you will get so much satisfaction from showing him yourself...You CAN do this!!I get so nervous that I don't usually even know who is in front or behind me..just focus on him...but have fun!


not just my bulldogs, but my heart & soul!!

I am probably a bit late if you are showing today, but also keep in mind that most of the spectators are there to watch a particular dog or dogs and really barely notice what is happening with the other dogs. I know this because our first breed was Mastiffs and almost everyone that I have met has suffered a humiliating spill when their giant dragged them--and they survived to laugh about it. When I started out with my 190 pound girl, I would chant to her while gaiting: "don't hurt mommy; don't hurt Mommy" She never did drag me but did take a handler flying--at the specialty!! So keep in mind that your Bulldog will not likely dump you on your backside in the ring. With that encouragement , I will admit that when I try to show my first Bulldog puppy in March (when she is 6 months old) I will probably be a nervous wreck!! LOL


Here is (5 months old today)Ginny with a Mastiff friend.







Honalee Mastiffs and Bulldogs
www.honaleemastiffs.com

and congratulations on Major's RWD! I bet your son had a blast! My daughter had to go in the ring for me once and about had a heart attack! She faced the puppy the wrong direction and everything, it's funny now Well, good luck tomorrow, I know you will do very well. Thank you for the nice compliment, I believe Ms.Phoenix was about 7 1/2 months in the photo, she is a very good girl in the ring.

Suzie, Fabulous Phoenix & Havok

She is one of the best. Always has a helpful comment or observation. Ive been on both sides of the ramp with her. Very sweet lady.

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

-In memory of Casper

Spectators. I know when I first started stalking the dog show I always missed them. My best friend asked me why I picked a breed that always shows soooo early. Lol I watched my son show Major and tomorrow is my big day. Whew! A very sweet lady by the name of Darlene Stuedemann took me under her wing and helped us at ringside. She was a wonderful help and a soothing soul to talk to. Her little Bitch went WB and Best of Opps I believe. I got to meet several new friends and am really looking to tomorrow and making more friends and maybe bringing home ribbon

By best friend is going with me for my big day Sunday so I'm hoping she can get some nice shots for me. I LOVE your puppy in this picture. I believe thats what they call the money shot:) Pick me! Pick me! What a sweetheart.

The "Butterflies" in your belly are part of the reason, I show!! If I didnt get a jolt of good energy from showing it wouldnt be fun anymore! Always remember this is supposed to be fun for YOU and your DOG!!
Just focus on your dog and dont get in a hurry, it is your job to present your dog to his best. Watch the judge with one eye and listen intently to his instruction. If you have worked with your pup like you should you will be fine, if you are training your dog in the ring...goodluck...
You'll be fine, remember HAVE FUN!!
Ward

People will not be looking at you. It's the dog they look at.

A piece of hard candy helps too. Makes you breathe slower if you are the nervous nellie type.

The judge won't bite you! :<)

You are going to do just fine!! The only major mistake a handler can make is to drop the lead and let the dog take off Most judges are very forgiving to those that are new.....your entry pays their stipend and they dont want to scare you away You are already ten steps ahead because you practice....make sure somebody takes a video so you can see how you look and what to change for the next time Post some pics and good luck!!

Twister & I had our first EVER conformation show for both of us just a couple weeks ago, he had just turned 7 months old. I showed 2 days....first day I just wanted to survive, I was a nervous wreck and Twister was horrible in the ring - he was affraid of the giant show tent and kept refusing to walk, it was cold & rainy and on the down & back (once I got him moving, that is) I forgot to stop & present him to the judge! OMG!! But we survived and although it felt horrible at the time after watching my video it wasn't all that bad for a 1st show.

On the 2nd day we were both more relaxed, knew the show grounds routine plus I got there early and practiced walking him in and out of the grooming tent - so needless to say our show ring performance improved 110% and that's all I wanted - to go, get the first show under our belts, evaluate where we were, what we needed to work on & learn/improve from the whole experience.

I would suggest getting there at least an hour early, if you know anyone that is showing too, even better. I had a few bulldog friends who really made me feel comfortable, who obviously knew I was in a panic & took me under their wings. Like Besty said, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself, try to get into the mindset your just going to evaluate the progress of you and your dog, walk away with learning something new and end on a positive note. Best of luck to you and cannot wait to hear all about it!!

Do you still get nervous? Every time I see you in the ring you look relaxed. Brenda and I still want you to show him if you have space in your line up so please let us know!!! Thanks for the advice.... Breathe...Focus... Relax.

I've only been in the ring about 10 times, and the first few times I don't think I took a breath until after I was outta there! I also had NO IDEA what happened from the time I entered the ring, until I took that next breath again AFTER it was all over with! I had to refer to photos later and ask my daughter what happened! I am happy with any ribbon, and I like having all the different colors to put in the scrapbook! The blue one is the prettiest though The specialty show even had little goodie bags with cool stuff like leashes, treats, baby wipes, tennis balls, etc. Too fun! You will do fine and will probably have so much fun you won't want to get a pro to take him in there for you. It's a great bonding experience, a major adrenaline rush, and hugely addicting!
Have fun...and remember to BREATHE!!

