Originally Posted by swarthy

Try and relax (says she who had her OH handling for the first 4 months in the ring with my first showdog )

It IS nerve-wrecking - I often get stressed in the ring still at times after over 6 years

I know you are going to ringcraft - and not sure where you are based - but there are LOADS of shows coming up over the next couple of months - there must be some close to you with RR classes - it might help to take some of the 'mystery' out of it and increase your confidence.

I love it when I watch a veteran class and a dog plays up (not in a nasty way) - but it shows you that all the things you think you 'might' do in the ring to embarrass yourself will have been done by someone, somewhere, and usually more than once I've had a dog who simply refused to stand for the judge and decided she wanted a belly rub instead - he still have her Best Puppy - I've had the 'pee' mid triangle (didn't get placed that day!!) - the "omg are my treats REALLY that smelly!!" in the BIS line-up where three other dogs refused to look at anyone but me

And if you have the time to watch, even the best trained puppy or dog can have their 'moment'.

Just relax, enjoy and go for it - you really do have a marvellous starting point - but I think if you actually saw a few shows before you get to that stage - it might help

Originally Posted by Dogless

Thank you; I have spectated at a few shows but obviously never participated; I do plan to spectate at a few more fairly soon if I can fit them in...I don't see things as a 'mystery' as much as just plain nerve wracking!!!. My big problem has always been (and most likely always will be!!) being hugely self critical and obsessed with 'getting it right' .

Originally Posted by swarthy

Maybe 'mystery' was the wrong word to say - what I meant really is that there is probably nothing you might do when you start showing that hasn't been done before

Originally Posted by Dogless

I thought I would just update. Due to a rather sudden (and surprise ) requirement to move to NI I will not be showing Kilo. I feel as if I have let his breeders down, but they have been lovely about it - as always.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread for all their help and support and am still glad I ventured briefly into the world of ringcraft as it was an enjoyable and valuable learning experience. Hopefully the thread has helped other folk too.

Originally Posted by AlbertRoss

If you are taking Kilo with you - there are lots of shows in Ireland......

Originally Posted by Dogless

Kilo is certainly coming with us . I have a huge amount on my plate though and without going into too much detail NI is not somewhere I can just give personal information such as my address.

Originally Posted by swarthy

Just as an aside - there is no obligation for your address to appear in show catalogues - I chose to omit mine as do quite a lot of people.

Hope all goes well for you whatever you decide to do - good luck with the move.