I have an 8 month old prospective show dog. I am looking for a conformation class near where I live (I don't have a car) in Cambridge, MA, just across the river from Boston. Any suggestions as to where I might find one? I've only been able to find basic training (e.g PetSmart & Petco) or Advanced Obedience classes. The closest conformation class I've found was on Cape Cod (way to far!).
bookmom
06-17-2007, 05:18 PM
Hi,
Here is a list of groups from the Charles River Dog Training Club:
http://www.geocities.com/crdtc/breed.html
and here is their page on obedience and dog clubs:
Some of the dog clubs listed on the page above may offer conformation as well as obedience. The CRDTC had classes in the fall---I would contact them to see if they are having any this spring or summer.
Keep going with obedience and I would also recommend a CGC class if you can fit it in as it will allow your dog more opportunities to be handled by strangers.
The New England Dog Training Club holds classes in Cambridge, so that might be of interest to you.
During the summer months it would also help if you brought your dog to outdoor shows to get him used to the crowds, other dogs, etc. Winter and indoor shows (in my experience) only allow entered dogs on the grounds.
Look for upcoming shows at www.akc.org
BTW If you show him in the "puppy class" (less than 12 months of age) the judge will take this into consideration if he licks him or bounces a bit, doesn't free stack perfectly and he will be competing with other dogs in the same age range.