Conformation Show Handling

Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows or conformation events are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, to small local specialty club shows featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation, overall appearance, structure and movement is judged.

Conformation Show Handling

Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do.

Dog showing is a sport, and like any sport, there are skills to acquire. These include:

  • Holding the lead
  • Gaiting your dog correctly around the ring with other dogs present
  • Executing the various individual gaiting patterns called for by a judge
  • Presenting your dog to the judge
  • Hand stacking your dog (using your hands to place each of the dog's feet so that it stands in the desired position)
  • Standing your dog for the judge's examination
  • Baiting (how and when to use a treat to get your dog to perk up and stand at attention)
  • Free stacking (walking the dog into the desired position by use of bait and leash, without hands)

Show Handling classes are offered on a pay as you go system. Attendees are asked to create an account with us so you can register for the sessions you wish to attend.

Fee of $20 per class for non-members. Discounted fee for DTCCC training members. 

You may pay for your session(s) online, by exact change or by check made payable to: DTCCC 

Attendees may bring only dogs owned by them.

Female dogs in season are not permitted in the training building. No exceptions.

Class Schedule

Flyball

Flyball is a team relay race. There are four dogs on a team, and two teams go head-to-head. Each dog must retrieve a tennis ball from the spring loaded box at the end of the racing lane, completing four narrow jumps both down and back. It is fast, loud, and fun. 

Intro to Flyball

Prerequisite: Dog Sports FUNdamentals

Due to the need for dogs to interact with each other in closer areas for some of these exercises, only dog friendly dogs should enroll.

This six week session is designed for the inexperienced dog and/or handler. The class will receive an introduction to flyball box work and jumps, foundation games, motivation and safety, all in a positive learning environment. The course will conclude with full run practice and discussion of next training steps.

Flyball 2

Prerequisites: Intro to Flyball

So your dog will run the jumps and hit the flyball box - what comes next? Join us in Flyball 2 as we start adding the distraction of running while another dog is racing, basics of introducing passing, skills for improving speed at the box and over the jumps, and other skills necessary to progress toward being ready to join a team.

Flyball 3

For graduates of Flyball 2. Teams will continue to improve their skills while working toward racing.

Class Schedule

Beginner Treibball Classes

Treibball (pronounced try-ball), also known as Ball-Herding and Drive Ball, began in Germany as an activity for bored herding dogs. It is a sport that can be participated in by any breed - not just herding breeds. In its finished form, the dog and handler team work together to move eight balls into a goal. The handler must remain in a specific area at the goal and direct the dog to bring the balls in.

Intro to Treibball (Foundation Skills)

Prerequisite: Dog Sports FUNdamentals

Introduction to the foundation skills needed to learn Treibball. Dogs will learn to target and push various objects with their nose, orient to handler, target a mat from a short distance, and send out in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction on cue. Dogs will learn self-control to work around the balls, build motivation to play the game and have fun while learning new skills.

Treibball Starters 1 (Intro to Ball)

Prerequisite: Intro to Treibball

Handler and dog will continue to build on the skills introduced in Intro class. Dogs will learn to send to mat around the ball using directional cues, begin to add distance to send, orient to handler around the ball, nose target and push the ball to the handler, stay motivated and have fun.

Treibball Starters 2 (Pushing On)

Prerequisite: Treibball Starters 1

Expanding on skills learned in TB Starters 1-Dog will learn to orient the handler at a distance and around 2-3 balls, increase distance of directional sends around the ball to mat, and pushing ball over increased distances. New skills introduced will include a "Stop" or "Wait" cue, ball control while pushing, and more.

Treibball Starters 3 (Going the Distance)

Prerequisite: Treibball Starters 2

Beginning to put it together - Expanding on skills learned in TB Starters 2. Class exercises will continue to strengthen teamwork and all skills: orientation, sends (outrun), ball control while pushing, and distance.

New skills include adding balls to playing field, using directional cues to move dog to the right or left behind balls, resends out to field, and duration of play.

Advanced Treibball Classes

Treibball Novice

Prerequisite: Treibball Starters 3

Ongoing class for handler and dog teams who have completed all foundation starter classes and are ready to work on building consistency and reliability of skills at a Novice level (1-3 Balls at 15-25 feet). A variety of exercises and training games will be used to continue to develop teamwork and strengthen skills learned in previous classes. New skills will be introduced gradually as each team is ready to continue the training progression at the Novice level. This class will prepare teams to be able to compete at the Novice level.

Treibball Intermediate

Prerequisite: Proficiency at the Treibball Novice level

Ongoing class for handler and dog teams who have become proficient at the Treibball Novice level and are ready to work on building consistency and reliability of skills at the Intermediate level (3-5 Balls at 25 -35 feet). A variety of exercises and training games will be used to continue to develop and strengthen skills learned in previous classes. New skills will be introduced gradually as each team is ready to continue the training progression at the Intermediate level. This class will prepare teams to be able to compete at the Intermediate level.

Class Schedule