Well of course he's well trained & socialized....he's an "obedience dog" first and foremost....(joking)!! LOL He actually had an hour and 15 min handling class on Wednesday - worked from start to finish and was right up there with all the hounds & retrievers in his class - this boy can go, go, go..

I'll probably audit the seminar in June and then do a working spot in the October one...we'll both (Twister & myself) have more ring experience by then and I would imagine, get more out of working the seminar at that point

I have attended many different handling seminars over the years, and George Alston's was by far my favorite. You should definitely go!

If Twister is that close to one year old when the seminar takes place, you can probably still bring him. It's not really the age of the dog that is important for Alston's seminars, but how well trained and socialized the dog is, and if they are able to handle a long time being in the ring. The point of the seminar is to improve your handling skills, which works much better with a well-trained dog. You and Twister will get breaks because he alternates between the beginning and advanced groups. If you think Twister can handle it, and he is well-trained enough, I would plan to bring him.

I'm so glad I'll have the opportunity to attend one (if not two) of his seminars next year...he's coming back to my area in October as well - maybe by then I'll be ready for a "working" spot! LOL

Jenn, if I had a chance to go to a George Alston seminar, I would go in a heartbeat! I have the book "The Winning Edge" 'Show Ring Secrets' that he wrote & I have read it over & over. A fellow Bulldogger gave it to me.

much appreciated! I tend to be a seminar junkie....I've been to a number of top handler/dog trainers for competition obedience, so this will be a refreshing change with tons to learn for this newbie!

Corky is another brilliant dog man. Among others, he handled Cherokee Daniel Boone to many wins and Judy Silberburger's top winning white bitch Georgia back in the late 80's.

I've never been to either seminar but folks with Bulldogs have been helped by going to the Alston seminar and Corky should have helpful tips for Bulldoggers as he showed a few Bulldogs when he was still handling (the latest for Mary Aiken).

Jay

I was planning on attending a Corky Vroom handling seminar in Jan. in SW Ohio, but it has been canceled because he has had some health issues. The sponsoring Club hopes to re-schedule in the Spring.
Anyone been to one of Corky's or better yet, both his and George's? Which did you get more out of, or are they similar? Does enough of their experience with other dogs transfer to be useful showing Bulldogs?
Thanks for any input!

they want dogs 1 year or older (Twister is a few days short of that) so I'll just have an audit spot, but I'm anxious to go, watch & learn....I've been on his web site - looks impressive!

I learned so much he teaches you so many tricks that make handling easy. Everytime he came to Calif I went as there is so much to take in make sure you take a notepad. Kim

Go. He is a brilliant dog man.