Get involved in a wholesome activity with your children

Dog Showing is a great activity for kids. There are two ways they can go, they can join their local 4H and show their dog in 4H obedience, or they can learn how to be a Junior Handler and show in conformation (Junior Handling) They can also show without belonging to 4H at all, by just entering a regular dog show, either in an obedience competition or actually in conformation, and again, they could enter the regular dog show classes with their dog or they could enter a Junior Handling class. I have seen children as young as 7 or 8 showing dogs in regular dog show classes. Junior Handling classes are not available until age 10. 4H kids can start at about that same age also.

Junior Handling is a great way to teach "manners' and appropriate behavior, since there are set rules for dress and an emphasis is placed in Junior Handling classes on showing good sportsmanship and respect for others. Most local kennel clubs are very supportive of Junior Handlers and there are many Breed Clubs who really give a lot of attention to their Junior Handlers of their breed, awarding scholarships and the like.

There is a new book , Dogshows 101, just published which would be a tremndous help to kids who are showing in either Junior Handling or in regular conformation. For that matter, it is a great training aid for training any dog.It is valuable no matter whether you are training a show dog or the family pet, since it outlines a number of ways to train for a well balanced dog that will be able to travel without stress, and be friendly and outgoing to people.