Find a Ringcraft Club

Hopefully you would have purchased your future champion from a breeder who will guide you through your first attempts – if not research is even more important.

There’s nothing like hands on research, so try to visit as many dog shows as possible. Even old hands at showing are keen to pick up any tips that will enhance their chances of winning. Any exhibitor will take time to speak to someone interested in their breed but never approach them as they are preparing for the ring.

If a dog or the owner has caught your eye and you feel you would like to speak to them why not watch them in their class first, every exhibitor wears a ring number, you can read about them and their dog in the catalogue of entries. If they bred the dog that caught your eye why not go ask if they are expecting any more puppies. If you like the way they handle go ask how they train their dogs – but after they have exhibited in the ring. Remember also that if they won their class they will still be preparing the dog to re-enter the ring later for best of sex judging, then hopefully best in show!

Show Catalogue

When looking in the show catalogue you may find another breed enthusiast that lives in your area. Find out where they train their dogs, strange as it may seem some ringcraft classes may not have experience of how your breed is shown in the ring. Take a look at how a Yorkshire Terrier is presented as opposed to a German Shepherd – there is a vast difference.

The Kennel Club hold a list of registered training clubs, these will be for all dog interests so make sure you sign up for the correct type of club for your interest.

Social Events and Friends

Because the club you pick will be local to where you live, you will soon make friends with many other canine enthusiasts. You will bump into these people at local shows and they will be able to advise you in the general show routine. Many people arrange to car share, which can be a great saving in what is becoming an expensive hobby.

Training classes will also arrange seminars and talks that will enhance your enjoyment of your new interest in the dog game.

Many clubs will arrange match nights where an invited judge will assess the dogs present and place them accordingly. This is excellent practice for your first shows and for your dog to get used to show ring conditions. Judges at these events are often new to assessing dogs and this gives them practice before they enter a proper show ring. Sometimes an experienced judge is invited so your dog may be looked over by someone who has judged at Crufts.

There will also be party nights when dogs will play silly games along with their owners. Christmas is a great time for this when many dogs will wear fancy dress and compete on a different level. It is always fun to see Mastiffs dressed as Sugar Plum Fairies and Afghan Hounds in Father Christmas outfits – it’s a little bit of silliness that makes a break in the often serious side of training. Party nights are also a time when awards are made to the dogs that have won the most points during the year at dog shows. Every dog attending classes from young puppies to veterans are welcome at ringcraft clubs.

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