Dog shows are an amazing sport, but they can be difficult to learn about and navigate as a newcomer. If you are committed to a certain type of training and handling, it can be even more challenging.
The Cooperative Conformation Coalition was founded by Vicki Ronchette and Chelsea Murray, both professional dog trainers and behavior consultants who also show their dogs and coach others. As coaches, they found themselves constantly coaching people who were frustrated at the lack of acceptance for their training methods. Some people were even considering leaving the sport, practically before they even got started. They decided to create the coalition to help people connect with like minded people and to create inclusion and community within the sport.
They created the program by inviting other dog show people who train and show their dogs using positive reinforcement methods to become coordinators. Coordinators share with our members what shows they will be attending so that others can find them at shows and meet one another, set up together and make new friends and build a likeminded community.
Much of our work is done on our Cooperative Conformation Coalition Facebook group but much of the information can be found on this site as well.
If you are new to showing, looking for people who train and handle the way you do or simply want support and community, you have come to the right place.