Show Training - Page 1

I'm looking for a club or group that holds training sessions for the conformation ring in my area. I'm in northeastern Maryland. I have a working line GSD who showed in the 2002 GSDCA Universal Sieger show in Virginia and got a G-rating, handled by someone else. I'd love to improve this to an SG and have been working hard on his conditioning. I would very much like to handle him myself. But, I don't have anyone to double handle for me. Has anyone attempted this? He'll be in the 24 month + class w/o title, how long do they run this class in the club level show?? Thanks very much! Jackie

Jackie: USA will not be having any more 24 month + class without a title. This was confirmed by Kelly at the USAC. I am not sure what the WDA is doing in regards to similar shows. GSDCA, I believe still does, though I am not certain. I would have someone else handle him, and you double handle. He'll be more excited to see YOU outside. If you have a friend who is around the dog a LOT, you could have them possibly double handle....hope this helps a little?

The USA site still says that there's a 24 month and up w/o title class called the Adult Class. This isn't accurate? So in order to show a dog over 24 months of age it must have a title? And I'll give more thought into hiring a handler. Although I still need to train him with a group for the ring, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'd like to hear them! Thanks, Jackie

There's some show training from time to time in Winchester, Va. and near Waldorf, MD. You will be better off double handling your dog as suggested. There is usually someone at the show that can help you. Many will handle for free to help out. Feel free to e mail me for more information. I'll be doing some training for the Fairfax show in April.

USA didn't have a 24month + w/o titles class last year, and from what I was told by Kelly at USA, they will not have one this year. Looks like they've decided to follow the SV in this. I'm not sure I agree with it, since the SV has those rules in Germany, but the AKC has different rules here in the US. Maybe if enough people complain, they'll bring it back? Not sure.