New To Whippet Showing And Need Advice

[BCBlondie]

Hi!

I offered to co-own a show quality whippet with a friend who is going through some personal problems. He is almost 1 year old and is an import from New Zealand. (I live California.) He hasn't been shown yet but they say he should do well in the show ring.

My question is, how do you get STARTED showing? I have never shown a dog in real life before but I have always wanted to do it. I know the concept of showing, and the points and that stuff... Any advice on how to get started? We are in the process of getting him registered with the AKC and getting the paperwork done. So what's the next step?

Thanks!!

By the way, here's a picture of him:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/BCBlondie/DSCF4731.jpg

 

[on the rocks]

Hi ya,

I do believe that is saxon??? Jadore Final Destination???

I co-own 3 of his relatives 'Rocks' NZ CH Ronndal Rain On, 'Elijah' Ronndal Batman Forever and 'India' Ronndal Be Bewitched

Sorry don't really know how the USA show circut thing goes as I'm in NZ but my best advice would be to go to a show just to look, watch how the whippets are shown. Don't know about any show training classes maybe ask local dog clubs, the classes are good for newcomers and getting pups used to the procedure.

Or get a professional Handler to show him You will just have to pay them to do all the work!!! As Pro handlers are quite big in the USA.

Katrina

The photo is of Elijah @ 10 months taken today not the best of photos I know!!!

 

[janfiers]

Advice is very sound re going to shows to have a look and speaking to local dog clubs for ringcraft classes. You could also ask the nearest Whippet Breed Club to you? I would have thought that the AKC would be able to tell you the nearest breed club to you. I know its something the English Kennel Club does (one of the few things they are good at!)

As for the professional handler, I personally wouldn't go that way, there is so much more enjoyment by doing it yourself and you learn much about both your dog and yourself along the way.

Is the dog living with you? If so, start by getting him to stand on a table, just standing at first, don't bother where the legs are positioned. After a couple of times begin to put the legs into the position you want them to be in. You are looking to present a picture which shows that the dog has a good topline and is well balanced, (not roached or banana backed). For his movement you will need a show lead and practice walking with him at the pace which will show his movement off to best advantage. Be wary though of moving too fast (at a run) or too slow as this can give off an inaccurate picture of movement.

That will give you a start. I'm sure when you get to a show where Whippets are being shown that if you introduce yourself people will give you some useful hints and tips, but best of all is to watch and then do your own thing. :thumbsup:

 

[BCBlondie]

I do believe that is saxon??? Jadore Final Destination???I co-own 3 of his relatives 'Rocks' NZ CH Ronndal Rain On, 'Elijah' Ronndal Batman Forever and 'India' Ronndal Be Bewitched

Yup!! That's Saxon... Good guess!! O_O

I know the breeder as well, we've talked a few times on MSN messenger and we met a couple years back on a dog forum.

Thanks so much for the advice! I will definitely look into it and do lots of research.