CONFORMATION
“Conformation” is the official name for “dog shows.” While they may seem glamorous, the true purpose of conformation showing is to evaluate breeding stock. The dog’s conformation—his overall appearance and structure—is an indication of the dog’s ability to produce quality purebred puppies, and that is what is being judged in the ring. That’s why mixed-breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are not eligible to compete. Many times a new exhibitor will get started in dog shows by finding a mentor, usually the breeder they acquired their puppy from. Many AKC clubs also offer handling classes to teach owners how to present their purebred dog to a judge at a dog show.
*AKC website*
Western Waukesha County Dog Training Club in Ixonia holds conformation training classes each Tuesday night at 7pm. This facility is on my way home from work so I am able to stop and get some training in. I took conformation classes long long ago when Norman was a puppy so it’s defiantly time for a refresher. This week Tom and Josey joined us.
Double Trouble.
Toni Raden is the conformation instructor whom I’ve known for years as she owns Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and breeds them to. She only had to say something to The Eastwood Sisters once that this wasn’t play time. It was all business after that in which it should be. We were there to learn and a learning we got. I always come out of there learning something new. Thank you Toni for a great job done!
Giving a pep talk.
Around they go.
Tom and Josey did great when it was their turn. They practiced stacking, having the judge go over Josey for her exam and the gait around the ring to watch movement.
Preacher was the demo dog.
Tonight’s class had some new puppies in the class so Preacher was the demo dog.
Josey
A great training night was had. The class is 45-60 minutes long and that is just right for puppies as they have ADD and need breaks and to focus on other things in order to enjoy what they are doing. Classes are all year long so we will be attending more classes. It’s great for us and for the dogs as we have a UKC dog show coming up in February.
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What a great post! I’ve never really known what confirmation was–I just knew it wasn’t something for Barley, so I never really looked any further than that. It sounds like you had a great training session!
Preacher I will watch your show ring in february and I will root for you! I wish we had such classes here too… then I would win a trophy and my dad could go home un-deballed :o)
Oh, the demo dog – way to go Preacher!
Go Preacher. I reminds me I’m glad I’m not a show dog, but if you enjoy it, that is great!
I’m so proud that Preacher was able to be the demo dog. She is going to do great in conformation.
How interesting! Go Preacher!
Oh cool! Thanks for the info! I always learn something when I come to your blog 🙂
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Oh I loved seeing the sisters together. Tallulah and her sister, SoBe, are starting agility classes together. Look out world!
Good job Preacher, Mica loved everything to do with conformation classes and shows. She loved the attention so was willing to put up with them putting their hands on her. Course the judges always had her 1st or if their was a male 2nd and they always said how beautiful she was. So that was more good attention;)
I’ve been to one dog show so far and was stoked about what I saw. There is no doubt that a lot of work goes into conformation training!! Sounds like you had fun with Preacher.
How fun! Rocco and I took some show handling classes when he was young… and when I was still showing him (which didn’t last very long!). During our classes the instructor had the dogs take a little break halfway through the session where we did some agility jumps! Now THAT was Rocco’s favorite part!
Excellent job you guys. Conformation classes are a great way to get out and do something in the winter and our dogs are usually all tuckered out after them.
Good job guys! You’re really growing up. And nice that Preacher was the demo dog. Its great you’ve got these classes to help along the way. Most of the practice we have is at the shows … LOL!!
I think I’ve heard that about dog shows – what their true purpose is – but I always forget. Preacher is doing great, showing off for the whole class already! 🙂