Suzie, Fabulous Phoenix & Havok

Hi Connie,

The best suggestion I can give you is to not put too much pressure on yourself to perform.  You are new to the ring, your dog is new to the ring.  Just like any new endeavor it will take some time and practice to start to gain confidence.  Before you go in take some deep breaths, focus on being relaxed, and pay attention to what is going on in the ring.   

Good Luck and I hope you take away some positives from your experience!! 

Betsy

www.blovedbulldogs.com

Iz gotz some of them Breeder/Judge/Neighbors, Dey alright.
Yes, nerves on both sides of the ramp, do, at times, abound! Having spoke to some, who are judges, quite often its harder on them than it is on us. Havin that mindset will often help one with the jitters.

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

-In memory of Casper

We all did that at Nationals! Tripped, Choked, Limped, Pooped, and hugged and cried together. Nothing like Owner-Handlers. We are a special class all to ourselves. Your turn is coming, have fun with it, together.

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

-In memory of Casper

He could be a training tool for us scared silly newbies!!! Like a seeing eye dog for the conformation ring!!

L

Laura
Thunderstruck Bulldogs
http://sitekreator.com/thunderstruckbulldog/index.html

To those who understand no explanation is needed. To those who don't no explanation is possible.

We already have the Blazer packed,washed and filled the GPS programed, Majors been groomed and I can't even look at food. This may be a new weight loss program. lol We are on the road at 5:15am to arrive a hour before show time. We are in Puppy Dog class 6-9 month. Ring time is at 830am Yikes!!! We are 1st up aren't we?? Thanks for the kind words.... A Prayer is always welcome and greatly needed!

just kidding-I wish I knew the answer to your question because I would use it personally but if you are naturally nervous like I am I don't know if there is a simple answer.

Laura
Thunderstruck Bulldogs
http://sitekreator.com/thunderstruckbulldog/index.html

To those who understand no explanation is needed. To those who don't no explanation is possible.

I have shown dogs for 21 years and each time I still get a bit of an adrenaline rush :P You are at the most fun stage of showing....every ribbon, even if its not a first is still a major accomplishment. Dont lose that.....so many people hit the ring, get a second place or less and huff off.....be grateful and congratulate everyone and be prepared to receive them as well. The best part is that the more you work with your dog, the more they guide you. Also remember, the judge is looking at the dog....it is up to you to showcase them in the best light, but again, most will become 'push button' dogs if practiced enough. My old boy is the most fabulous junior handling dog out there because he has had so much work that you just have to point at what foot you want him to correct, and he will on his own.....if you are confident at home...work alot at home and he will guide you in the ring.....and eventually it will be old hat and you will be talking another newbie out of the rafters LOL

You don't need a handler. Take as many handling classes as you can. Watch several classes prior to yours to see how the judge is running their ring procedure AND relax .

I take deep breaths, if I feel too nervous) and personally like to say away from the other exhibitors and dogs. I alos don't let the bystanders pet and play with my dog before I show. Helps my dog from getting excited and in control, which inturn helps ease your anxiety.

I have determined I get way more nervous watching someone else showing my dog then me handling.

Okay.... That will help! Thanks Elizabeth, I think I might just focus on that. The judge is not my enemy.... He or she could be my neighbor.. (I WISH)

His Breeder, Brenda Newcomb, sold him to me at 4 1/2 months after a lot of begging on my behalf and she had already done a lot of road work with him. He has the sweetest disposition and generally stacks and stays put. I love his movement and think his front end is really nice. My mentor loves him and wants me to put a handler on him to be sure he gets his fair chance. I'd like to do that for Major and Brenda when he's ready but for now I guess he's stuck with the one who loves him the most, ME! I'll try to remember everyone's advice as we step into the ring so I can make my BDW family proud and not trip on the rug, fall over the ramp, swallow Majors bait and stack the poor fellow like a Dane!

Visualize everyone in their underwear..


Seriously, I think the main issue people have is thinking that all eyes are on them. They are not.

Keep these things in mind;

Just about everyone there is nervous, even those you would least expect.

Many times the judge is scared out of his/her head too.. wanting to do everything right. Especially if they are provisional and there is a rep around.

Just have fun!

We all started out like you're doing! Everyone of us entered the ring with Zero ring experience and our dogs were just as green. We learn together and become what we are going to become. Have fun with it and whatever happens, I promise you will exit the ring with everything your entered it, plus some experience and maybe even a ribbon.
How does your pup handle?

Here is one of the first times in the ring with Winston. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-patliL9bBU&feature=fvsr

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

-In memory of Casper

and I found that after that first show, the jitters turn into an adrenaline rush and you can't wait to enter your next one....LOL!!