Filling out the entry form

[tanza]

Oh and entering in puppy class is enough to let everyone including the judge know that you are showing puppy.. and if you are worried about showing yourself… just tell the judge you are new at this... they should be very kind and help you out... if they don't... don't ever give that judge another entry

[Kebasmom]

So only enter one dog at a time? If I have two dogs, one puppy bitch and one novice dog I shouldn't show both? I guess I don't understand… Or do you mean don't enter ONE dog in more than one class?

[lvoss]

Don't enter 1 dog in more than 1 class.

The Novice class isn't really used though it is offered. Most people just enter Open with a dog that no longers qualifies for the puppy classes.

[Kebasmom]

ok, then I messed up because I read the definitions on the AKC page. Can that be fixed?

[lvoss]

As long as he has never won a ribbon in any other class, he can be entered in Novice. It is just that most judges don't really give a serious look at those dogs, so it is very rarely used. If you already sent in your entries and he meets the requirements for the Novice class then you could just leave it as it is. There is no real reason he can not be in that class if this is his first show. Or you could contact the superintendent if the closing date has not passed and change the entry to Open.

[Kebasmom]

Thank you!

[Kebasmom]

Well it looks like I'll probably be the only one in the novice class. It was too late to change the entry. The super said that it is indeed a valid class and suggested that I do it anyway. I'm thinking that if I really am the only one that I will let the judge off and just not do it. What do you think? Chalk one up for experience?

[lvoss]

You paid your money. If it was me, I would still show. That way you both get ring experience and if you are the only one then you will also get experience going in for Winners.

[tanza]

@Kebasmom:

Well it looks like I'll probably be the only one in the novice class. It was too late to change the entry. The super said that it is indeed a valid class and suggested that I do it anyway. I'm thinking that if I really am the only one that I will let the judge off and just not do it. What do you think? Chalk one up for experience?

I agree with Lisa, you paid your money.. show and get the experience… can't hurt and you never know what might happen.... I say go for it!

[Kebasmom]

OK, I'll give it a shot.

[Eli_and_Me]

Good Luck!! I think not having anyone else in the class might help with your reintroduction to the ring. You won't have to worry about being too close behind or having someone too close to you. You can just focus on your dog.