HANDLING CLASS

Eugene Kennel Club

Conformation Ring Handling Classes

Tuesday Evenings 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

National Guard Armory,
2515 Centennial/Martin Luther King Blvd.
Eugene

All ages & skill levels, INCLUDING JUNIORS welcome!

Improve your current handing skills or learn about showing your dog “from square 1.”

Separate classes for novice handlers and intermediate/advanced. Focus is on improving the HANDLER.

NOVICE CLASS

(Focus is on developing a good TECHNICAL foundation of skills. For handlers who have not yet finished their own dog, and for all handlers with puppies.) Depending on student requests and needs, topics may include:

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED CLASS

(For those who have handled a dog to a championship, or with Instructor’s permission. Focus is on fine-tuning technical skills, unlearning bad habits, and adding the “artistic” aspects of great handling. GROUP interaction & feedback heavily used.) Depending on student requests and needs, topics may include:

· Collars and lead work

· Dog show intro

· Progression of classes and which to enter

· Superintendents, premium lists, entries

· Hand Stacking I, and Free-Baiting

· Use of bait (or NOT)

· Movement I and Patterns I

· Learning your breed standard

· Basic grooming, nutrition, and conditioning

· Specialty and All-Breed clubs

· Table work

· Making and entrance

· Ears, teeth, and nail care

· Full class routine

· Presentation for examination

· Clothing, shoes, tack

· Finding a mentor

· Record keeping

· Responsible breeding

· Emergency First-Aid for dogs

· Putting it all together

· Practice!

· Lead work review

· Correct use of bait

· Breed standard review & tests

· Body awareness (dog AND hander!)

· Clean, fast stacking – (blind for advanced)

· Movement II and Patterns II

· Simulate full class routines

· Working with other breeds

· Grooming, nutrition & conditioning

· More than ONE way to show your dog

· Technical vs. “the dance”

· Special problems

· What’s a “special?”

· Marketing

· Breed vs. Group/BIS handling – pacing yourself

· Giving back and mentoring

· Emergency first-aid review

· Record keeping

· YOU be the judge

· Polishing your performance

· Practice!

REGISTRATION FORM & LIABILITY WAIVER - PDF FILE - CLICK HERE

FEES (per handler)	8-weeks Pre-Paid	Drop-In Per Class
Non-Members	$70	$10
Eugene Kennel Club Members	$30	$5

For more information, contact
Flo Brewer (541) 461-7332 - flbrewer@earthlink.net
or Jim Berry (541) 747-8536 – sunshinek9@aol.com.

REGISTRATION FORM AND LIABILITY WAIVER

OBJECTIVES:

· To provide an environment where owners/handlers of all ability levels may improve and practice their handling techniques for the conformation show ring.

· To provide an instructional class where novice handlers may learn to effectively handle dogs in the conformation show ring; continue their education about how dogs show operate, and become responsible dog owners, handlers, and/or breeders.

· To provide a positive learning experience for dogs in preparation for showing in the conformation ring.

EXPECTATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS:

· Owners and handlers are responsible for their own safety, as well as the safety of others in the class. Dogs that are judged by the class instructor to be aggressive, ill, or dangerous will not be allowed. Owners/handlers are responsible for keeping their dogs on leash and under control at all times.

· Dogs who eat shortly before class are likely to be lethargic and uninterested in showing and baiting. Bring a supply of SMALL pieces of your dog’s favorite treat to class.

· Handlers should wear casual, comfortable clothing (with pockets or a pouch!), and shoes with non-slip soles. Please do not wear sandals, or slip-on shoes!

· Please leave bitches in heat at home. Bring or borrow a different dog to practice with in class.

· Use the correct tack (leads & collars, etc.) and the correct SIZE for your dog. If you’re not sure, ask your instructor. Show tack can be purchased at most AKC shows, or on-line at vendors, such as 3-C’s: http://www.3cdog.com/. Flexi-leads and/or pinch collars, are not allowed.

REQUIREMENTS:

· All dogs are required to have current rabies, distemper, and parvovirus vaccinations up to date. (See sample vaccination schedule: http://www.doglogic.com/vaccination.htm). Rabies is not required for puppies under 6 months old. Please inform your instructor of any medical issues your dog has, and always follow your veterinarian's advice. Do not bring any animal with an injury or communicable disease to class!

· Students are REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR DOG. Bring plastic bags, and dispose of them at home.

· Students are required to provide WATER for their dogs – ESPECIALLY in warm weather.

· Everyone shall sign the sign-in and liability waiver upon entering the class site with a dog, regardless of whether they intend to participate in the class or not.

· All persons shall conduct themselves in a sportsman-like, positive manner at all times. Harsh corrections of dogs or people will not be allowed.

· Children are the responsibility of their parents, and are expected to always be under the supervision, control, and protection of their parents, and are not to disrupt the class. Ditto for puppies who are coming to watch the BIG DOGS work J.

LIABILITY WAIVER:

By signing below and registering for the class, I understand and agree to hold Eugene Kennel Club, Oregon National Guard or other facility manager/owner, any instructor for Eugene Kennel Club, or anyone associated with them, HARMLESS and NOT RESPONSIBLE for injury, loss, theft, or damage to persons or property caused by my dog or any dog brought by me. I also hold them HARMLESS AND NOT RESPONSIBLE for harm which might come to me or my dog while on the premises of courses or events held by Eugene Kennel Club.