Show Handling Classes
Adults and Junior Handlers
Thursday 7 p.m.
New to dog showing?
Dog Showing is the most popular canine activity in the country and is a great
way to spend time with friends, family, and lots of dogs. All family members can participate. We welcome Junior handlers, beginner or experienced adult handlers, and accommodations are available for handicapable folks.
All purebred dogs can take part in dog shows. It is fun for the dogs and the people. A great way to make new friends and meet up with old friends from all over the country. You never know, you could end up winning those coveted ribbons and being part of the only sport where amateurs and professionals compete on an equal basis. And many owner/handlers routinely beat the pros.
What are dogs shows about?
Most people think dog shows are beauty contests, and yes, the dogs are beautiful. But each breed has important characteristics which make the breed different and uniquely qualified to do their jobs. Dogs are judged not against each other but against the written Standard of Excellence for each breed.
The Standard of Excellence is a written portrait of that breed's history, temperament, appearance, and what makes the dog capable of doing its job. Think of the Standard of Excellence as a written description of an energy conservation package. The Standard for the Saint Bernard is very different than the Standard for a French Bulldog or the Smooth Fox Terrier.
The characteristics which allow the St. Bernard to do his work require a large heavy boned dog with long legs, heavy weatherproof coat and great strength to work in freezing weather and deep snow. The French Bulldog is a working companion dog whose Standard calls for a broad head, strong shoulders and legs for digging out and dispatching vermin. The Smooth Fox Terrier is described as he should stand like a cleverly made hunter, covering a lot of ground, yet with a short back,
Each Standard of Excellence outlines the most desirable characteristics such as size and shape of the head, the angle of the shoulders and hind quarters, the coat length and density, the width of the ribs, and the shape of the feet and so much more.
These descriptions of the ideal allow the dog with those ideal characteristics to perform its job using the least amount of effort and with the best use of its body to maximize energy usage and allow effortless movement. A St. Bernard trying to go down a rat hole would fail just as a French Bulldog trying to work in avalanche conditions in the Alps would quickly tire. Each breed is judged against its own Standard of Excellence and the dog most closely meeting that standard is declared the winner for that class, variety, breed, or group. The dog found to be the meet the Standard above all other dogs is presented with the coveted Best in Show.
What does all this mean to you? Taking the time to learn and understand your dog's breed standard will help you to better understand your dog. Why he does what he does, what makes him tick, and why and how each component of your dog should work together harmoniously.
How Do I get started?
Handling Class meets every Thursday evening at the Shadyrock School at 7 p.m. There is a small fee of $5.00 for the first dog and $3.00 for every additional dog
Class time runs over 60 minutes. Your dog or puppy should walk on lead and be socialized so they can get along with other dogs. We set up realistic ring practice and training for each breed. If you need specialized help we can provide that training too.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, your dog will need a show collar and leash appropriate for your breed. Bring snacks or treats (called bait) to reward good behavior. We work the dogs in a group and then have them perform the individual exercises such as table work and ring patterns. If you don't know
what to do we will teach you and your dog how to show like a winner. Please join us on Thursday at 7 p.m.