Ringcraft Classes/training

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Ringcraft Classes/training
Topic Started: Nov 6 2006, 06:31 PM (473 Views)
piwoodhouse	Nov 6 2006, 06:31 PM Post #1
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	Just wondered if anyone knows of someone who offers show training? We've a 6 month old Cairn and a couple of people who know the breed have suggested we should show him. Unfortunately, the trainer they know is too far from me and I'm looking for someone more local. We live in Sidcup and can comfortably travel, say, a 10 mile radius from there. Hoping you can help!



zandd	Nov 6 2006, 08:44 PM Post #2
Moderator Posts: 22,620 Group: Moderators Member #48 Joined: February 5, 2005	I've never done these but my obedience club run them as well - ask around your local clubs and see if they know of anyone. Found this list of clubs - any in your area?



piwoodhouse	Nov 10 2006, 06:13 PM Post #3
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	Thanks zandd - I contacted one of the clubs on the list you provided and thye put me in touch with a local instructor. It's 50% obedience and 50% ringcraft so it won't be throwing him into something completely unkown - a nice mix of familiar work and a bit of new stuff to keep his interest. I'm psyching myself up for my first class this evening! Pam



zandd	Nov 10 2006, 08:20 PM Post #4
Moderator Posts: 22,620 Group: Moderators Member #48 Joined: February 5, 2005	Wow that was quick - good luck,hope you both have a great time - can see why you want to show him - he's a cracking little dog.



piwoodhouse	Nov 11 2006, 12:20 AM Post #5
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	To be honest Zandd, I don't know enough about the breed to be sure if he'll do well. His parents were both successful, but dog breeding isn't like mixing paint, is it? A lady who judges said to me "he has a marvellous front", but I really didn't know what she meant, what I was supposed to be looking at or what a bad one would look like anyway! Plus the natural coward in me would hate to turn up and be laughed out of the ring. And there's no saying Widget would enjoy it. I think it's just going to be one of those 'suck it and see' experiments. This evening's class was huge fun, though. And anything that sees your dog socialising and learning new skills has to be a good thing. have a great weekend everyone



zandd	Nov 11 2006, 07:32 PM Post #6
Moderator Posts: 22,620 Group: Moderators Member #48 Joined: February 5, 2005	I used to show Duncan and enjoyed meeting other dog owners but it was never serious,just a bit of fun.Like all walks of life you'll find folks who are obsessed by showing - and in my eyes look a little ridiculous and those who see it as a bit of fun and a good chance to socialise their dogs and have a chat with other dog lovers.I stopped it when I no longer was enjoying it,I'd rather be walking up on the hills with them running free than walking around a ring but lots of folks do love it. You wouldn't ever be laughed out of the ring ;)



Cairnmania	Nov 11 2006, 07:40 PM Post #7
Squeaker Posts: 38 Group: Full Members Member #341 Joined: October 27, 2006	I'm no expert on Cairns, but when I saw his photo "show dog" was the first thing that came to my mind. If you can swing it I would take him to his breeder and ask her or him to evaluate him critically for you. No dog is perfect and his breeder will give you an honest opinion. My totally unbaised honest opinion is that he's well worth a twirl around the ring! :D Years ago I had a Cairn that I showed, which was great fun. The tough part I found was grooming, which for the show ring is a weekly task to roll the coat. If there are people that show Cairns in your area, I bet they would be willing to help you learn how to groom for the ring.



piwoodhouse	Nov 11 2006, 10:44 PM Post #8
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	Thanks everyone - some great advice and lots to think about. The breeder's in Hereford so not that convenient to get to from Kent, but I'll send her a progress report and include some pictures to see what reaction I get. The lady who strips his coat has a lovely dog that she's shown very successfully and she seemed very taken with Widget, so I'll approach her for some advice too. Plus he had a lovely time at his obedience/ringcraft class, so I'll complete that and then see if there are any 'fun' shows around in the New Year - better to have a go at these things rather than regret not giving them a chance. Thanks again, pam



zandd	Jan 12 2007, 10:38 AM Post #9
Moderator Posts: 22,620 Group: Moderators Member #48 Joined: February 5, 2005	How did this go? Did you continue the class and more important did you both enjoy it?



piwoodhouse	Jan 12 2007, 01:00 PM Post #10
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	Yes, we finished the 6 week course last week. As a bonus we met Monty, a lovely 6 month old Cairn puppy, renowned for his naughtiness. Naturally I stuck by him like glue as much as I could to make Widget look better :angel: ! I'm now at the 'polishing up his act stage' - he meets Bobs Broadbent from puppyschool once a week for some one one one. This week we worked on getting my pace right : too slow and he has a tendency to start playing with his lead and larking about. Too quick and he looks as if he's battling a hurricane with his ears flattened to his skull. There are a couple of open shows that we've pencilled in, starting in March, but I'm going to take him to as many shows as I can get to beforehand just as a spectator; it might help him later on as he'll not be psyched by the sight and sound of so many dogs. The only other thing to do before then is to get him a decent hairdo! Oh and does anyone happen to know where I can buy a proper show lead (those really lightweight ones)?



zandd	Jan 12 2007, 02:16 PM Post #11
Moderator Posts: 22,620 Group: Moderators Member #48 Joined: February 5, 2005	Glad it's going well,do let us know how he gets on.No idea where to buy the leads I'm afraid.



Tafia	Jan 12 2007, 07:33 PM Post #12
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 5,819 Group: Full Members Member #134 Joined: November 17, 2005	HUB International Accolade You should be able to get them through either of the above links, the second one sells handmade leather slip leads. Good luck, enjoy yourselves and don't forget to have fun!



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