Thanks for chiming in, Beth. You are right on. Tad, we'd love to have you come up and hang out with us. You may bring your pup along, but I ask that you have something you can confine her in while if needed (if you feel comfortable leaving her loose in your car, that's your call - otherwise, a crate). We cannont allow people to tie out their dogs during the show.
Coming to the show is a great place to learn. People are generally very helpful and informative. Also, just be watching and listening, you will learn a lot. The cool thing about these types of shows is the judge gives an oral critique of all dogs presented over a PA system, so all people "see what he sees." That can help folks learn a lot.
I would suggest you check out akc.org for more info on the CGC before coming up to the show and if there is an AKC obedience class in your area, go to them and have the instructor run through the tests so you know what to expect. Then, when you come up for ours, you won't be totally green. The evaluators we have that weekend are great people and are very helpful. Depending on how busy they are, I'm sure they will be happy to explain and answer your questions.
I am always happy to answer any questions I can, but I have to caution you (and everybody else) that I am VERY busy on our show weekends, so I generally can't commit a lot of time for folks. I am constantly running around like a chicken sans head and I always feel guilty that I don't spend enough time talking with people during the show. It's really best to ask me stuff before the event as much as possible and I usually have more time to talk your ear off.
Tad, if your girl is AKC registered, unspayed and doesn't have any disqualifying faults (that you know of), you might enjoy entering her in the show. It's a pretty laid back affair and you can get the most qualified person (on that day) to give you an opinion on your dog. If you decide you aren't going to enter and want to bring her along anyway, that's fine. I'm sure there will be folks there who will tell you what they think. Remember, though, you get what you pay for.
Certainly don't ask my opinion: I don't know how a chicken without a head can have its foot in its mouth, but I'm sure I can accomplish that feat!
I hope you come up and would love to meet you.