Freighter has a dog show coming up this weekend. He has not been in the ring since last September so we went to a drop in conformation class on Monday night to give him a quick refresher.
Since the class is drop-in, you pay for each class as you attend. The class is offered year round except for a few breaks during the year. The week before a big show the class is usually packed. That was the case Monday night because there is a four day show starting on Thursday.
When there are a lot of dogs there is a lot of waiting around while the instructor works with the other handlers. It can be a bit boring for the dogs.
Finally it was Freighter’s turn. The handler (hubby) handles the dog as he would at a show.
First hubby stacks Freighter.
Then the instructor goes over Freighter just like the Judge will do at the show. Regular readers may remember that Freighter is not a fan of having his bite checked. He squirms. He squirms a bit less these days, but he is still a work in progress.
Next it is time to move.
First Freighter is moved away from the instructor and back toward her. This is called a “down and back”. At the show, the judge will be looking at how the dog moves going away and coming toward her, but in class the instructor is really watching how the handler is working the dog. The Instructor may give tips and suggestions to handlers to help them show the dogs to their best advantage.
At the end of the down and back, the handler usually stops the dog in front of the Judge so the Judge can see how the dog stands naturally. In class handlers practice this part too. Freighter has been getting better at his free stacking.
The last thing is the around. This is where the judge watches the dog’s side gait movement.
When you finish the 3/4 circle around the ring, your turn is done. Then dog and handler wait around to practice this again. The number of times they get to practice depends on how quickly the Instructor gets through the other dogs. The class runs about 50 minutes. I think this particular week the Instructor went over the dogs completely twice and they moved a total of four times around the ring.
Even though the Instructor is not really “judging” the dog she does look at movement and she said Freighter was moving nicely. That means his handler had him at the correct speed. Hopefully the quick refresher will translate to a good job in the ring.
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I wish we had such a class here too. It was great to watch Freighter, how proud he walked on your side! I cross my paws for the show and I’m sure the judge will love him! We have time till march before we enter the next show where we will get another Waterloo :o(
I cannot wait to hear about your next show experience!
that’s what my dad said too… butt I’m not sure if his face meant the same hahahaha
no seriously, we have to work a lot, they have no trophy for show crashers :o)
Good luck with the show at the weekend and hope the refresher helped. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly
Hopefully it did some good Molly!
Lookin’ good, Freighter! Good luck this weekend!
Thank you!
You are such a gorgeous pup Freighter! Looking good out there!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Thank you. We just hope he cooperates with all the excitement at a show!
He silhouettes just fine against the blue background, great contrast for a Chessie! His gait is quite good, reminds one of a thoroughbred. Macha and Erynn say, Best of Luck to Freighter and his Hubby” handler!
Thanks Martha!
Watching the video really makes me miss my Sabrina II
Thanks for stopping by.
Good luck in the ring, buddy!
Thank you. We are going to need it.
50 minutes and only twice examined. That IS a packed class! He’s growing into a nice, patient boy!
LOL we hope patient. I think he will be one of two in his class so that should go by quick!
I am not a dog trainer but I am loving the movement in the dogs legs. You can easily tell that this dog is ready for what ever is being shown to him..
Thank you Dorothy!
Freighter doesn’t look like he missed a thing! Good job and good luck!
Will we see you there?
Great job by Freighter and your hubby! The caption on your second photo made us laugh out loud. 🙂
LOL Freighter always seems to be next to the person waving bait around.
So good of you to bring your dad to that class, Freighter. Our humans require constant training and they perform much better in the ring after a little refresher. Good luck at the show!
Ain’t it the truth Miss Harper Lee!
Those precious brown dog faces are adorable 🙂
Woofs from Earl, Ethel and I at Earl’s World!
Thanks Earl Lover. 🙂
Beautiful triangle gait, looking good for your refresher, jim and freighter will do great!
We need LOTS of luck on Saturday. 😉
Looking good!!!! Good luck this weekend!!
Thanks Lauren. We will be up against some stiff competition.
Freighter seems to be doing well and he looks good. Good luck at the show!
Thanks so much Barb!
It’s always good to brush up on any skills. Looks like he’s ready! So handsome! Good luck!!
Thank you. Hope the refresher does the trick. 🙂
Looks like he was doing a great job, I really miss going. Good Luck in your shows Freighter:)
Thank you. We need lots of luck!
Freighter is looking good, and definitely looks ready. Good luck this weekend!
Thank you Jan.
I hope he does well. I’ve got my fingers crossed.