Ringcraft Training classes are aimed at training both dog and handler in the various aspects of the professional show ring. Our Ringraft Training classes are led by the highly experienced husband and wife team Shane and Lynda Church, both of whom are Championship Level Show Judges with an abundance of experience and qualifications and have trained a very successful team of Competitive Junior Handlers within the Club.

Preparation for entering the show ring is a must and can take many hours of practice and dedication to build the confidence and necessary skills to do well in competition. Ringcraft Training Classes are open to all whether you’re a novice, are experienced and have a new puppy or just want to brush up on your skills. We recommend you start Ringcraft classes as soon as your puppy is able to venture outside and socialise with other dogs after their vaccinations. Do bear in mind that as competitive showing is only for Kennel Club registered breeds, only pedigree breeds are advised to take part in Ringcraft Training classes. 

Ringcraft classes will be attended by lots of different people and breeds, but everyone is there for the same reason so don’t worry if there are no other dogs of the same breed there. You will be taught how to stand your dog correctly, how to move around the ring, how to conduct yourself whilst in the ring and your dog will also be ‘gone over’ by the trainer. This is where your dog will be examined by the trainer to ensure they conform to the Kennel Club Breed standard for their breed. This will include the trainer feeling the dog all over, looking in their mouth and feeling between their legs if they are male to ensure they are entire (only males that have not been castrated are eligible to compete in the ring unless there is a valid medical reason and you have a letter from your vet to confirm this). Your dog must be able to stand still and let the trainer complete this physical examination without moving, growling and biting/mouthing. 

Once the trainer has completed their physical examination, you will be asked to move your dog in a specified way around the ring. This can differ depending on the size and layout of each ring at different shows, however, you will find you are usually asked to walk the dog in a triangle shape, then up and down in a straight line in front of the trainer before being asked to walk the full diameter of the ring to join the back of the line where you will need to stand your dog until ‘judging’ is complete. In a real-life show scenario, the judge may ask you to move your dog again once all dogs have been seen, so always ensure you are listening and observing what is happening in the ring.