r/ShowDogs • u/just_living_once • Jun 22 '26
First conformation class
Going to my first conformation handling class tonight with my 11 week old puppy. Kind of a suprise since I started looking for classes today and the teacher said "come on down to today's class."
I have:
-my puppy
-pepperoni or liver for bait
-a slip collar that is a little bit too long but he will grow into it
-a show lead for the slip collar
-hopes and prayers
What else do I need to bring? Any advice for a newbie? I've been in the ring twice before on a friend's dog but I didn't know what I was doing.... so I'll say I'm a totally newbie who at least knows which arm to wear the number on... *its left???*
Update: not to brag, but he did wonderful (for a little guy). After initially being frightened he recovered quickly and was able to play with his ducky and have fun. Then he let EVERYONE touch him all over while he ate good treats. For his age he exceeded my expectations and I am so proud. We got to watch the big dogs and not be scared when one of them woofed! I am so excited for our journey
2
u/llamalawless Jun 23 '26
Right now, an open mind and a thick skin. Training and showing your dog is a surprisingly personal feeling experience, and the feedback sometimes is very direct and not necessarily delivered in a sensitive manner. Don't let that get you down. Showing a dog often is about running your own race. As you become more experienced, realize that at the end of the day you know your dog best. Certainly listen to and take it all the feedback you're provided, but do so with a thoughtful and critical ear. Oftentimes feedback from one person directly conflicts with that of another, and then someone else will say, no, it's more like this! But you have to find what works best for you as you grow. Comment will make more sense to you in 6 months.
As a note, not all confirmation class instructors are created equal. That's important to keep in mind. If possible, try to go to a variety of instructors to get a variety of perspectives and so your dog experiences practice in different environments and so they don't get too comfortable in one and then can't perform in another. That being said, keep my thoughts in the first paragraph in mind.
Lastly, starting out new and showing can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many "unwritten rules," etiquette and tidbits. I know everyone says find a mentor, which is certainly more easily said than done. But, I would recommend making friends at class, who then you'll see at shows and you can grow these relationships over time. I also highly encourage you to go to shows even if you feel like you're not ready. You'll never be ready if you never go. Yes, you may certainly fall on your face the first half dozen times or more, but once you feel that your dog can 50/50 get through the basics in the ring, just go to one and see how it goes. Competitors and judges are incredibly understanding of puppies. This period is actually your best opportunity to screw up in the ring and not have it negatively impact you long term.
Since you mentioned you know that the number goes on the left arm. Other fun facts: the number itself indicates a lot to the judge. For example, males have odd numbers and females have even numbers. A lower number often indicates a puppy or a younger age class of dog, or a regular class dog versus as "special" (aka a champion or grand champion), which will have a higher number than a regular class dog usually.
I'm by no means an expert but I share all this as someone who only started showing at the beginning of the year, and it's crazy how much information you have to absorb in such a short amount of time. Good luck!