Information Sheet

Program Guidelines & Requirements

2010-2011

Program Mission

The primary mission and goal of the Junior Showmanship Program is to promote and encourage juniors to participate in the sport of purebred dog events with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Program Task

The primary task is to prepare children ages 9-18 for dog events and help build self-confidence, discipline, showmanship qualities, and to teach good sportsmanship—win or loose.   

The Dog

Each dog must be of a breed eligible to compete in the AKC conformation classes (including Miscellaneous Classes) at the event. Dogs may be PAL/ILP, Full-, or Limited-Registered to compete in Junior Showmanship competitions; additionally, spayed and neutered dogs are eligible.  Check www.akc.org for registration process.  Each dog must be owned or co-owned by the Junior Handler or by the Junior Handler’s father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandfather, or grandmother, including the corresponding step and half relations, or by a permanent member of the Junior Handler’s household. 

 Program Agenda & Events

1. Orientation
2. Classroom Education Classes (8 weeks)
   1. Good sportsmanship-showmanship
   2. Personal Appearance in the ring
   3. AKC pure breed standards
   4. Dog Breed Groups
   5. Parts of the Dog
   6. Responsible Dog Care & Ownership
   7. Grooming
   8. Ring Procedures
   9. Handling Skills
   10. Stacking the Dog
   11. Moving the Dog
   12. Gaiting
   13. Presentation of the Dog
   14. Ring Patterns-Go Around
   15. Baiting
   16. Courtesy turn
   17. Ring Patterns—Triangle
   18. Mock Show

    

3. Other Possible Training Sessions
   1. Safety Around Dogs
   2. Organizing a Show or Fun Match
   3. Dog Show Rules and Registration Procedures
   4. Careers with Dogs
   5. Advanced Handling Skills

    

4. Events & Activities
   1. Educational Poster Contest
   2. B-Match
   3. Mock Show—Competition Practice
   4. Fun Match for Juniors
   5. Halloween Costume Contest
   6. Jr. Doggie Party
   7. Parade of dogs

Program Fees

Program fees for each child are $3 for coverage of printing and copying expenses for materials and handouts.  Expenses for other activities such as match or dog show entrance fees are separate.  Other expenses for the child to participate in the program may include office and art supplies, clothing needs, occasional snacks and event fees.

Class Information

Children should dress appropriately to be running, kneeling on the floor etc, and to wear sneakers--no sandals or flip flops please.

Club Membership

Juniors in the program shall make membership application with the Concho Kennel club as associate members.  The Junior Associate member shall have a parent sponsor them and accompany them to the meetings if the junior does not have an existing club member to sponsor them.  Also, the entire family in ones household may join the club and pay the family membership fee and go through the same process of membership as any other. 

 Orientation

An orientation and recruitment drive is scheduled at various times during the year to gather interested individuals.  At this time, program fees and membership application fees can be made.  Each Junior and parent are required to complete an application or registration form and sign the waiver of liability form.

Junior Web Page

A page on the Concho Kennel Club will be designated for Juniors.  This page could include information about the program, any scholarships available, pictures, accomplishments of the juniors and any other information that would promote the program. 

Junior Liaison

The Junior Showmanship program will seek an adult parent whose child(ren) are involved in the program.  This liaison has the task of:

• Answer inquires and offer advice to juniors, prospective juniors, parents or others who want to participate in the program
• Be available at the regular general membership meetings of the Concho Kennel Club to report on the program
• Participate in all program events and activities

Fund Raising

The Junior Showmanship program participates may assist Concho Kennel Club members with fundraising activities for the club.  Juniors may also host their own fundraising activities for which funds generated shall go to the general fund of the Concho Kennel Club.  The board of directors must approve any and all motions whereby income generated by a junior showmanship program fundraiser be designated specifically for a junior event and/or scholarship. 

Companion Event Activities

The Junior Showmanship program may also offer educational classes and instructions on AKC companion events such as obedience, rally and other events if time and resources are available.

 Junior Showmanship Committee

The Concho Kennel Club will recruit members from the club to participate on the committee.  The committee will consist of at least three (3) active members in good standing.  They are to be selected and appointed by the board of directors in accordance with the Bylaws on committees.  The chairperson should be willing and able to assume the administrative responsibilities and education tasks of the committee.   The other committee members should be willing and able to assist with all events, activities and educational tasks of the committee.  Club members may be asked to attend a junior class with their dog for socialization needs.