Conformation
Conformation Drop-Ins
- 7:30-8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings during Fall/Winter/Spring (September through May)
- 6:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday evenings during the Summer (June through August).
Drop-in Fee: $15.00 per class
Beginners are welcome to drop in, but, when possible, should get into an 8-week beginners class for a more structured introduction to the basics. See the “Sign up for an 8-week Conformation Class” link below.
Use the button below to sign up for a drop-in class via SignUpGenius:
Beginner Conformation
An introduction to show handling taught in an 8-week session. It starts at the beginning and progresses from class to class building each week on the handling skills learned in the previous classes. A single instructor teaches all 8 classes. If you enroll in an 8-week Beginner Conformation session, you will want to attend all 8 classes in the session.
Instructor: Shena Medsger
Shena (Munsch) Medsger – I grew up in the dog-showing community going to handling classes and dog shows with my mother at an early age. I started in Junior handling (where the handler is judged, not the dog) at age 10 showing our family dog, Timba a Samoyed. A few highlights over the years; 2002 awarded Top Winning Junior Handler by the Elkhound Association of America, 2004 Samoyed Club of America awarded Top Junior Handler along with Best Junior Handler at 3 different Samoyed Club of America National Specialties, won Best Junior Handler at the Canfield Dog show in Ohio with 120+ Juniors, qualified two times to compete in Junior Handling at the Westminster Dog show and also showed in various breed competitions at Westminster. I spent 6 years assisting a professional dog handler working with a variety of dog breeds. Was an active member of the Laurel Highland Kennel club of my hometown Indiana, PA until I married/life/careers moved away. I thoroughly enjoy working with and showing dogs when my schedule permits. My most recent accomplishment was Best In Show – Owner Handler with my Doberman (Aero) at the Oshkosh, WI show back in Jan. 14, 2023. — LAUREL BASENJIS
Advanced Conformation
Caters to the needs and interests of those attending on any given night. Instructors rotate so both dogs and handlers are exposed to different ‘judges’ and different handling perspectives. Advanced Conformation is held every week, except the weeks of Christmas and New Years.
Junior Handling/Junior Showmanship
BKC occasionally offers a junior handling or junior showmanship class for younger people interested in learning the art of dog handling. This class focuses on building skills for junior handlers, children ages 8 and up (children younger that 8 may participate with the approval on the instructor). Junior handlers learn how to handle their dog, good sportsmanship and ring etiquette.
Private Lessons
Please contact Laura Hesse to schedule a time: BKC-LMHesse@charter.net
Private Lesson Fee: $25.00 per 1/2 hour
Contact
For further information, contact:
Laura Mae Hesse
BKC Conformation Chair
Phone: (608) 692-0414
Email: BKC-LMHesse@charter.net
For ongoing information about our conformation classes, please follow our public Facebook group: Badger Kennel Club – Conformation Handling Classes | Facebook