Conformation Classes and Question ???
 

At what age did you start Conformation Classes ??
and what things can be done at home ?
Do you use treats, clicker or both as training tools ?

I have found a showdog trainer who does private lessions
She said she will look at the 3 pups I'm holding back to see
if she thinks one might be good enough to show.

At what age is a good time to look at a young pup and get a idea
if it may have the It Factor???

The trainer also knows of a handler who does handles toy breeds.
I think after a few puppy matches ...
I'll see how things go and if my knee will hold up.
I am hoping to point the pup myself and
then maybe hire a handler to get the majors.

They also have a groomer who knows about grooming Yorkies for show.
Hopefully they can show me how to do the topknots and grooming part.

There is not much of a AKC Club around here, the closes is in St. Louis.
I was invited this weekend to come and meet the members but
I told her I didn't think I could make it this time because I just had
some newborn pups.
But would love to meet then as soon as pups were older.
She told me of some shows coming up that I plan to attend.

Any suggestions, advice or help would be greatly appreciated..

i don't know but i just wanted to say.."good luck" i hope someone comes on here to help you out.

Thanks Lisa...:)
I also need to know of any good books or tape I can order
that might help me ?

I start conformation classes at approximately 5 months of age.

Start watching the pups from birth, but really begin watching at 8 weeks of age......running them through and never making up my mind until I've taken that one I've picked out, until I've entered it in their first show.

I begin training at 8 weeks of age....starting with bathing and table training...how to lay still, stand to have their feet trimmed, etc. Lead training I don't begin until about 16 weeks of age....and then it's done as fun, since during this period they are teething. I condition with clicker and bait training.

Topknots are tuff. So much to learn, how much hair to pull up, how much puff for each individual dog's features....

There are a couple of tapes you can order from sweetieblue.com for grooming and topknots. Training for the ring is another matter. Reading and watching videos give you an idea but, there is nothing like getting in the ring.

Thanks Mardelin
about how many classes are normally needed ??
Yes... I can't wait to do a few puppy matches.
Someone said that judges often prefer males over female in the ring is this true ???

I usually continue conformation classes until the dog is being shown on a steady basis. At times having to go back to straighten things out. What I do find helpful is taking them to shows prior to them being showen. Running them getting them use to the noises and preparing them just like they were getting ready to show.

I wouldn't say that judges prefer males over females as you do have a WB and WD.....what you will find is if you have a bitch Special and a Dog Special, a judge is more likely to put up the dog as BOB....that is unless you have an exceptional bitch. But, then there aren't too many Bitches being specialed.

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

They normally have a 3-6 mon class in akc sanctioned matches. They are great for new pups. Matches are all about introducing a new pup/teenager to the ring and having fun. There is also an adult class in matches for adults starting out or getting back in their groove. Great for conditioning.

Thanks so much..
I really appreciate all the input and information offered.
So much to learn... I can't wait to get started.....:D