Show training

[~JO~]

Hello guys,

I was hoping for a bit of help here. I have now got my second whippet (he is 12 weeks). With my first because I was new to showing I took him to ringcraft most weeks from when he was quite young to about 8 months as I was really training myself. Now looking back I am pretty sure it was too much for a young pup and I bored him.

So really I was wondering how much table work and ringcraft others do with a young pup. I was planning on doing the table training at home and just taking him to ringcraft about once a month. Does this sound about right?

I need some wise words from all you experienced people!

Thanks Jo

 

[dessie]

Hi Joe

I really think it depends on the puppy and the ringcraft. I have two ringcraft classes that I can go to, one is where you just queue up, have a go on the table and an up and down then do whatever you want to do and the other class (which I prefer) the dogs all work together all evening. Although they (and us) are taught ringcraft it is done in more of a socialisation way. When I had my two pups they went on alternate weeks and then both to the match at the end of the 'course' (each course was 11 weeks ........ 10 weeks training, the 11th week a match). Having said that, I have taken other pups there and they go each week but they may only do one course and then go fortnightly or every now and then.

I think 12 weeks is a tad too young, they are more ready for it at about 16 weeks. As I said before, it is much to do with the mental attitude of the puppy as well. Rupert was easy peasy and very confident (surprise! surprise!) whereas Aimee was much more of a shrinking violet but it did her the world of good to go along and mix and work all evening whereas if I had taken her to the other club where there is not such interaction I think she would not show as well now and be more like her mother who hates showing.

Most of all though, make it fun for the puppies. They do not need to stand like statues and like to be encouraged with words and titbits ........... they have all their life in front of them once they are grown up to show like automatons. I am always amazed at shows to see how horrid some people are to their dogs. They want them to behave and win but never give them a kind word or a pat to encurage them, only a jerk and a harsh word when the dog doesn't understand what is required.

REMEMBER ............ IT'S ONLY A GAME!!!!

 

[~JO~]

Thanks Dessie,

He is a very lively character and I also do take him to puppy obedience on Saturdays which is really good for socialisation - he had his first one the other day and he was really good!

I also can't believe how many people are harsh to their dogs in the ring too - I always make a real fuss of my older dog in the ring and he gets lots of titbits etc so i will continue to do this. I am taking him to a puppy party at my local ringcraft next week so that should be worthwhile.

With my first dog the ringcraft we went to was just sitting around all night until it was your turn when he went up on the table and did his bit and I think this is perhaps what caused the boredom so I think I will take the new pup to a more active ringcraft whivh involves less sitting around because this must bore any puppy!

 

[iang]

Dessie,Thanks for taking the time to give your detailed advice to Joe.I myself have learned a lot from your reply,as like Joe I have attende both classes and have been confused as to what course I should take with my pup,as at the moment she appears to hate ringcraft and I don`t like to stress her as she is at six and a half months still just a baby really.Would you say it is possible to bring a dog into showing at a later date,or should I persist with her at the classes. :b Ian

 

[dessie]

Hi Ian

You can bring a dog into showing at any stage of its life (best to start before Veteran though!!) but the groundwork is still the same. They must have a good concept of what you require from them and it must be made FUN. I know some people find going into the ring nerve-wracking, I myself get nervous on occasions .......... usually when you think you stand a decent chance of winning, but if your puppy has learnt the basics, it is far easier for them. All dogs will get spooked at times, or not like a particular judge or venue for whatever reason and you wil lhave to live with that, they are not machines. If you go to training and learn together you will become a 'team' and it looks so much better in the ring if you and your dog are in harmony so I wuld persist with your puppy. Some dogs will never ever be extrovert showmen but will go through the motions because they want to please you if you have made it a pleasant enough experience whilst they were learning. It doesn't matter what sort of training you are doing, the mantra is always the same

REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR .......... IGNORE BAD BEHAVRIOUR

Good luck and most of all, have fun (both of you!)

 

[JAX]

Dessie is quite right about puppy training ,I take mine just for 1 hour at the most ,cos classes are normally in the evening after a long days playtime pups can`t concentrate for too long. I always let mine play with other breeds (providing I know the other playmates are friendly )then they look forward to meeting other dogs ,Its not so boring either for them.At my ringcraft we spend a lot of time on socilisation? too, the `heavy`stuff can come later.

never forget `You always take the best dog home!!`