Hi, I really hate to see novices get scared off from showing because of heated discussions such as this has been. We have all been there <grin>
I was a complete novice when I started showing dogs 5 years ago. A seasoned breeder plopped one of her dogs in my lap and told me to get into the ring and show her girl. She told me how old her girl was and pushed me into the ring...(I had been attending shows for a few years and just watching, learning and having fun). Of course, her girl was dumped that day, but I thank Elaine to this day for making me get in the ring. It gave me the courage to go back in again, and again...even though, I made many blunders along the way. At my first AKC show (we were the only cavalier up here in the boonies), I went around the ring the wrong way...LOL.....the judge was very kind and let me do it again..<G> of course winning that class, put me into the group ring...YIKES!. Each time I got in the ring, I could feel not only myself gaining confidence, but my dog sensing my confidence, became more and more attentive and interested in what we were doing. It became FUN!! That is what I hope anyone who gets involved with showing dogs is looking for! Time spent with their dog, enjoying the sport of showing and having fun. Yes, it can be competitive (once you win...you want to win again!) and their are some unhappy, mean spirited people who attend...but that is life. You will find unhappy people in every walk of life. If you are looking to have fun with your dog, listen to those who are willing to teach you, ask questions and watch, watch, watch.....then go for it!! Don't be afraid, just get out there and have a good time with your dog. Kindest regards, Kim Ballymena Cavaliers ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
