I am almost 7 years in this ring and I still get discouraged about all kinds of things, from my dogs to my skills to maybe feeling a little bit like an outsider upon occasion. I am a member of a great club and have made even better friends through the club and participating in Sheltie conformation, but sometimes this is just plain discouraging. Every year is better (if not in one way than in another), and overall I feel a part of something fun and great and really enjoy the people I meet, but I know it wasn't that way when I started. Everyone seemed so busy or I felt invisible! I have thought about it some and these are my opinions and advice to someone new to conformation:

1. Just because you don't win the points or even place first in a class doesn't make your dog any less valuable or lovable. A nine month old puppy is more likely going to need a year or two (or even three) to mature so use this time to improve your skills and instill a love of showing in your dog.

2. A dog doesn't get noticed much by others until he starts winning and very few comments are made until that first or second WD. It seems to just be the way things are. People don't comment on another's dog a lot of times, especially a young dog because sooo much can change.

3. Watch the ENTIRE entry of Shelties. Watch people fluffing at ringside. Watch people handling in the ring. Watch what the judge does and where he looks. Do you see someone who consistently has beautifully groomed and presented dogs? Watch them like a hawk and try to pick up something from watching. I learned how to be a better groomer by quietly watching a pro handler in our area fluff at ringside. I didn't ask to watch, I didn't make a nuisance of myself or be real obvious. I just paid attention to what she was doing while I was
grooming my own dogs. From techniques to tools, you can pick up something at just about every show with a good size entry.

3. Make your goal for each show be to put on the best performance you can. Groom that dog prior, fluff ringside, practice gaiting and baiting. Pay attention to what you're doing and others are doing. Make a mental note of one or two areas you need to improve on and practice. Visualize YOU and your dog in the ring before the judge and what you and your dog look like together doing it perfectly. Be happy with your accomplishments and don't beat yourself up to badly for flubbin' it when you do.

4. Be friendly and courteous even if those around you ignore you or are rude. It ALWAYS pays off in the long run to be friendly and courteous. One of the few "always" in life.

5. Be consistent in attending meetings and shows. Especially as a new person, go even if you are not showing. Have you made any acquaintances? Maybe you could offer to help them carry something to the ring or back to their set up. Don't focus on just the people who had WD/WB. That will change depending on the judge and the competition. For one, they are going to be busy with photos and everyone will be saying, congrats, etc. Others will be less busy. Also, try to get to know the people a bit by just paying attention to what's going on and how they interact with others. You may find yourself drawn to someone or a
group that seems open and friendly.

5. Be patient. It takes time to make friends. Someone on this list years ago said that Sheltie owners can be a lot like Shelties. Slow to warm up and very sensitive. Also for me, the more "into" this I get, the more intense I am in pre-show activities. I am focused on the dog and doing everything I can to make my dog look fantastic. Lots of people seem to be like this. Right afterwards is really busy too because we are getting out of the way for the next breed and pulling all our stuff back to the set up. If you are going to your club meetings and arriving early-ish at the show and prepared to stay for awhile after Shelties show, you will eventually find people to hook up with.

6. Would you like help with a skill? Are there handling classes in your area? This can be a way to meet conformation people. Is there someone who seems not-to-busy and is open that you could approach about improving your handling/grooming and maybe strike up a friendship.

I know a lot of these things sound simplistic and like you wouldn't be "doing" much or whatever. It really does take time and determination and openness to develop a little network of friends in this arena. It can take over a year to feel comfortable, at least it did for me. But, I am actually pretty shy about really making friends. I'm much better at acquaintances.

Lastly, I think it is a bit more difficult for folks in conformation who purchase their first dog outside of the local network of Sheltie conformation breeders. Part of the purchase price of your first conformation dog should also be some mentoring. At least if you buy a dog from someone who actively shows in your area, you will know that person when you go to the show and hopefully they will take you under their wing some, give you tips, and share their
shade with you. If you bought your dog from out of the area, does the breeder know anyone in your area they could recommend? If not, just keep plugging along, keep showing up, keep learning and being friendly and courteous. Things will open up for you eventually.