Conframation and Obedience class question~

[Angie]

When I pick Topaz up, she will be about 5 and a half months old. My question is...................Obedience class is on Wednesday night and handling class for conformation is on Thursday night. Can Topaz do both or do you think it is too much at once? Thanks! Angie

[alicat613]

It would really depend I'd guess on the dog, although mine has always been just about the most laid back dog ever and he would have been able to do that at that age.
Have fun and congrats!

[Ami]

I agree with Ali.

The most important thing to remember is that going to class is THE MOST FUN THING IN THE WORLD!!!!! If it starts to become a burden to you...this will reflect on your dog and he/she will not be successful.

My advise is that if you really have the time for both, then do both! As long as you are in it for the fun and bonding aspect. I personally LOVE going to all kinds of classes with my Lily. I never EXPECT perfection from her because we are there to LEARN and have a WONDERFUL time with the other dogs (and my Lily LOVES classes!). Also keep in mind that each class will require you to continue the training at home from week to week (so taking 2 classes would mean double the homework).

In conclusion, I guess that taking 2 classes would depend mostly on YOU and your schedule not the DOG.

P.S. Also keep in mind that Conf. and Ob. have VERY different standards they may cause a problem with eachother.
i.e. Conf. dogs are not allowed to sit in the ring, where Ob. dogs are taught to sit when you stop. This is one of many, but just a suggestion for you to think about. Best of luck...please keep us posted!


Ami, Lily and Nelson
'Rest in Peace my sweet Tuesday'

LOOK at my babies!:
http://www.imagestation.com/members/ami222

[witzn]

>P.S. Also keep in mind that Conf. and Ob. have VERY
>different standards they may cause a problem with eachother.
>i.e. Conf. dogs are not allowed to sit in the ring, where
>Ob. dogs are taught to sit when you stop. This is one of
>many, but just a suggestion for you to think about. Best of
>luck...please keep us posted!

Actually obedience dogs should be taught to sit when they are
~heeling~, conformation dogs stand as they stop when gaiting.
Different collars, leashes, commands, body language - and
in this case different nights.

2 classes per week depends on if you want to commit 2 nights
a week to it. I know many people that just practice bits of everything on one night or multiple nights.

You might want to audit or try both and see if you like the
teachers or class structure, or if one is much better than the other.

Sandy

[Angie]

I am deffiently wanting to have fun and bond with Topaz, I love dog events and think the obedience class will be a lot of fun for her. I am concerned as it was mention here about she will be taught to sit in obedience and in conframation they are not suppose to sit...........I just don't want her to get confused in her learning. I know I need to start teaching her to gait and stack so I can get her in the ring, I am keeping in mind I still have to be taught and remember all the instructions. I am wondering how long she will need to do conframation classes before she can at least get in the ring to get use to how all that works. I just don't want to over do her classes and work at home. Angie

[witzn]

Some dogs never attend a formal conformation class. But...

The question is how much training ~the handler~ will need.
Aside from conformation classes there are also matches, which
are the place for puppies to learn about dog shows.

Many people actually don't train puppies alot or show
them alot in conformation when they are very young, if you
over do it you can have them lose their interest/spark in the
ring.

It is more likely you will be confused than the dog if you are
learning obedience and conformation handling at the same
time.

Just remember to use the right commands and cues and
Do teach her a command for stacking ( "stack" "showdog"
"whoa", whatever you'd like). Never use your heel command
when practicing conformation - have a different one "let's go"
or something like that.

During obedience practice take some time to teach her
"stand", both as a separate thing and from a sitting or
down position.

The main thing with puppies is to make sure they have fun,
the rest will take care of itself.

Sandy

[Angie]

I decided to just work on obedience class for now b/c I am worried too much will confuse Topaz and myself included! Thanks for all your input :)! Angie