Like all other dogs, show dogs need basic skills in life if they are to lead happy, doggy lives. They need to be confident, sociable (with people and dogs), and be able to cope with different environments and change. They need to be flexible and adaptable.

Unlike ‘ringcraft’ classes, this class aims to give dogs these underlying life skills as well as teach the basic exercises the show dog needs. I.e. to stand and be examined and to be able to move on a lead. Show handling skills and ring routines may be included, but the emphasis is more on socialising and training your dog.

If a dog is unable to cope with the demands of the showring, is stressed by being around other dogs or is fearful of being examined by a judge, then those issues need to be addressed separately perhaps on a one to one basis. Those are not ‘showing’ problems, they are ‘behaviour’ problems and need to be addressed as such. Teamwork Training offers other options if this class is not appropriate for your dog.

Classes are carefully managed to ensure dogs are able to be around each other safely and that young puppies will not be frightened by bigger, adult dogs.

The class covers…

• Mixing with other dogs
• ‘Reading’ and understanding dogs
• How dogs learn
• Being handled and examined
• Stand stay/show stand
• Lead work
• Habituation to environment, noises and ‘life’