I love this post..reminded me of myself 30..err..a few years ago. Wonderful advice. :-) JoAnn
Over the past 30 years, I have shown dogs in obedience, schutzhund and > conformation. I love to show. For years I couldn't put points on my boxers > but had to turn them over to pro's when they were ready to win, but as > puppies and adolescents, I showed them myself. I was making it fun for > them, honing my skills (finally put points from the Bred-By on my last Ch > boxer and won a working group with him) and getting myself known around the > ring as a "keeper." Handlers, upon seeing me time and time again, with good > dogs, started giving me tips, congratulating me on my wins, etc. I went to > handling classes to further learn tricks and tips. > > Now I'm showing my first Cavalier. He's only been in 2 shows as a puppy but > has taken WD and RWD over competition. He is not trimmed, dyed, whatever. > He gets a bath in the morning before a show, gets brushed, combed, etc. and > goes in the ring. Handlers have been civilized and gracious towards me - > more than I can say for some of the owner-handlers. (VBG) Showing your own > dog can be fun - if you have a competitive spirit and like to do things > yourself. But it's like any other sport - there are good sports and not so > good sports. If one is a good sport oneself, then one will attract other > good sports. Be friendly to everyone - watch and learn who you think have > the kind of knowledge you need. Stay away, but politely, from the others. > Don't let the "win at any cost" competitors deter you from your goals. > You'll find them in any competitive endeavor. I love showing my dogs, dog > shows, and dog show people. My best friends I have met through dog showing. > I have found kind, generous and knowledgable people at dog shows, > including exhibitors, breeders and, yes, even handlers! Go for it and > enjoy! > > Susan Jackson > Ch Reward's Ropin' the Wind (Windy, 10 yrs young Boxer) > Allegria Gambler's Reward (Keno, Cavalier) > Sylmar, CA > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://sujac.home.mindspring.com ========================================================= "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.
