Any advice please, I'm more into working my lab than showing, but thought ringcraft would be excellent for socialising and getting my puppy used to being 'gone over'. At home I have a typical lab puppy, coming up for 6 months old, very bold and outgoing, nothing fazes her. At ringcraft this bold little monster, suddenly hides behind me, won't even be tempted out for a treat. Shies away every time the 'judge' tries to so much as stroke her. When it comes to moving she is fine, trots up and down confidently. I know she is young, and I certainly don't want to upset her, but any ideas how I can help her confidence. She is with her mum at home, so I think it may be to do with suddenly being on her own, although she usually trots up to people with lots of confidence.
Lorna

Hi Lorna

My Cocker was just like this - would not let anyone near him. After a few ringcraft and doggy training classes he became much more confident. I used to get any body I could to run their hands over him. This does help. I also take his show lead to his obedience training class and give him a trot up the mat at the end of the class. Basically any opportunity you can to get her doing the show ring stuff - use it. Mine'll never be the most confident of dogs but put him on a table and he stands well and let's the judge do their stuff. So persevere with your pup. Lots of praise and encouragement - but you must also be firm so that you don't re-inforce her nervousness.

It is early days as yet - and she may just be a pup that never takes to being shown and just prefers the woeking side - it does happen. But don't give up yet there is a long way to go.

hth

Pam n co

HI Dudley. Having so many dogs at home I tend to spend all day at home with them and as everywhere I go is in the car (very rural) its easy to forget to take puppies to crowded places. I try to take mine- with a kennel mate first and then on their own - to our local town centre on a Saturday morning at least 3 or 4 times during their young puppyhood. I find a bench and sit down, pup on lap, and its not long before people come up to say hello to them. Once they are a bit more confident I have them sitting on the ground.

Its usually only those who have a puppy or the same breed themselves and they are happy to give a little treat that I provide and chat to them. I also try and time it so that surgery at the vets is over, but there is still someone there, so I can take them in for a fuss without them being worried that they are going to have a jab or something nasty. Since I have done this, my pups are less afraid of ging to the vets. Boot sales and markets are also a good idea, as other people tend to take their dogs too, and they can meet in a relaxed atmosphere.

When they are so confident and bold at home its easy to forget that they need to go to strange places to complete their education. I would continue to take her to ringcraft weekly and try to take her somewhere different some day in between. MIne dont have their supper until they get back from ringcraft, (or they are sick in the car) so they are usually hungry enough to accpet some treats from strangers. I'm sure she'll get over it soon.