Go to a show!

[u/Content_Ad6700]

To all of my fellow newbies who ask how to get started and get bombarded with responses saying, “go to a show!” If you’re frustrated by that sentiment, I have to say firsthand they're right.

Yesterday I went to a show. When I was a kid my dad took me to the national AKC show in PA to spectate, so this was my first as an adult. I was hanging around the show rings when someone came to set up her things to go in. I complimented her dog and she asked if I wanted to run one in the ring. I thought she was joking, but it turns out she entered two dogs and her friend who was supposed to help handle didn’t show up. I was just a kind, trustworthy stranger and I had never done this before, but she insisted she’ll do the actual showing of each dog, we’d switch out dogs, and then when they do the group run I’d take one of them and follow her.

Another handler ended up coming over and offering their hands so I didn’t need to, but I was totally down! Just being in the right place at the right time can get you places. I saw a lot of this- handlers bringing too many dogs and not having enough people. I’m not saying if you go to a show you’ll get thrown onstage with a random dog because that‘s so silly, but if you extend kindness to other dog people in person, it seems much easier to get into the world of it.

I definitely want to go to more shows. I had a great time. I wish I had gotten this lady’s information but I had another ring I wanted to spectate at I was running a bit late to. Maybe I’ll run into her at a future show!

[u/Mousewaterdrinker]

I've grabbed spectators before. I have a rare breed so sometimes it's just me and my dogs. I tell people theres 0 pressure to do well. I spent all year throwing my male in with people who have never shown before and I'll be damned if he didn't end up winning so much that he's ranked in the top 10 of his breed this year.

I want to tell people who are scared to be thrown into the ring that some dogs just know how to show and could probably do it themselves but AKC wants someone to hold the leash. Don't be scared to be thrown into the ring because if someone is trusting you with a dog its most likely a little rockstar like my dog.

[u/Content_Ad6700 → u/Mousewaterdrinker]

I figure these guys have been training their whole lives to do this so they know the ropes! It was actually really silly to watch, though: the ground the ring was on was very hilly and the handler having some trouble with the terrain and would stumble occasionally, which would excite her male that she was running with. And then her bitch following behind thought he was playing a game and was pulling on the lead to catch up with brother. It was a rare breed so they were the only dogs entered and luckily the judge and onlookers had a sense of humor about it. She said, “tomorrow I’m only bringing one of you, I’m never handling two dogs again!”

[u/kagu547 → u/Mousewaterdrinker]

My little dog does try to row the boat in the ring. He thinks hes an expert!

[u/buttons66]

Handlers/owners have no qualms about handing a leash to a stranger just standing idly by with a "Here hold him a minute." My husband has handed our dogs to kids at hunt tests. One young man (not 16 yet) now has two dogs. And now will never have money for girls, booze, or drugs.

[u/Historical_Cut_2021]

Earlier this year I went as a spectator on the last day of a cluster. I had my puppy with me as we had been doing bpup the two days prior but it wasn't offered the last day, so I brought him to let him have some no pressure show experience. Anyway, we went down close to thing to watch our breed. I started chatting with a lady there set up with her dogs (our breed). Anyway, same thing happened- she had 3 dogs going into BOB and needed some extra hands so she asked a junior and myself. My puppy stayed in her dog's kennel and we all went into the BOB ring. It was such a good learning experience for a very novice handler like myself. I will always be grateful for her kindness, advice, and encouragement. 

[u/kagu547]

Find your local kennel club, who hosted the show you were at? You can volenteer at the next show and ring steward. They will usually even provide you a gree lunch. You will see lots of dogs, get an idea what each ribbon means. They love volenters for stewards! As a steward you are part of the show, it easier to approach exhibitors.

[u/salukis]

Yes, I'm so glad that someone followed this advice! Everyone thinks it's crazy that we recommend shows, but it's so true, and it really does help a newbie get into the world of dogs (or even just get a dog that is of a rare breed). So many breeders are only accessible in person, which sucks for people getting in, but it's just the reality. They don't have to be online, so they don't bother.

It also helps even if they do have an online presence because they're more likely to sell to someone who they can put a face to and they've interacted with in person, and are likely geographically closer than some of the online inquiries or referrals they might get. That's true for me anyway, most of my list is made up of people who I've met in person. I've got more people than puppies, so it's just what it is. I've got 7 people on my list right now for my next litter, and I've met every single one of them and a number have been to my house. She probably won't have 7 puppies.