Showing dogs??

[coco-bean]

So i've done some thinking over the past few months and i'd really like to get into the showing "scene" I dont know anything about it, where to go, what to do...i just flat out dont know! sorry i kind of sound stupid but i've always just had dogs as pets and never really thought about showing. when i was little i only thought people in big cities showed dogs and the more im on here and dogster, i've learned alot more people do it than i thought! Can someone help me get on the right track? thanks in advance!
Tonya

[bluebird]

Your breeder would be the logical person to help you get started. If the breeder isn't available, the best thing to do would be to join the local breed club and find a mentor. The majority of breed clubs are always more than happy to help new members.

[borzoimom]

I agree with bluebird- and please do not feel "stupid" you dont know where to start. It takes time as far as training, and travel and all- but it sure a lot of fun!

[bluebird]

Another suggestion would be to go to dog shows and talk to exhibitors after they're done showing. Don't take your dog with you.

[wolfsoul]

Try to find some handling classes in your area -- you can take your own dog there, show quality of not. It will give you experience and you are more than likely to find breeders there taking the classes to get their dogs used to a show situation. You can talk to them and see if they would be interested in letting you show their dogs. Alot of breeders appreciate having handlers under them -- it's useful if you are showing multiple dogs, or if you are showing multiple breeds and their ring times run into eachother (can't do two things at once!). You can also just email some breeders in your area, see if anyone is willing.

[borzoimom]

Very good one wolfsoul .
My daughter is going to be taking one not only for her to sharpen skills, but also to get her new puppy ready- out and about around other dogs- half of training a good show dog. A show dog has to be calm and confident around all dogs at all times. Use to being handled in any part of their body and maintain where they are put while the owner/handler continues to move the dog. Trot easily on a lead without getting ahead of the handler too much, but still the hander is maintaing control of direction
Of course, understand I am bias- but I think you will love it. In most populated areas, obedience clubs offer these handling classes.

[borzoimom]

Showing dogs can be expensive- but this is how I look at it... I dont go out to dinner much, I dont rent movies, and a 26 dollar about entry fee and the gas to get there is a alllllllllllll day entertainment for me.. A day with my dogs...

[borzoimom]

and I wrote this for a Master card commercial entry once-
* 27 dollars for entry fee
* 75 dollars for show leads, shampoo, bowls and good brushes and lots of training
* 200 dollars for a crate for the van
* *** Seeing your dog take Breed- PRICELESS!!!!!

[Giselle]

Seeing your dog take BIS - PRICELESS. Of course, I've never seen that happen with my breeder's dogs... yet.

[wolfsoul]

Seeing your dog take BIS - PRICELESS.

I SWEAR, one day, we will have our BIS!!! Solo is so gorgeous, will probably be prettier than his momma -- I think he has what it takes! We'll see in Tradex next year (Canada's Westminster basically, but easier to get in)! One day.

[borzoimom]

I SWEAR, one day, we will have our BIS!!! Solo is so gorgeous, will probably be prettier than his momma -- I think he has what it takes! We'll see in Tradex next year (Canada's Westminster basically, but easier to get in)! One day.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh but add one more thing to your show bag- smelling salts.. I am serious! The first time I went BIS, at the picture, I passed out COLD... lollllllllllllllllllllllllllll..

[lute]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh but add one more thing to your show bag- smelling salts.. I am serious! The first time I went BIS, at the picture, I passed out COLD... lollllllllllllllllllllllllllll..

OMG! that had to be embarassing!