HANDLING CLASSES 

INTERESTED IN HANDLING YOUR OWN DOG IN CONFORMATION?

Learn the art of showmanship in Handling Classes taught by Phyl Scalf and Robert Churchey at The Pudgy Pup.  From teaching a dog to "hold," to gaiting the dog, to understanding ring procedure, the classes offer a positive learning environment that taps the power of the handler/dog relationship.

Conformation Handling Classes are held at:

    THE PUDGY PUP
 7107 E. Southern Ave.
 Mesa, Arizona 85209

To contact us about the classes, click on the "Contact Us"
bar on the side bar menu or call 602-320-2437.

The Pudgy Pup - 480-654-0194

INDOOR FACILITY -- Air Conditioned and Air Cooled!
Located on south side of Southern, east of Power Road in Mesa. Directions: From the intersection of Power and Southern, go east on Southern, pass the fire station traffic light then make a right turn into the public driveway east of the fire station. The Pudgy Pup will be on the right next to the paint store.

 

Drop-in Handling Class 

As scheduled --  Tuesdays, 6:25 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. (Toy Breed)
                          Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. (All Breed)
                          Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. (All Breed)
                          Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. (All Breed)
                          Saturdays 8:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Toy Breed)
                          Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. (All Breed)

A structured practice session to train handlers and their dogs for conformation. It is serious training that teaches you how to professionally present your dog and have fun doing it. 
     Handler should be familiar with basic ring procedure and have some experience in competition. If you are new to the world of dog shows, we highly recommend that you take a Beginner's Class before starting the Drop In Handling Classes. Drop In class is $10 per class pay-as-you-go or purchased in set of four classes ($40) and you recieve the 13th class free after attending 12 classes. 

Tuesdays, 6:25 p.m. TOY BREED 

December 2, 9, 16
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. ALL BREEDS

December 2, 9, 16
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. ALL BREEDS
          
          December 3, 10, 17
          January 7, 14, 21, 28
          February 4, 11, 18, 25
          March 4, 11, 18 25

Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. ALL BREEDS

          December 3, 10, 17
          January 7, 14, 21, 28
          February 4, 11, 18, 25
          March 4, 11, 18 25

Saturdays, 8:55 a.m. TOY BREEDS

         December 6, 13, 20
         January 10, 17, 24, 31
         February 14, 21
         March 7, 14, 28

Saturdays, 10 a.m. ALL BREEDS

        December 6, 13, 20
        January 10, 17, 24, 31
        February 14, 21
        March 7, 14, 28

  Click here to print Handling Class schedule.

  Click here for details on our special deal incentives for Handling Class participants.

 

 Click here to see our Photo Gallery of snapshots from the December 17, 2008 Holiday Gathering.

 

Beginner Handling Course (pre-registration required) 

Classes will be scheduled on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. and
Saturdays 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. and are pre-registration only.

Introduction to the basics of handling a dog in conformation -- from which lead and collar to select, to how to hold the lead, to how to do a down and back and a triangle. This course is for the novice handler with little or no ring experience. Class size limited to 4 handlers. Prerequisite to Drop-in Handling.

Fee: $15 per meeting.

Introduction to Dog Shows 

Introduction to Dog Shows (Coming Soon):
The Basics of Owning and Showing Dogs in AKC Conformation.

This is a classroom presentation that includes a "how to" on filling out AKC entries, basic AKC rules for exhibition, and resources to evaluate your show dog's potential for success in AKC conformation competition. Includes discussion on good sportsmanship, dog show etiquette and responsible breeding.

Fee: $25 which includes handouts and resource list.

Policies related to classes 
  • All classes are pre-paid (cash or check); no refunds for missed classes; $25 charge for checks returned unpaid by bank.
  • Multiple dogs handled by one person treated as one dog in terms of class participation.
  • Dogs must be kept on lead at all times (if not crated) and kept under control by the handler.
  • Owner/handler provides equipment for their dog(s).
  • Owner/handler must clean up after their own dogs (please bring plastic bags for this purpose).
  • Owner/handler provides crates for ring side if multiple dogs are handled.
  • Children and youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied during the entire class time by a parent/guardian/designated agent.
  • Class participants certify that the dog handled in the class is not a menace to people or other animals.
  • Class participants certify that the dog handled is current on rabies vaccination and other vaccinations recommended by their veterinarian.
  • For safety purposes, no open-toed shoes and/or sandals or spiked soles on the agility matting; tennis shoes recommended.

Send Registration and Check to:
Phyllis J. Scalf, Professional Handler ~ (602) 320 - 2437
RUYA ~ PO Box 20645 ~ Mesa, Arizona 85277 - 0645

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Phyl Scalf and Robert Churchey started in the world of purebred dogs as owner handlers. While balancing their family responsibilities and careers, they were active in all breed and specialty clubs. In 1999, they began to handle professionally and in 2007, starting offering their own Handling Classes in partnership with The Pudgy Pup. Each had taught classes for a local kennel club so offering their own classes was a natural progression.
    Phyl's dedication to sharing knowledge and mentoring has been reflected in both her vocations and avocations. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with an undergraduate degree in Teaching Psychology and Sociology. She began her non-dog career as a teacher and then moved into program development. She advanced to executive management in the nonprofit sector.
    Robert has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and has served as a municipal police officer since the mid-1980s. He taught in a community college and is a trainer for various subjects in his current law enforcement job.
    Phyl and Robert moved to Arizona in 1988 and live in Mesa. They raise and breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Tibetan Spaniels. Every aspect of their lives reflects their passion for dogs and their love for the sport of purebred dogs.

Serious about the art of dog handling. TM


Phyl and Robert
RUYA LLC
PO Box 20645
Mesa, Arizona 85277-0645 USA
(480) 986-5897 or (602) 320-2437

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