1st Show....Need advice

[jaggirl47]

I am taking Leyna to her first conformation show in Idaho at the end of July. My trainer has been working with me but I am still extremely nervous. I have never done this before.
What advice can you guys give me on this? I have never actually watched a UScA/SV show except on youtube.
We are doing our first show July, 2nd in September, and if she qualifies she will be in Regionals in the end of October.
Leyna will be in the young female (12-18 months) group.

[jaggirl47]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

I think you mean conformation. Unless she is a 13-year-old Catholic dog.

Well my hubby was raised Roman Catholic. Thanks, I fixed it.

[Dainerra]

try to stay calm. One of the best things I learned working as ring steward at our AKC show was "Judges are people too" Don't be intimidated by them, just let Leyna strut her stuff. And don't let the competition get to you either. In most cases, tehy behave most cruelly to those they perceive as a threat

[gsdheeler]

Good advice Dainerra, keep calm and focus on the job at hand. Keep in mind you and your dog are new to the ring so don't expect you or your dog to be perfect. Work on learning what you need to do or change for the next time out.
I'm entered next weekend with my girl who's JUST STARTED to blow coat. Yes she will be mostly naked by next weekend, but I'm showing her anyway, I payed the entry fee and we need to practice.
I'll be happy if she gaits well and is not a kangaroo.

[Dainerra]

Originally Posted by gsdheeler

I'll be happy if she gaits well and is not a kangaroo.

sounds like Singe at conformation class! Besides bouncing around the ring like a kangaroo, he loves to try to lick the "judge" in the face during the exam.

[gsdheeler]

One of my biggest worries with her the first time out was that she'd grab a hold of my skirt going around the ring.
I did practice with the skirt on and she thought it was there just for her enjoyment. She grabed the lead instead. I was OK with that, at least she kept her head up and made the judge smile.

[Dainerra]

I'd have been afraid she'd pull it off!

[dogfaeries]

Have fun!

As much as I'd love to show the coyote (Sage) right now, it would just be a massive waste of of money.

She has beautiful reach, but is going through a "lifty" stage. Every step has a bounce in it (and a tail wag!). A handler friend laughs and laughs everytime she takes her around the ring for me in class. She says she gaits like an Afghan Hound, LOL. It's something she'll grow out of, but in the meantime, no showing for that girl! She's not quite a year old, so we might wait until she's 2

My other girl is showing in our specialty in two weeks. I am very excited. She's looking fabulous! Man oh man, though, that girl can move. Reach and drive. I don't expect a 15 month old puppy to win any points, but it's good experience.

[jaggirl47]

Originally Posted by Dainerra

try to stay calm. One of the best things I learned working as ring steward at our AKC show was "Judges are people too" Don't be intimidated by them, just let Leyna strut her stuff. And don't let the competition get to you either. In most cases, tehy behave most cruelly to those they perceive as a threat

Leyna will be fine. Me, well a nervous mess.

We are actually driving out 3 days early so I can work her on the field. We are going to Idaho.

[KZoppa]

i have no advice for you but i will say remember to breath just like with anything you do. If you're tense it will affect Leyna. I would like to have my working line male and see if we could do anything in the show ring someday but we'll see. Breath, relax and... HAVE FUN!!!! Thats the biggie in anything and everything. Have fun with it. Good luck!