Join Us! 2025 DKC Seminar! Elevate Your Game!
Join Laura Reeves and Friends at the Durham Kennel Club for an unforgettable hands-on weekend designed to ELEVATE YOUR GAME!
We’ll dive into the structure and anatomy of dogs, helping you identify major structural landmarks — and then challenge yourself to do it blindfolded.
This workshop isn’t just about mastering technique; it’s about developing the showmanship that separates the technically proficient from the truly outstanding. It’s mindset, muscle memory, and presence all rolled into one.
Cost: See options below.
$50 • Audit Spot (15 available)
$25 • Private Dog Evaluation (open enrollment)
$20 • After Dark Dinner (open to all, RSVP requested)
BONUS “After Dark” Dinner
Location
Durham Kennel Club
Durham, North Carolina
The Durham Kennel Club was established in 1928 and incorporated in 1931. We are devoted to the betterment of all dogs. Our members are dog owners from all walks of life, many of whom are full time dog breeders, weekend dog exhibitors or just concerned and interested pet owners. DKC is a member club of the American Kennel Club.
Address: 7318 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27712
See Location →Purposeful practice and proven techniques.
Two days. Hands-on structure work, polished performance, and one-on-one critiques — mindset, muscle memory, and presence rolled into one.
Two-Day Breakdown
01Day 1 — September 27: Hands-On Structure & Anatomy
- Welcome and Introduction
- Canine Structural Landmarks: Touch and Identify
- Blindfolded Structure Identification Exercise
- Showmanship Basics: Body Language and Confidence
- Polished Performance: Hands, Posture, and Presence
- Applying the Breed Standard Practically
- Evening: Catered Dinner and Community Discussion
- Topic: Building Community and Laura’s 12-Step Program
02Day 2 — September 28: Putting It to the Test
- One-on-One Dog Evaluations with Laura Reeves
- Written Critiques and Pro Tips on Grooming and Handling
- Dog Swap Dog Show: Practicing Handling on Various Dogs
- Friendly Competition and Prizes
- Closing Remarks and Feedback
Nearby Dog-Friendly Hotels
No host hotels. Please contact each hotel directly for current pet fees and availability.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from one of the sport’s leading experts. Whether you’re refining your handling skills or building a strong foundation, this seminar delivers the insight, practice, and support to help you grow in and out of the ring.
★ Working Spot
$120
Hands-on working participation. 20 spots available.
Audit Spot
$50
Observe and learn. 15 spots available.
Private Evaluation
$25
One-on-one dog evaluation. Open enrollment.
After Dark Dinner
$20
Open to all. RSVP requested.
DKC Seminar Registration
Secure your spot at the 2025 Durham Kennel Club Seminar. Select your tier and complete payment below.
Secure payment via Stripe. Your spot is reserved upon successful payment.
Questions about the seminar.
Everything you need to know before September 27–28 in Durham, NC. Don’t see your question? Reach out, we’d rather talk it through than have you wonder.
What is the cost of attending the event?
- $120 · Working Spot — hands-on participation
- 20 spots available
- $50 · Audit Spot — observe and learn
- 15 spots available
- $25 · Private Dog Evaluation — one-on-one, open enrollment
- $20 · After Dark Dinner — open to all, RSVP requested
Do I need to RSVP in advance?
Yes, please register in advance to secure your spot. Working Spots are limited to 20 attendees and Audit Spots to 15. The After Dark Dinner is open to all, but an RSVP is requested for the head count.
What is the dress code?
Dress code is casual. Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely while working with dogs.
What’s out of bounds?
Please respect posted areas and any Durham Kennel Club facility rules. Do not enter restricted kennel or storage areas unless given permission. This is a professional, working event; be courteous to dogs, handlers, instructors, and the venue.
Who should attend this event?
Whether you’re just getting started in the ring or you’ve been showing for years, handlers of all experience levels will gain valuable insights to elevate their performance and showcase their dogs more effectively.
Where will the event be held?
The event will take place at the Durham Kennel Club, 7318 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27712. Additional details and directions will be provided upon registration.
What should I bring?
- Your dog (for Working Spots and Private Evaluations)
- Comfortable clothing you can move in
What happens across the two days of the seminar?
The event takes place September 27–28, 2025, with hands-on learning and personalized feedback.
- September 27 (Saturday): Structure & anatomy hands-on work, polished performance, and an After Dark community dinner
- September 28 (Sunday): Individual dog critiques with written feedback, followed by the Dog Swap Dog Show
What time do the sessions start and end each day?
Saturday, September 27:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Structure & Anatomy (Hands-On)
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM · Polished Performance
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM · After Dark: Building Community
Sunday, September 28:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Individual Dog Critiques
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Dog Swap Dog Show