Show Ring Training

Lorna · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 5:33 am Post subject: Show Ring Training

I have shown my Dobes in AKC shows for over 20 years. Recently, we have a new organization here in the states called the American Doberman Association. We bring judges over from Europe and the dogs are shown in the European style, which is different from what I am used to. My girls do well in this style, with me just guessing on what I am supposed to be doing, but I would love to hear some tips on how the training for the show ring is done in Europe. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

~Lorna

Guest · Pictures: 0

Lorna-
I read your post and I don't have a reply, but a question... Since you have so many years of American show experience, can you point me in the general starting direction of the "how to?" I have just purchased a very nice pup and I'll have no problem on getting him titled in Schutzhund, but he has very good show potential and I'm considering possibly trying to earn him some show points as well as working titles. Any books, hints, etc. would be helpful. I'd like to do it myself to learn and avoid the high cost of a professional handler.

Lorna · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:57 am Post subject:

Hello Guest,

I don't know what you have done already with your pup, but show training, in my opinion, should be started as young as possible. I would suggest attending some shows just to observe. Watch the professionals. Get a copy of the AKC show rules, and find a local conformation class to attend. You might check with your local kennel club for class information.
Some good books are, "Sucessful Dog Showing" by Robert & Jane Forsyth, and most of the good Dobe books have a great section on conformation training. Look for books written by reputable breeders.
You might also want to contact the American Doberman Association for information on their shows, especially if you have a european dog. Some of the AKC judges can be very prejudiced against the imports and it is not easy to win, but can be done.

Good Luck!

jmoorman · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:33 pm Post subject: Thank You

Lorna-
Thanks for the reply. I'll get the book you recommended. I'm getting him at the end of August and he's a son of Master Max of Masterhof Kennels and will be about 3 months old when I finally get him. He has great show potential, so I'll do my best to do him justice. He will be able to be AKC registered, but I'm sure the judges will notice his European background.
I'll learn the rules and enter some small shows to start. I'm in Ohio, so I'll have to look at the upcoming show requirements and schedule.
Thank You again,
Jim

Rosamburg · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:22 am Post subject: Show ring training

Hello Lorna, look forward to seeing you in WA state this weekend. I had the same question. Fortunately I was able to visit Roberto this weekend and got a lot of direction. By the way it is the American Dobermann Association (2 nn's as in Europe).

dushsquash · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2004 1:22 pm Post subject:

the best way is too make your dog to love to play a tennis ball.
you should try that!!!