Dismiss Notice
Hello Guest, Welcome to the new version of Sheltieforums.com. If you have any questions regarding the new software, please post in the following section: Forum Upgrade

My first show

Discussion in 'Getting Started in Conformation' started by simba14, Mar 9, 2017.

  1. simba14

    simba14 Forums Regular

    24
    6
    30
    Jan 15, 2017
    I am going to show Shoka for the first time at the end of the month. He is 19 months old and this will be both his and my first show :) Does anybody have any tips? I don't know if he will be competitive but we are just doing it for a bit of fun. It is an all breed open charity show and so I decided to enter as many classes as I could fit in knowing the money is going to charity. I'm competing in obedience as usual in the morning and finishing of the day with a fun class for pet dogs with my other Sheltie Simba.

    I'm flying over to crufts in the morning for 2 days so unfortunately I will miss the Sheltie on Sunday but I am hoping to buy Shoka a nice show lead/collar while I am there though :)
     
    simba14, Mar 9, 2017
    simba14, Mar 9, 2017
    #1
  2. Chris

    Chris Premium Member

    Posting Champion
    35 Points
    10,896
    10,462
    885
    Feb 25, 2008
    My tip is: Relax, have fun, and make sure you both enjoy it!
     
    Chris, Mar 10, 2017
    Chris, Mar 10, 2017
    #2
    ghggp likes this.
  3. Hanne

    Hanne Forums Sage

    3,204
    5,604
    540
    Nov 13, 2014
    Danmark
    Absolutely the best advice you can get :yes:
     
    Hanne, Mar 11, 2017
    Hanne, Mar 11, 2017
    #3
  4. Caro

    Caro Moderator

    Seriously Likeable!
    15 Points
    8,525
    8,804
    585
    Jan 14, 2009
    Not sure if you've been going to shows regularly, but if not go and introduce yourself to other sheltie people (esp those showing one or two dogs), let them know it's your first time - people can actually be really helpful, and it fills in the time waiting. It's something I'd wished I'd done when I was first showing.
     
    Caro, Mar 11, 2017
    Caro, Mar 11, 2017
    #4
  5. ghggp

    ghggp Moderator

    7,530
    18,380
    710
    Aug 28, 2011
    Grosse Pointe, Michigan
    I agree with Chris... enjoy yourself!

    I got a novice CD title on my first Sheltie Kelsey.

    Classes were on Saturday and Sunday and each day the judge came up to me saying you could have gotten first place had I not screwed up! In both classes she got second! In one class I kept looking down at her to make sure she was at the proper heal position... the second day I had my hands folded in front of me on the long recall, which counted as an extra command!

    Had I not been so nervous I would have not made those errors...
    moral to the story, have fun!!!

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!
     
    ghggp, Mar 11, 2017
    ghggp, Mar 11, 2017
    #5
  6. Ann

    Ann Moderator

    9,444
    18,178
    710
    Feb 25, 2008
    First, I'm jealous that you're going to Crufts! We want lots of details when you get back please!

    Good for you taking Shoka out to show. As Chris said, the most important thing is that you both have fun...especially him! Make it fun for him with a small toy or some yummy bait like cheese or chicken. Practice with him a bit before the day of the show...gait him back and forth and around in a circle so he'll do a nice trot for you, and make sure you put him on a grooming table once a day to prepare him for standing for the judge's exam. Then, relax and have fun!
     
    Ann, Mar 11, 2017
    Ann, Mar 11, 2017
    #6

Share This Page