Customer Reviews

Dog Showing for Beginners (Howell Reference Books)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I bought this book I thought that it would help me understand everything I needed to know about dog showing. I thought that it would teach me about how to handle, train, and basically get started in dog showing. The book didn't help me in any of those topics, it said to just go get lessons or attend matches. If you are looking for a book that explains the system and politics of dog showing than this is the book for you. But as for beginners who don't know the first thing about showing this wasn't helpful.

I didn't know anything about showing when I bought my "Show Potential" puppy. This book helped me get a feel for what the shows might be like and had some good pointers, but it really didn't give me the things I was looking for, like how to train my puppy, how to get the best performance from her, or what other handlers may do in the ring. I finished the book feeling like I was going to have fun showing, but not to expect to win as a beginner, that beginners rarely get good dogs, and they're really at a disadvantage in the ring. As a beginner, my puppy has already won four out of the five classes I've entered her in (all against stiff competition!). This book helped, but I'm still looking for more information. Good for beginners who want to get a better understanding of the point system and what to expect at a show, but don't stop at this one. Read more!

I hesitated to look at a book that is entitled "Dog Showing For Beginners" as I have been showing dogs for 30 years. BUT, I absolutely loved this book because of the keen insight into every aspect of showing dogs. No, it isn't a training book, you DO need to go to handling classes to learn that, but I have never read a book so complete on the logistics of showing dogs. It is written from the perspective of someone who remembers what it was like to start showing dogs, and she walks you through every step and lets you know just how to be prepared and what to expect. If you are new to showing, you MUST have this book, it will answer EVERY question you have about how dog shows and the people who attend them "work". My favorite chapter and a most important point is about the politics - YES, you DO have to know what is going on behind the scenes! You will not be disappointed in this book, even if you are an old timer like myself.

Lynn Hall's "Dog Showing For Beginners" is fine for explaining the class structure, point system and politics but totally ignores the mechanics of dog showing. Information on the physical training and handling of your dog is not to be found. The book in two words "amusing fluff".

This book is a wonderful 1st step for those who might consider getting into conformation showing. It is basic to all breeds. It realistically lays out all of the negative aspects and hard work and does not sugar-coat the show world. Easy to read and humorous. Does thoroughly explain how to start showing - but does not go into specific training. I would recommend to all who think they want a "show dog."

I found this book very interesting, but I have competed in several shows so most of the info wasn't "new" to me. I still think it's a great read and will help you understand the sport. It's the book you should probably purchase once you've seen what goes on at shows and have a basic idea of dog showing and will help you in your final decision of whether or not to show your dog. It also explains that you cannot go to your first show and expect an impressive win e.g. Best in Show.

This is a great book for those who want to get involved in showing dogs, and even for those who have been showing for years. This book finally made sense out of the point system the AKC uses. A very easy, entertaining, informative read.

This book presents a very realistic view on the subject of owner/handling dogs. It tends to accentuate the negatives; however those negatives are present in the show ring, and a successful owner handler needs to be aware of them. Don't let that scare you off, the author gives some excellent handling advice for the owner/handler.

Anyone who reads the book will recognize that phrase, "You're smart and been brought up right". And if have I owe it all to Ms. Hall.

I learned things here that I've never understood about showing but have heard old showmen say & Ms. Hall takes us through our first dry run of a show, with that 'bright youngster' & finally tells us how long to bang our heads against the post before giving up because chances are, our first dog is probably a dud:-( and we'll have to try again.

I am planning to hit the Spring circuit & show in my first (keep it small) show then. Thanks to Ms. Hall I can honestly say I don't think I get points but at least now the whole thing isn't so mysterious. If you want to show dogs, BUY THIS BOOK.

Hope to see you at Westminister!

I enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it. I am just beginning to show my dog and this book covered everything that I was having questions about. I highly recommend it.