Need info/advice!

CMax · 06-15-2008, 07:52 AM

Hi everybody!

I decided I am missing the show excitement and I want to give AKC shows another try. My previous experience wasn't a very successful one but again the dobe that I showed was so "Euro" the judge didn't even look at us.

Here is the 5-mo old girl I have.
I don't have time and opportunity to drive around the US getting points but I would like to show her locally. Then the question is: how do you show the American way? How do you train the dog for this? Are there any handling classes? Anything around Northern VA?
And are there handlers who take the dog and finish it?

Well, Im trying to get info to see what works best for us.
Any advice will be appreciated.

CM

**voodoolizard** · 06-15-2008, 08:05 AM

No idea about any of that..

but just wanted to say she looks lovely !!

**VegasHR** · 06-15-2008, 08:54 AM

Sorry, can't help you either. She is beautiful. I'm sure someone with knowledge will help out. Good luck.

**dobermansrule** · 06-15-2008, 09:10 AM

you should be able to find conformation/handling classes locally. This gets the puppy at least acclimated to the experience, hopefully makes it fun and exposes areas for improvements, and strengths. Not sure what you mean by showing the "American way". You can owner/handle or you can pay a handler to do it for you (yes, there are handlers that do this). You can work with a local handler and drop the dog off ringside or you can use a handler that will transport the dog around to shows. A good handler will give an honest opinion of what it will take in time and money to finish your dog, if it's ready to show now, etc.

CMax · 06-15-2008, 09:48 AM

The "European" way is when the dog pushes against the leash. And the "American" way is when the dog is manually stacked, almost like hanging on the leash...
Anyway, 2 questions:
- where do I look for local handling classes, and
- where do I look for a handler?

CM

**dobermansrule** · 06-15-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMax

The "European" way is when the dog pushes against the leash. And the "American" way is when the dog is manually stacked, almost like hanging on the leash...
Anyway, 2 questions:
- where do I look for local handling classes, and
- where do I look for a handler?

CM

ok, then yes, handling classes will teach the American way. Googling professional handlers will yield a list of handlers that you could start with. Maybe a better way is making connections through a handling class and local shows and get referrals. Not all handlers are the same (there are bad ones and there are good ones). As far as classes, look up some local facilities that have dog training and ask if they have or can direct you to conformation handling classes. And hopefully some DTers in your area can help out as well.

**velmadobe** · 06-15-2008, 10:50 AM

you can do a google search for handling classes, contact a local all breed club, or contact a larger training center - they often have a handling class.

Some all breed clubs offer a handling class, but if not, they might be able to direct you to one.

For a good evaluation you could have a good Dobe breeder evaluate her - you can often meet them at a local show if you contact them ahead of time.

From the picture, she looks like a pretty bitch with nice bone. What is her breeding?

The American method of stacking a dog is very different from the European method - although they do stack more like us in the UK. We want a dog to stand very balanced with the head up - no leaning. If you see a dog standing loose in the yard when it is alerting on something - this gives you more of an idea of what we are looking for. Although we place the feet where we want them, a well balanced dog will stand that way naturally. There is a certain amount of "freestacking" done in the American ring so that the judge can see how the dog naturally sets themselves up.

**BackInBlack** · 06-15-2008, 12:10 PM

I am going to be in Southern Maryland and will be looking for a class too.

I like your puppy Cmax.

Cathy43 · 06-15-2008, 01:11 PM

There's a show next weekend in Richmond, don't know if that's too far.

CMax · 06-15-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackInBlack

I am going to be in Southern Maryland and will be looking for a class too.

I like your puppy Cmax.

Thanks! Let's look together

I tried contacting one of the local DPCA clubs - that led me nowhere

Googling didn't give me much info although infodog.com lists the shows and club organizing them...
Going to a show right now might now be a good option as I've got a newborn... but classes or a handler will do.