Around the Ring Conformation Handling Classes

08/10/2023

Conformation classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:15 and 8:30 at Four Paw Sports Center in Lynnwood. Sign up here:

Learn how to show your dog using positive training methods!

04/12/2022

The 2022 AKC Point Schedule is now available on their website. Check your numbers!

04/02/2022

From Crufts - what a grand idea! I love it.

Final of the Kennel Club Breeders Competition held at Crufts 2022.

02/26/2022

The AKC has started publicly tracking NOHS (National Owner Handler Series) points and ranking on their website. To see points for the past year or a lifetime of a dog, go to

Best Owner/Handler Competition Points Ranking

08/17/2021

"In the eyes of many judges, there is no more refreshing and stimulating sight than a high-quality dog being free stacked on a long lead. With this "natural" style of presentation, a judge is assured that no faults are being hidden by hand stacking "tricks"! It is obvious hat such a handler is confident his/her dog is good enough to win on physical merit and animation alone!" Tom and Kay Lams, Sensitivity to Balance workshop.

Come on people, practice and perfect those free stacks!

05/23/2021

What does it take to judge at Westminster?

MONSON — Judy Harrington said the best ones, the true champions, all stand head and shoulders above all the rest.

11/10/2020

Looking for something to do with your dog during the pandemic? You can work toward these titles at home!

Despite social distancing and the coronavirus pandemic, you and your dog can still earn AKC titles from home and participate in these programs!

08/03/2020

Good news for Juniors wanting to compete in the National Dog Show this year! Well, it's good news IF there's a National Dog Show this year. That remains to be seen. Anyway, read this announcement from Mari-Beth O'Neill about changes to the criteria for qualifying this year.

A Message from Mari-Beth O'Neill

The Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic has caused changes to all of our lives causing the cancellation of AKC events in all sports. AKC Staff are working daily to assist clubs moving forward.

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the loss of Junior Showmanship opportunities, the AKC Board approved allowing a Junior who turned 18 on or after March 1, 2020 to be able to continue to compete as a Junior through October 31, 2020. This will allow these Juniors to compete through the qualifying dates for the AKC National Championship and Westminster Kennel Club. The AKC National Championship eligibility criteria has been revised for 2020 to be 3 wins in Open with competition and a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent.

If you have already qualified for the AKC National Championship, please submit your transcript and permission form. You may submit to [email protected] or fax to 919-816-3770.

Please make sure we have a current email address for you. We will be sending the AKC National Championship letters via email this year.

Included in this newsletter are opportunities for you to earn Trick Dog Titles, Virtual Rally Novice, Virtual Rally Intermediate and Virtual ACT1 & 2 while you are practicing social distancing.

We are also pleased to announce the 2020 Junior Scholarship Recipients. This year we awarded scholarships to Juniors who competed specifically in Performance Events, Companion Events and Junior Showmanship.

Questions have arisen regarding the co-ownership of dogs by Juniors. AKC provides a special form allowing for a Junior to be signed onto a dog at a reduced fee of $10. The intent is to provide a dog for the Junior to exhibit in Junior Showmanship. It is important that there is a thorough understanding by all parties involved of the intent of the co-ownership arrangement between the current owner of the dog and the Junior and their family. It is appreciated that there are individuals who are willing to share their dogs with Juniors to provide new opportunities for them in Junior Showmanship.

Please stay safe during these trying times.

07/23/2020

Dear Around the Ring students,
Unless COVID intervenes, I plan to restart classes on August 4 at 4 Paws Sport Center in Lynnwood! Exciting! Let's get the dogs ready for eventually attending shows again, especially getting them comfortable being around people with masks.

1. Attendance will be limited to 5 students per class (7:15 & 8:15 pm), online registration only.
2. Masks are required for admittance into the building. Please bring your own.
3. Register for class here: https://www.fourpawsports.com/conformation

Hope to see you soon!

04/05/2020

A few snippets of humor to brighten your day!

Grace Gogarty's playful illustrations explore the distinct characters that comprise the canine kingdom, from chihuahuas to golden retrievers.

03/24/2020

Had to share this as it made me laugh out loud today! Have you ever felt like one of these handlers?