I have an absolutely beautiful "show-quality" yellow lab and I wanted to know how to go about starting her in competitions and shows... I have trained her properly and she is 1 in a half years old. Do I start small, or enter her in bigger ones right away?

First you should show her to a Pro handler or top Lab breeder to be sure she is show quality. Starting her in match shows is the best way then smaller shows as it is less confusion and noise. It takes thouseands of dollars to properly campaign a dog in the breed ring and usually a Pro handler to win. I've shown since I was 15 yrs old in breed and obed. It is easier to get an obed. title and you have a better behaved dog too..

Even though you are not supposed to take a dog in if they are not going to show people do it all the time to get the dog used to things. Start small, with a show that is close. You do not want her to have the added stress of a long car ride.

Once at the show site take her around outside first to let her get used to all the smells of the other dogs. See if she has to go potty. Next take her inside on a leash and just stand in a corner of the building somewhere that is not too busy. After she has calmed a bit start walking with her. Try to avoid walking straight through a bunch of dogs waiting to enter a ring. That will stress her out.

Make sure that you have some treats with you so that you can randomly give some to her. This way she will learn that being at a show equals treats. If she goes up to another dog and sniffs politely then when you walk away give her treats and praise.

If she is up to it walk her through the grooming area to get her used to all the sounds of the dryers and barking dogs etc.

Also if she is relaxed enough try working her a bit. Just get her to stand, anything so that you can give her a treat.

*most of the time the obedience area has less hustle and bustle then the conformation area so that can be a good place to start to then work up to the conformation area*

Best of luck and I hope some of this helps!