Intro to Conformation
NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE!
Are you interested in trying to show your dog in the breed ring for the first time? Are you an experienced handler or breeder working on getting a new dog ready for the ring? Are you a pet owner who would like to have a dog that is confident being handled and examined by strangers? Try our Introductory Handling & Conformation Class!
WHAT IS CONFORMATION?
Showing dogs most likely originally began for the purpose of evaluating, selecting and showcasing the best breeding animals to develop breeds for particular jobs at a time when dogs were used for real jobs people needed their help with (hunting for food, killing vermin, herding, guarding/protecting, pulling/carting, scent work/tracking, etc.).
Today dog shows are mainly “beauty contests” and a hobby that is a way that many people enjoy spending time with their dogs.
The sport of showing dogs is one of the few competitions where first time novices show side by side along with professionals, for whom that is their main source of income.
WHAT ARE THE CLASS OBJECTIVES?
An enthusiastic dog that will:
• Allow itself to be hand stacked (posed in position for the judge to examine)
• Gait (move next to you) on a loose leash
• Free stack (pose itself) after coming to a halt during gaiting
• Confidently and comfortably allow itself to be examined from nose to tail
A confident handler that will:
• Know the common gaiting patterns asked for in the ring
• Understand the rules, etiquette, and judging system for the show ring
• Know how to enter a dog in a show
o Fill out paperwork
o What to pack for a show
o How to dress
o How to check in at ringside
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING CLASS?
You do not need to know anything about the breed ring or showing a dog in order to register for class! You and your dog will learn all the fundamentals in class… Dogs and puppies should be at least 12 weeks old and have up-to-date vaccinations.
WHAT IF I ALREADY SHOW A DOG, BUT JUST WANT TO PRACTICE?
From 8-8:30pm, after the Introductory Class finishes, we will be conducting a half hour drop-in practice session. Have a “judge” examine your dog and practice gaiting with other dogs in the ring (ring gates will be set up). The drop-in session is only $5 per session, and you must RSVP before attending.
HOW LONG IS THE CLASS AND WHAT DOES IT COST?
The introductory class is six weeks long, meeting once a week for an hour and costs $125. Experienced handlers and dogs are welcome to a drop-in practice session from 8-8:30pm for $5 a session (must RSVP to trainer@kinetic-canine.com).
WHAT TEACHING METHODS DO YOU USE?
All dogs will be worked on a show collar and lead using positive reinforcement techniques, without leash corrections. Clicker training will be explained and used (although not required) to encourage dogs to gait on a loose leash and free stack.
WHO TEACHES THE CLASS?
Susan Ramsbottom, RVT, CPDT-KA teaches the Introductory Handling & Conformation Class. Susan has been training dogs for over 40 years – starting with 4-H, Junior Showmanship program, then moving into the AKC breed, obedience, rally, and agility rings. She has trained and handled a number of dogs that have gone on to finish their Championship titles, and has experience with Dobermans, Pointers, English Springer Spaniels, and Manchester Terriers, amongst others. Susan currently works at Texas Hearing & Service Dogs as a Senior/In-Home Trainer. She is a member of APDT, is a Registered Veterinary Technician, and has her TAGTeach Primary certification.
WHEN IS THE NEXT CLASS?
Our next class will start Monday, May 24th at 7pm. Experienced dogs and handlers are welcome to drop-in at 8pm for a half-hour practice session (must RSVP). Call 512-686-3050 or e-mail trainer@kinetic-canine.com to reserve your space and receive registration materials. Space is limited so early registration is recommended!
