Filling out the entry form

[Kebasmom]

How do I know? Where would I look to find out?

[Kebasmom]

Can you tell that I'm right in the middle of filling out the form on INFODOG? I feel like such a doofus!!

[tanza]

You need to look at the premium to see if "open" is divided by coler… any other class "except" for maybe the Nationals are not.. and there are only a handful of shows that every split open by color. I am guessing you are entering in puppy? If so, color not needed

[Kebasmom]

I just printed the premium and looked at it. I don't even see anything that says "open". Under the groups breeds and judges section it just says Basenjis. I'm actually going to try a puppy and a novice dog. Pretty ambitious, huh? What have I got to lose besides 50 bucks and some pride. Who knows maybe I'll be the one everyone whispers and laughs about… I have been going to handling classes with both of them though.

[tanza]

You can only enter one class at a time?… Don't do Novice.... if she/he is still in puppy, just enter that calss... you should never enter more then one class...

[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.