Conformation
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.
Spring 2026 – Beginner and Advanced Conformation
Taught by Professional Handler – Carissa Boettcher
Carissa has 20+ years in breeding and handling of dogs. Carissa grew up in Waukesha, WI. She was born into dogs. Her mom bred Keeshonden with a well known local breeder in the 80’s. Carissa eventually started in Schipperkes, doing breeding, conformation, and obedience. Carissa got back into Keeshonds after graduating college and has been breeding/campaigning/showing ever since. Carissa has breed Best in Show winning Keeshonds and Smooth Fox Terriers. Carissa has worked for some of the top professional handlers in the country for many years.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Members pay full price for this class.
Carissa has 20+ years in breeding and handling of dogs. Carissa grew up in Waukesha, WI. She was born into dogs. Her mom bred Keeshonden with a well known local breeder in the 80’s. Carissa eventually started in Schipperkes, doing breeding, conformation, and obedience. Carissa got back into Keeshonds after graduating college and has been breeding/campaigning/showing ever since. Carissa has breed Best in Show winning Keeshonds and Smooth Fox Terriers. Carissa has worked for some of the top professional handlers in the country for many years
IMPORTANT NOTE: Members pay full price for this class.
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: $17.00 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:
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
For ongoing information about our conformation classes, please follow our public Facebook group: Badger Kennel Club – Conformation Handling Classes | Facebook
Contact
Laura Mae Hesse
BKC Conformation Chair
Phone: (608) 692-0414
Email: BKC-LMHesse@charter.net