INTERESTED IN HANDLING YOUR OWN DOG IN CONFORMATION?
Conformation Handling Classes are offered at two locations: Bark Avenue in Mesa, AZ; and, Shopper's Supply in Chandler. AZ. Bark Avenue (located on south side of McKellips, east of Lindsay in Mesa) is an outdoor venue on grass. These classes are taught as scheduled on most Wednesdays from September through May. Shopper's Supply, 2880 S. Alma School Road (northwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek), Chandler, AZ is held in a climate controlled warehouse area on concrete when warehouse space is open. During heavy retail volume months, classes are held on pavement in the parking lot immediately adjacent to the west end of the building. When classes are held indoors, students park in the front parking lot of the store and gain access to the class area by going through the store to the back of the building. The door to the class area is in the middle of the back wall. Dogs should NOT be left unattended in vehicles in the parking lot. Cost: $10 per handler Information pertinent to both venues. Please keep all dogs on leash. If you are bringing gear such as crates and chairs, it would be advisable to bring it in on a cart (great practice for a dog show). There are no chairs for public seating in the class area so if you think you'll need a chair, please bring one. Also be sure to bring drinking water for you and your dog. Bark Avenue and Shopper's carry pet supplies and dog food. Classes are held during regular business hours and we encourage our students and dog fanciers to shop and support these businesses. Handling Classes are a structured practice session to train handlers for conformation competition. It is serious training about how to professionally present your dog and have fun doing it. Progressive and positive strategies are taught so that the handler-dog relationship and bond is optimized. All Breed classes are open to dogs of all sizes and breeds. NOTE REGARDING JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP and All-BREED CONFORMATION EXHIBITION. Robert is a permit status AKC judge in All-Breed Junior Showmanship, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Tibetan Spaniels and Phyl is an approved AKC All-Breed Junior Showmanship judge. Certain restrictions apply to those of their students who exhibit in Junior Showmanship or show to Robert in breed competitions or NOHS. AKC Rules state: "No entry shall be made at any conformation show under a judge of any dog or owner for which said judge has provided handling and presentation instructions in either conformation or obedience training classes. This restriction will apply within one year prior to the date of the show." (Rules, Policies and Guidelines for AKC Conformation Dog Show Judges, "Conflict of Interest," Section P, page 4.) These restrictions do not apply to those children (age 5- to 9-years-old) participating in Pee Wee Special Attractions. If you have questions regarding this, please contact us via the "Contact Us" icon or call 602-320-2437 or contact AKC Judges Operations through www.akc.org.
Shopper's Supply - climate controlled, INDOORS on unmatted concrete
2880 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85286
Sundays, 10:00 a.m. AS SCHEDULED -- SEE SCHEDULE ON HOME PAGE SIDE BAR
Park in general parking out front and go through store to the double doors to the left of the firearms counter. During the busy retail season, Shopper's Warehouse (where we hold classes) may be fully stocked. This means there would be no open space available that would provide a safe environment for holding classes in the warehouse area. Due to this situation, we will hold classes outdoors in the parking lot on the west end of the building on days when the warehouse is not available.
Bark Avenue Pet Supply - outdoors on grass, partly fenced
3109 E McKellips Rd #104, Mesa, AZ 85213.
Wednesdays, OCTOBER through MAY -- SEE SCHEDULE ON HOME PAGE SIDE BAR Bark Avenue Pet Supply is on the south side of McKellips, east of Lindsay and west of Val Vista. Once in the parking lot, go around the south side of the building. Approach the gate slowly and it will open. Parking is along the right side of the road and around in the back. Be sure to park only in designated areas and keep all fire lanes clear (curbs are painted red where there is a fire lane). This is a bring-your-own-chair venue if you will need a place to rest during class. Please bring ample water for yourself and your dog. The area where class is held is fenced but gates are not always closed.
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Classes are held by appointment on Wednesdays or Sundays, 11:00 a.m.
Fee: $20 per meeting for 50 minute class.
Participants in Handling Classes and events held by RUYA LLC are required to sign a Participation Agreement in order to take part in the class or activity. Children and youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied in class by a parent, guardian or an agent designated by the parent/guardian.
A copy of policies is avaialbe on request at any class. Each participant is required to sign the Participation Agreement in order to participate in any activitiy held by RUYA LLC.
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. Each had taught classes for a local kennel club beginning in the early 1990s so offering their own classes was a natural progression. Serious about the art of dog handling. TM |