Dog Showing for Beginners (Howell reference books)

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!


Not for a complete beginner   April 17, 2002
7 out of 9 found this review helpful

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.


Best book I've read in 30 years of showing dogs   February 13, 2002
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

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.


"Not Really For Beginner's"   August 1, 2000
38 out of 40 found this review helpful

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.