ELIGIBILITY FOR DOG SHOWS

In order for your dog to show in AKC conformation events, or dog shows, you must be able to answer YES to the following questions: (1) Is your dog a purebred AKC breed? (2) Do you have an AKC certificate of registration for your dog? (3) Is your dog intact (not spayed, not neutered)?* (4) Is your dog friendly to strangers?* *Dogs that are spayed or neutered may not be shown in AKC conformation events, except under very special circumstances. However, they can be shown in all other types of AKC events such as agility, obedience, rally-o, tracking, herding and more. *Ideally, in order to be successful in the show ring your dog should be friendly to strangers. However, it is also fine if your dog is reserved or even a little shy, as long as the dog does not exhibit any aggressive behavior. Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior toward people do not have the right temperament to be a show dog. If you answered YES to the above questions, read on! Every AKC purebred dog breed has a "breed standard" that describes the features that, when put together, make a breed distinct from all others. The breed standard describes both desirable and undesirable features. Kathy will be glad to schedule a free consultation to determine whether your dog has the potential to be a show dog. Kathy loves working with beginner people and beginner dogs, so don't worry if you are a newbie. Puppies are welcome!

THE LESSONS Each lesson includes training practice time for you and your dog, as well as time spent learning about dog shows and the things you need to know in order to get started showing your own dog: How a championship is earned Decoding the dog show What makes a dog "show quality" Finding the right show gear The language of dog shows How to find and enter a show What to bring to the show What to do when you get to the show Checking in for your class What to expect in the ring Handling techniques - show like a pro Understand ring procedure Common gaiting patterns Training your dog for the judge's exam Training your dog to "gait" Training your table dog to stack Training your dog to free stack Training your dog for the wicket Presentation skills for table and ground Private one-hour lessons are $60. Training is outdoors in Central Park, daytime hours

There are dog show handling group classes taught by other instructors an hour or so in driving distance from NYC, on Long Island, in Westchester, and in New Jersey, some outdoors and some in. Instructors are typically experienced dog show handlers but are rarely judges. The biggest advantage to group classes is in exposing your dog to other dogs moving in front and behind. Group classes are less expensive than private lessons, but one-on-one time is very limited. The focus is on stacking and gaiting practice. General show knowledge is not usually taught. The biggest advantage to private lessons is that you have the instructor's full attention for the entire time and can work on things that are tailored specially for you and your dog. You can learn about all the practical things you need to know in order to show your own dog, and, with a judge as your instructor, you get the benefit of an insider's view on dog showing and what judges want to see in the ring. Whether you are an absolute beginner to the world of dog shows, or an owner-handler who would like to fine tune presentation skills, Kathy can help you achieve your goals.

To schedule a free consultation with Kathy, please click on the The Urban Show Dog Questionnaire and copy and paste the questions and answers into an email to Kathy Madden at madterv@yahoo.com.

Note: All AKC judges must avoid situations in which their impartiality might come into question. If you have a breed of dog that Kathy is licensed to judge, you will have to wait a year after lessons before entering your dog in a class that Kathy is judging at an AKC dog show.

Kathy Madden
AKC Judge #92226
New York, NY