogs Bred by Exhibitor, Bitches

American-bred, Dogs American-bred, Bitches

Open, Dogs Open, Bitches

Winners, Dogs Winners, Bitches

My boy puppy would be 7 months by then. Do you think Novice and puppy? I dont know about open or american bred. I think this might be way out of our league.

Thanks again for all the info, I told my husband the worse that could happen is I trip over my feet and Dreamz decides to poop in the ring at the same time:D Im hoping we will be ready to at least try by then, but right now my puppy doesnt like the lead, tries to sit alot with a stop, but is improving, I cant expect much in such a short time, plus we are just getting to know each other. But when I tell him to put his tail up he does....that is something right?!!:p

Heres a picture of Dreamz taken just a minute ago. I didnt have anyone to help me stand him so I had to do the best I could.

5 1/2 months today.

Enter him in the 6-9 month puppy dog class. ;)
Cute puppy!

Open and American bred are for your more experienced older dogs.

T.

What is your dog's full (registered) name?
Whom did you get him from?

T.

Yes!
 

I agree..enter him in the puppy class. Go, have fun and learn. Trim his feet a bit..but nothing too serious at 7 months...watch what others do...tell the judge quietly when he is on the table you are a first timer and there to learn. Smile and be friendly, don't expect open arms into the community of dog showing, people like to watch you for a bit..to see if you are worth investing face time and words into. People come and go in showing..most are cautious...which is interrupted as unfriendly.

Yes - trim feet a little - I place them on the table and where the hair touches the table, around the toenails, I cut so you make a rounded shape - around the foot. I also give them little treats as pups - so they learn that this is a good experience. I also trim under the feet - so their pads will make contact with the floor. It makes it easier for them to grab the floor as they walk in the ring. As a pup though - only do what they will allow you to do - you do not want them to hate it.

Also if inside show - practice walking on mats, even if bait is on the floor. Many of the people will drop bait in the ring and then you come by with your dog and oops there goes the head goes - down. So you have to practice with your dog to try and ignore this bait and smells. You can talk to them in the ring (I never call them by name though). This helps them to concentrate on you.
If outside show - practice walking in grass. This way they will be use to the texture and will walk better for you when the time comes in the ring. And with grass they love to either eat the grass or smell what is in the grass. So you have to teach them to hold their head head while in the ring and not nose in the grass or on the floor.

Pat is right - just have fun and make it fun for your puppy. Most judges do not want you to be too strict with puppies. Puppies need to learn that showing can and is fun.

T.

Thank youso much.

His name will be Andercree's Dreamz Weaver. The application is in the mail.

He is from Amazing yorkies. Deb SIllers. I am very pleased with him. I really didnt adopt him to show either , adopted to improve puppies.
But he is so darn cute and loves me. He gets animated, has such spark too when he CHOSES...:p He looks so handsome when he does this. He has good bloodlines and I would like to try to do justice by them if I can. If he has potential to keep it going, it wouldnt be right to not try for him.

You all are being so great. Makes me feel so positive about showing. I appreciate it so much. Im sure this thread will help others who run across it, who are afraid of showing, either now or in the future. Really wonderful advice.

Im taking it all in. I only work with Dreamz a few minutes a day. I want him to like me and be happy. He already tells me off if I work to hard for 3 minutes or more.:animal36

Well okay

I am going to WIN
 

We really Want too.

Good information and a new question for you.
 

This thread have been very informative and it is fun to hear how all of the pros have at one time or another won the biggest fool award. It makes me think being embarassed wouldnt be the worse thing ever. I have a girl who has a lot of creme colored hair on her face and chest so I dont know if that would disqualify her or if they give a little bit of a break for the younger ones that havent changed fully. She is a little over 1 year old. I pm'd a fellow YTer today to tell her the dog on the avatar looked just like mine and she said she has 6 points already and she is the same color. Can anybody let me know?

Yes, I agree, it is refreshing to hear everyone makes mistakes. :thumbup: To bad you dont live closer, we could go to a show together and compete for "The silliest newbie award!" :p
I certainly cant give advice on your girl, but it sounds promising if someone with a girl who looks like yours does well. Maybe you should try, if its something you really want to do. Just remember theres "someone probably sillier then you out there doing the same thing" :) Me!
We are going to win something when we do go try. Maybe not a ribbon, but maybe a little confidence and a feel good feeling for at least trying. Im sure Ill make a mistake, and there is worse things then being embarassed.isnt there? :eek: I just dont want to make a mistake that effects someone else showing in the ring, thats my main fear.

Good luck to you!!!

i am so very excited for you. good luck. you have more balls than me. i would probably pass out in the ring.
i cannot wait to hear what happens.
i am just so excited for you!!!

Remember once you get in the ring, you'll be to busy focusing on your dog....the nerves will ease up.

Even the best have made mistakes. There recently was a well known exhibitor that lost her skirt while in the ring, at a Specialty. Another got her earring caught in the (male) judges zipper.....I've had my dog slip out of it's lead and run to the other ring. Another well known handler's dog slipped out of it's lead. But, the dog was so well trained, it did the down and back without her. Just left her standing by the judge......I've had my dog decide it wanted to be a circus clown and went around the ring on it's hind legs (everyone laughed). Another one of mine decided it liked the bait on the ground, decided she was gonna have a picnic and layed down and started to dine and wouldn't move until she was done. So, have a good time, that's one of the reasons you're there.

If he sits in the ring and won't move, just pick him up and walk, don't yank on the lead. Judges tend to frown on dogs being treated that way.

:D :D :D :eek: How Hysterical!!!!!!!!! LOL!!

Points taken
1) wear tighter skirts
2) no hoop earrings
3) and if they dont perform well at the show, there is always a chance audition for the circus!

:p Im still laughing! Cant feel nervous after hearing those bloopers!

I was laughing as I read this because it reminded me of when I first started showing Taz. I had showed him and didn't take the class so I handed him off to my mentor who put him in a cage w/o a top. She forgot that he is a climber and while I was collecting the ribbon for the puppy class everyone started yelling out loose dog, loose dog and then it went to loose Yorkie. I looked up and Taz was in the ring across from me and he did a complete round on the mat for the judge there. I saw Lindy running over there to get him and I commented to the Judge, "Look at that movement!" The next 2 days Taz took Best of Opposite, making it a very memorable show for me. :aimeeyork

LOL.........Those stories are too funny. I dont think I could top losing my skirt in the ring or getting my earring caught in the judges zipper. LOL......Were they trying to get extra points:eek: I am stll laughing picturing your dog walking around the ring on its hind legs. Thanks for the laughs. I love hearing these stories.

The one that lost her skirt in the ring took Best of Breed at a Specialty....
Had to send Denny to Boot Camp to break him from walking on his hind legs.....he's still wild to this day...great structure and wonderful expression won him his Championship...cause it wasn't done on behavior. I was never so happy as the day he finished. I use to be ringing wet by the time I got in the ring, just from grooming him. And I never knew how he was gonna behave. But, he had an instinct as to when the judge was just about to get in front of him and he'd turn and give the judge that oh so cute look. Got the judge everytime.

OMG!!! I am ROFLOLPMP!!!! I feel better now about being a newbie in the show ring. Hopefully it will be soon. This has been a very informative thread.

Question.

You all said to enter the 6-9 m class if we go to the show.

They have a novice class too, is that for older dogs and wouldnt be appropriate to enter?

If we go its for one day, I thought if this class was appropriate, I would enter it too.