Curious about showing

[WhitneyNash]

Maybe curious is the wrong word. Ignorant, yes. I got my first and only frenchie a few weeks ago. She is 3 months old, named Whitney, 6 lbs (very small). She is AKC registered and has many champions in her background. I am interested in showing her someday, but do not even know where to begin?! I have never personally been to a live dog show, only watched on TV.
What are some basics I should know?
What basic commands do the dogs need to know?

Any information would be truely helpful and appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[fran]

First find out where the local dog club is in your area.After all her shots are done; sign up for handling classes.This is where you will learn (and your dog ) what the commands are and how to do them.
Call your breeder;find out if your dog is considered show quality. Right now she is very young and you really can not tell.But the breeder should have a pretty good idea.
Having a show dog can be a VERY expensive hobby . The entrance fees start to add up. And the shows are all over, so you need to travel.It can be fun , meeting people and going to the shows.But it can be hurtful. We all think our dogs are the best;but in truth , most of our dogs are wonderful. They are NOT breed standard. They are champions in our hearts and the Best in Show in giving us love.
Go to www.AKC.org ; you can find out when and where the dog shows are in your area. go to them, they are fun. We go and see the breeders and the dogs.

[WhitneyNash]

Thank you.

I have a few setbacks though, I live in a small town where there are few, if any, people that show thier dogs. I checked the AKC website for handling classes and seminars, and the nearest are over 3 hours away. I guess I might just have to get more books and find some videos.

[fran]

There is a Yahoo group called Show-me. Join there ; that would be a good place to start and ask questions.
One of my friends is just starting to show and she told me about this list..It is all breed but that does not make a difference. Confirmation showing is the same for all breeds.
fran