I'll just echo fbkeays here. People in the park are not experts when it comes to showing. They don't know what they're talking about. Obviously some might, but in general? They aren't the audience you want to use for your showing questions.
If your dog is registered with the AKC and is intact, you can show. Heck - even if your dog has a disqualifying fault, you can still enter - you would just be excused from the ring.
There are Correction Matches and Sanction Matches that you can try with a young pup. They'll help both of you get into the swing of things. When you do feel that you are ready for a real show - see if you can go with someone who is knowledgeable. It's really helpful to have a support system in there for the first few times. It's a little nerve racking, but it's exciting too!
Lastly, be sure that you and your pup / dog are ready for the show ring when you enter a real show. It's very serious business for many people and they won't appreciate it if you aren't ready / training in the ring. That's what the Correction and Sanction Matches are for.