Inside the Dog Show Ring:
A Hands-on Beginner's Workshop to Showing Your Dog
Saturday • January 17 • 2026
2:00 – 4:00PM
Sit Means Sit Dog Training facility
2179 Crooks Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Don’t miss this fun, beginner-friendly, hands-on Dog Show Handling Workshop led by Kristie Stocker, a nationally respected professional handler with over 20 years of experience in the conformation ring. This special 2-hour fundraising event benefits the most cutting-edge cancer research and treatments at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Learn something new and support a crucial cause — a true win-win!
Whether you bring your dog or attend to learn, you’ll walk away understanding how dog shows actually work, what judges look for and how you can bring out the best in your dog.
What You’ll Learn
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn:
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What makes a dog “show dog” material—and what doesn’t
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How dog shows work—from classes to judging to ribbons
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Ring etiquette & procedures (what to do, what not to do)
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Gaiting & stacking basics (movement and presentation)
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How to get started in AKC conformation
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Tips, tricks, and common beginner mistakes to avoid
Who This Is Perfect For
✔️ Pet owners curious about dog shows
✔️ First-time or aspiring exhibitors looking to gain confidence in the ring
✔️ Families & children ages 9+ interested in AKC Junior Showmanship
✔️ Anyone wondering, “Is this something I could do?”
Bring a dog for VIP personalized mentoring—or attend as an interactive learner. Both options deliver huge value and no experience required.
Why Learn From Kristie Stocker (me!)
Kristie Stocker is a professional handler, co-breeder, and owner of multiple dual-champion show dogs
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Over two decades in the sport
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Countless show champions and grand-champions finished in the U.S. and Canada
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Multiple group placing and nationally ranked dogs
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A gift for teaching beginners with warmth, fun and clarity
This is your chance to learn from a true expert—without the intimidation factor.
Grab your Ticket
There are two types of tickets: VIP Learner with Dog and Interactive Learner without Dog.
VIP Learner: This limited $49 ticket gets you 1 attendee and 1 dog to attend the event. Along with learning the essentials of dog shows, you'll also get personalized mentoring and real-world experience with your dog. There are a very limited amount of VIP tickets to allow everyone customized attention, so don't wait to buy!
Interactive Learner: This $29 ticket gets you a great seat in all the action. You can watch, learn and ask all your questions while discovering all the essentials of dog shows. You won't just be sitting in the audience, you'll also be part of the full interactive experience and get a chance to try new things.
The Feel-Good Bonus
Every registration directly supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to fund critical research, treatments and patient care. Their mission is a world free of cancer. Please note: As this is a fundraiser, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable, but tickets CAN be transferred to someone else. CONTACT Kristie for any transfers.
Questions?
CONTACT Kristie for more information. Ticket sales from this website are not tax-deductible. Email us for a special purchase link if you want your ticket purchase to be 100% tax-deductible.
Hosted at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Detroit, proud Mission Sponsor of this fundraiser event.
