Conformation Divas

Weekly group classes held every Tuesday evening at the Edwardsville Community Center, divided into Small Dog (7:00–7:45 PM) and Large Dog (8:00–8:45 PM) sessions. Classes focus on conformation handling, ring presentation, and showmanship skills. Participants must sign a liability waiver before attending. Classes resume in January after seasonal breaks.

Pricing Summary

$10 per class, with no mention of packages or discounts. Payment is made per session.

Policies

A liability waiver must be signed by each participant before class. Participants assume full responsibility for their dogs’ actions and must clean up after them. Classes are canceled in inclement weather; participants are advised to call before leaving for class to confirm if it is held.

Conformation Divas is a dog training business led by Jane Blackerby, specializing in conformation showing and handling for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Jane offers group classes at the Edwardsville Community Center in Kansas, focusing on teaching owners how to properly present their dogs in the show ring with confidence and skill. She emphasizes encouragement for new exhibitors and provides hands-on training rooted in decades of personal experience showing dogs across multiple states. Jane has been teaching conformation classes for 11 years and is an AKC judge with expertise in Toy breeds including Pugs, Bulldogs, and German Shorthaired Pointers. While the primary focus is conformation, she also directs interested clients to Pawsitive Abilities Training for obedience, rally, or agility. Classes are structured by dog size—Small Dog Class (7:00–7:45 PM) and Large Dog Class (8:00–8:45 PM)—and are held weekly on Tuesdays. A liability waiver is required for participation.

Jane’s approach is built on mentorship, drawing from her own journey that began with a breeder’s insistence she show her Pug, leading to a 21-year career in the sport. She believes in passing on the knowledge she received from top handlers and helps clients achieve success in the ring, including finishing dogs from the Bred-by-Exhibitor class with multiple major wins.

The business does not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or day care services. All training occurs at the facility, and no in-home or virtual sessions are mentioned.

Accomplishments

Jane Blackerby is an AKC judge with over 21 years of experience showing dogs across multiple states. She has handled dogs to group placements and specialty wins, including finishing dogs from the Bred-by-Exhibitor class with multiple major wins. She has been teaching conformation classes for 11 years and is a member of several breed-specific fancier clubs including the Pug Dog Club of America and Heartland Boston Terrier Club.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Jane Blackerby to inquire about class availability and receive the liability waiver. Registration is done via the Class Sign Up Sheet on the website. New participants must attend a class session and complete the waiver to begin.