First you need to have a registered dog. For obedience & agility, it can be registered with the AKC,UKC, or AMBOR. The AKC & UKC offer conformation shows,obedience and agility trials for purebred dogs. In addition, properly registered mixed breeds are able to compete in UKC obedience and agility trials.AMBOR is a registry for mixed breeds. Mixed breeds can earn obedience & agility titles through this organization.
If you have a rescue dog that appears to be purebred, the AKC & the UKC have a way that you may register it for competition in performance events,but not in conformation classes. AKC calls this an ILP or Indefinite Listing Privilege. The UKC calls it "Limited Privilege", (LP).Please visit Cindy Tittle Moore's Page. It is full of information on obedience and the different registries available.
For conformation competition, also known as "breed", it is best to have a mentor to start you out. If you bought your puppy from reputable breeder,he can or will guide you.
Breed clubs also hold conformation handling classes. Check with local clubs for more information. For obedience or agility you should go to classes given by the clubs or to a private trainer, specializing in these interests,for help in getting started in your chosen sport.
Clubs licensed by a parent organization, such as the AKC, are non-profit and the money generated from classes is used to put on licensed shows. Pet stores often offer obedience classes. Some of their trainers might compete with their dogs,and can be a good source of information.
Dog Fancy Magazine and Dog World Magazine list shows all around the country, about a month in advance. This will give you time to plan on visiting a show ground. In addition, the AKC home page, link provided below, also lists shows around the country months in advance. To find out about scheduled events, go to the AKC home and click on events in the sidebar.
1) Buy a show catalog.This tells you what ring certain breeds are in and at what time.It also gives the names of the dogs, their sire, dam, and breeder as well as other information.
2) Talk to the people surrounding the breed ring watching the dogs. Some of them are breeders who are more than willing to talk about dogs and sport.
3) Talk to people around the obedience and agility rings. Some of them are trainers and competitors who will be glad to advise you.
4) Ask local dog fanciers about fun matches and when and where they take place. Fun Matches are practice matches for shows and are helpful to aspiring competitors.
1) Go up to someone preparing to go into the ring!!
2) Go under the tents ringside (outdoor show) these are provided for handlers and thier dogs.
3) Pet a dog without permission.
4) Get too close to the ring in obedience and agility. This can distract the dogs and cause them to make mistakes.
5) If you have a dog, leave it home. Most clubs don't allow unentered dogs on the show grounds.
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