Hello guys,
I am currently looking for a Toy Poodle show, although havent found a breeder yet.
Id just like to know some more about the Showing world, Ive heard that new comers are'nt welcome, is this true?
Also does anyone know of any ring craft training, in the south east Essex area?
Ive ordered a couple of books in breaking into showing, But id also like a few tips.
I want a Puppy from a Show Breeder, so hopefully i will find one who will show me the ropes.
Also can anyone Recommend me some breeders, im looking for a Pup in december, but i will wait.
Any information will be greatly apprieciated, Thanks

Most people will be friendly and welcoming as long as you don't try to ask questions just before they are going in the ring! Sadly a few individuals do have their cliques and will try to put you off, specially if you have a really promising puppy, so take advice from strangers with a pinch of salt and weigh your options before following. The vast majority will be happy to help however. We have ringcraft in north London, Enfield, but I'm guessing that's too much of a trek from Essex. There are places on the net you can search, I'm sure someone will post the link soon!

Thankyou Lucy!

> Ive heard that new comers are'nt welcome, is this true?

I got my first show dog last year and we started showing in January.  Almost without exception the people I've met have been helpful and friendly.  It's a bit like any new situation I suppose - take your time to get the lie of the land before forming friendships.  Some of the people that rush to make themselves known simply want to grill you about your dog rather than get to know you - but that's normal.  Some are talkers, some just smile, some struggle to remember you at every show!

Your breeder will be able to make some introductions and give you some help and advice, he/she can also probably help you choose what shows to enter, how to fill in forms etc and they can be a fabulous guide - mine has been great and I count her as a friend.  Not a bad way to choose a breeder actually - find someone with similar values as your own, with dogs you like and you'll probably find they produce puppies you'll want

Things to watch out for: take care who you make rude gestures to as they cut you up on the motorway - you might be in the ring with them.  Keep smiling, stay cheerful and never say anything to anyone that you are afraid to have repeated - everyone knows someone who knows someone that is related to someone that heard you! 

As a complete novice I smiled, looked gormless and asked for help.  I keep my ears open and my mouth shut and I've made some great friends, and had a great time.   Good luck

i know of two good ringcraft classes in essex one near harlow and one near ilford pm me if you want details.

Sorry to high jack the thread but lucydogs was you there on thursday? my eldest daughter went along there with one of her friends and out little bullmastiff pup maddie

Hi, I am really new to showing and go to a few classes in Essex, depending on the evening I have off work.  There is one in Wickford on a Wednesday evening 8-10pm (wickford and Basildon Canine Society), one on a Monday in Bulphan (Barking Canine Club) same times and one on Mondays (sweca) in the Romford area.  The Enfield one that someone else mentioned earlier is also good.  Each of them hold monthly match nights but I can't remember the details.  I found most of them on google.  Also a thought, is there a breed club for your type of dog - would they be able to put you in touch with someone? Good luck with finding your pup.

Thankyou so much, everyone, Your all fantastic help, Wickford is closest to me, I am in Pitsea, But i would love to try them all, obviously distance is less important, than quality, yes there is a breed club, but no Email access, so i will have to ring or write.
Thanks again so much, i am now not so scared of the showing world also

just dont go up to someones poodle at a show an d try to stroke it...you wont get a friendly response when they have spent 3 hours trimmimg and brushing every hair into its critical place !!

No, my ringcraft is in north London on Tuesdays - and I was too tired to bother last night! Actually I only go now if my friends are going, my dogs know what to do and they spend too much time making us stand our dogs, makes a freestanding breed like Cavaliers get very bored. Next year I hope to have a new puppy though!

Hi

Can fully recommend the two following clubs.  Wickford, Basildon and District, The Grange Community Centre,Little Wheatly, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9EH  Wednesdays 8 - 10 pm, match night first Weds in the month.

Barking Canine Club, Church Lane, Bulphan, Essex, Mondays 8 - 10pm, match nights the Monday of the month ( I'm biased to this club )

Where ever you go Ringcraft Clubs are designed to help the beginner and you will find people willing to teach you. It's a nice evening out where you can train, have a cup of coffee and meet like minded people.  If you want further info PM me.

Good Luck for the future

Should have read match nights at Barking the last Monday in the month doh ......!!!