The champion guide to showing your dog, with abundant tips from professionals in the sport. How do you get started in conformation? This easy-to-understand guide will help you learn whether the show ring is the right place for you and your dog, how to train for the ring, and develop the skills for successful showing. It explains the classes and the points and the finer points of what to expect inside the ring ropes. Chapter include The goals of the sport, Types of events, Breeds and groups; Camaraderie and mentoring, Fakery and sabotage; The players and how to find them; What the judge is doing and why; The temperament you need for the ring; The temperament your dog needs for the ring; Travel time and money; The pros and cons of professional handlers; How to hire a professional; Understanding the sport; Understanding your dog; Setting reasonable goals; Veterinary checkup; Reliable identification; Socialization; Conditioning program; Choosing a conformation class, What you should learn, The points of the dog; The progression of the classes, Explanation of placements, Points and how you get them; How to find shows, Choosing a show, Choosing a judge: The stackpose, Setting the front, Setting the rear, The magical free stack; Leash and collar management, The patterns of gaiting, What the judge is looking for; Choosing the best motivator for your dog, Best use of bait, When bait is not allowed; What registries and the purposes they serve; The AKC entry form, Which class to enter, The UKC entry form; Checklist for packing, Your tack box, Your road kennel; United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, FCI; Setting up at the show site, Armbands, Studying the catalog; Steward's instructions, Judge's instructions, Show photographers; The making of a judge, The breed standard and judging; Ratings systems, Advertising; Alphabetic list of breeds and their registries