Getting Started Showing your Dog

Getting Started

If you are new to the sport of dog showing, you may want to get a jump start on training before you come to a class. Scheduling a private lesson to get you up to speed is a great way to start. Just stacking and gaiting your dog doesn't really get you prepared for the entire experience.

I know of people who did not fill out their entry form correctly and after driving all the way to the show with the dog they just spent hours grooming, they weren't entered. Another thought that because she picked up her number the first day of the weekend that she didnt need to check back in the second day and never made it into the ring because the steward had marked her absent.

Let me help you with the entire dog show experience. Who does what from the AKC rep, the Superintendent, ring steward, show chair and of course the judge.

Rind etiquette from getting in the ring, setting up your dog and what else is expected of you -- like where to stand to get your ribbon and all the way to when to clap. So much to know, let me get you started so you have a positive experience and keep coming back!

Become familiar with the AKC Entry Form shown below. The open space at the top should contain the name of the Kennel Club or organization holding the show, the AKC # given the show, the day and date of the show. The premium list for the show will have all that information printed there for you. Simply check the box for the show you are entering. If there are multiple events at the show, the conformation and obedience classes will be listed as one show together. A Rally class will be a different entry and will not count as a discount if cross entered with obedience or conformation. Enter only ONE class in Conformation. If you enter more than one and are defeated in either, you've lost the whole thing.

The majority of shows will off the following classes:

Dogs are separated from Bitches. The same classes are offered for each sex before Best of Breed and Best of Winners competition.

6-9 puppy: 6 months to under 9 months

9-12 puppy: 9 months to under 12 months

12-18 months: 12 months to under 18 months

Bred by Exhibitor: The dog must be bred and owned by the handler.

American Bred: The dog must be whelped in the US. No foreign born dogs can compete in this class. Likely more important in newer breeds where stock is coming in from other countries and must compete against those new breeders trying to establish the breed in the US.
Open: Open to any purebred dog of any age or country of origin registered with the AKC.

Veteran: Open to intact dogs of Champion status who are 7 years of age or older.

This is not the most current entry form but will suffice for now. The front is the same. Both sides of the form (this will come as an 8 1/2" by 5 1/2 " form front and back. It must be signed to be valid. If there is problem with the amount of money, you will get a pink slip when you go to pick up your number and will not be given your number until you have paid up at the superintendents table. Always check in early as it could be quite a hike to get there and back before you go in the ring. Usually they will let you know ahead of time that you need to add funds to your entry.

AKC Code of Ethics

Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.