Advice please

Kenny is 9 months old, and like any staffy owner, im really proud of my little man. Im thinking of showing him. I took him to ring craft last night. The people there were wonderfull. Really cared about the breed and very supportive. Im just concerned that kenny may not like it. Kenny's breeder live's quite near me and has suggested on many occassions that i should show him. Anyway, kenny, me and breeder went to ring craft. His breeder said that he will be his handler, which i agree with. He's a very experianced handler. When we arrived kenny seemed quite happy. Then he tried walking on the mat, he layed down, would not move. I then walked him and he walked for me. He'll naturally walk into the stand, not throw training, he allways does it . But not there, no way. Kenny wasnt having any of it. They tried put him into the stand, no way. Do you think he's to old to train for shows. His breeder said he'll take him out for walks with his bitch. He said she'll keep him in line. Im not to sure. What if she attacks him. I dont feel comfortable kenny going without me. I want kenny to enjoy show's, it's something i had visions of me and kenny doing it for fun. How will i know. Please help

He's not too old to train, but it will be hard for him to accept a stranger (or relative stranger) teaching him things. The breeder is probably right that walking him with his bitch would help him to get to know him & accept his training more. However, why not learn to show him yourself?

I realise that the breeder is more experienced, but if Kenny ( and you) are unhappy with it all then what's the point?

Showing can be fun, but it can also be a chore & becaome quite stressful.

thanks caryll, I want to train him myself, i think because of the breeders experiance i kind of let him take over a bit. I apriate your advice and keep you informed thanks

I took my Skye to ring craft and got a totally different experience
Skye is a very lively girl and for her to stand was a nightmare she was all over the place when she walked
We went a few times and she was slowly getting it then lots of things happened at once car broke, work changed and at the classes some (not all) of the other owners started saying unhelpful comments so I decided not to go back

If you have found the help then go for it

You should also do a little training every day - just 5 or 10 minutes maximum. Get him to stand square & focus on you (a treat or a squeeky toy will do the trick) for a few seconds, then give praise & walk him round & try again. Keep calm & stay patient - it's a hard thing for a lot of dogs to learn to do - to keep quite still & focused when there are things going on around them.

See if you can buy a bit of rubber matting to practice on.

Thanks caryll, do you think dogs enjoy the shows

That really depends on the dog & the handler. My Border Collie bitch loved shows, she really used to shine as soon as she got into the ring, whereas my Staff got really bored unless he could launch himself at another dog in the ring!

Some dogs just don't see the point in it (same with some handlers!). I usually start off with good intentions, but I'm not keen on a lot of the 'types' that show & I get disillusioned with it quite quickly. You have to be a bit thick skined!

Thats me out then, i think id get quite upset if i thought they were critising kenny. I gonna keep my boy as he his. Just need to find new things 4 me and kenny to do.

I have to admit that the last time I showed Dempsey I got quite upset cause he came last! I know why he was last (even though at first glance he was a lot better than some of the dogs that got placed), he has an instanding canine, but it still hurt!

ive also heard that the people can get quite *, thats not for me. We're all proud of dogs, i dont need some judge to tell how good or bad my boy is. I think im gonna plod on as we are. but then, i do think i wana show world what a great boy he is. I'll try 1 more ring craft and a little training at home, if he enjoys it, we'll go for it. I'll let you know. Thanks for your support and advice.

decided it's not for us

Messgae for kenny_d
Im from ur area and was wondering if there is anything in rhondda that i can take bow to? Lots of people hav asked if i show her as she has a cracking stance and temperant. She isnt however very well socialised with other dogs as all she wants to do is play. Newport seems to be recommended to take her which us quite difficult and expensive working shifts. X

How do I find out where about dog shows are.I am very interested in comming along.maybe look into my dog taking part

roxi wrote:How do I find out where about dog shows are.I am very interested in comming along.maybe look into my dog taking part

Hi & welcome from darcy & me why not come introduce yourself.
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

roxi wrote:How do I find out where about dog shows are.I am very interested in comming along.maybe look into my dog taking part

Hi roxi. Have a look at the KC website - that'll give you a list of all KC sanctioned shows...
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/dog-showing/

Have you ever attended any ringcraft classes? They're not essential, but they will help you sort out what you have to do in the show ring, plus it gets your dog used to standing still/moving when there are other dogs around.

You can also go on fossedata and higham press to find shows