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Post by Brittany on Nov 27, 2003 9:57:20 GMT -5
I'm hoping that Either Dana, Emma or Laurie can camcord the big event at Tracy's Bullingers trial/conformation show so i can get an idea of what I'm getting my self into.
As I'm getting more interested in conformation... I have yet found any pattern that i may need to remember to participate in "sieger" or any conformation shows.
can anybody help me with getting myself better and much more intelligent and have more knowledge in conformation shows?
On my next dog, a bitch that I'm going to do conformation with her so I'm hoping to get more knowledgeable then i am now.
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Post by JanisN on Nov 27, 2003 10:07:43 GMT -5
The best way to learn about conformation shows is to GO to them. Club shows and regional shows are great starts, you don't have to start with a sieger show (national competition). The only difference between a club/regional show and the sieger show is the number of dogs entered and that the working adult classes are required to pass bitework and an individual exam before being able to participate in the class.
The classes consiste of (usually) one or two rounds as a group in catalogue order, then an individual exam (stand, teeth examination, testicle exam for males), if over 12 months the judge wants to see the dog coming and going, gunshot test and individual gaiting around the ring.
After the individual rounds, the judge will rank the class the way he "sees it" and then the dogs will gait and begin to compete in earnest. There are some faults and strengths that don't come out in the stand. For instance a dog might have a lousy individual round but be highly competitive and show to great advantage in the group class. Or a dog might gait or behave poorly and lose places during the gaiting.
When you're watching a conformation show, in particular watch the double handling because that is the owner's job, to double handle the dog.
When getting ready for a show, besides ring training, make sure your dog stands well, is not concerned when a stranger comes "over the top" on them, will stand quietly for teeth and testicle exam and of course, will pass the gunshot test.
JanisN
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