Questions about a Show Dog II?

Okay, here’s my original post, with new details added as per one poster’s request:

We’re getting a show-quality dog from a champion-bloodline breeder. It’s more responsibility than we intended when we decided to get a puppy, but it kind of fell into our laps (we wanted a pup this spring, and we found the breed we were looking for, and the breeder is reputable and very kind- and the pup that we chose happened to be the pick of the litter, and the breeder wants her finished) We’re being exposed to a whole new language, surrounding health-testing (hips and heart?), Canine Good Citizen certification, showing, finishing… I feel like I’m running blind right now. Where the heck should I start? How can I learn to show, and what sort of additional training will my dog need? How much will a show dog cost us, above the cost of owning a pet-quality dog? If she’s bred, what is an example of a potential breeding agreement? Can I choose the sire?

Thanks for your help everyone.

I think you can handle this. slow down, relax. If the breeder is as good as you say, they’ll be happy to help and answer your questions.

To give you a god introduction, this book is very easy for new people to understand, and very helpful- I’d buy a copy, and keep it handy http://www.amazon.com/Show-Me-Caroline-Coile-Ph-D/dp/0812097106/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210381965&sr=1-2

You have 6 months before your pup is ready to show, depending on the breed probably several years before she’ll be very competitive. You don’t need to learn everything at once, you can go slow. They even have practice shows, called “matches” that you and the pup can attend to learn how to do it.

To start- health testing won’t come until your dog is several years old and ready to breed, don’t worry too much about that right now. You’ll just sort of pick that knowledge up as you go.

The thing to focus on right now is Socialising! This is an excellent list to get you started…. http://www.deesdogs.com/documents/thepuppysruleoftwelve.pdf
socialising is important for all dogs, but extra important for show dogs because shows are VERY busy places, they must be calm in all sorts of situations, and early socialisation is what helps them do this.

Now you know what to do with your puppy. Also, ask your breeder for advice on training your puppy to “stack” Stacking is how a dog stands to be examined at a dog show. Your breeder will probably have alot of experience training this and can give you some short leassons before sending you home with the puppy. Once they show you how, just remember to practice! Practicing a little bit every day will make it easy for your dog when show day finally arrives.

A very good idea, what you probably want to do, is ask your breeder for a mentor in your area. Also, join a local kennel club (you can find them on the AKC website). Go to your breeds parent club site (thats a dog club just for your breed). They will have information about local breeders and mentors who can help you. You might also be able to find a local “breed club” which is a group of owners of your breed of dog who live in your area. Kennel clubs and breed clubs often offer training classes for owners who want to show their dogs. They also offer great places to find advice and support.

Cost- really depends on the breed, how much traveling you do, and a whole lot of factors. It can cost only the entry fee (about $20/show) and gas, or it can cost alot more, depending on how YOU want to do it (ie, hotels, handlers, vendors etc)

Breeding- this will really vary. You need to have an agreement with your breeder in place that spells all of this out. Some breeders will want to retain control of the breeding, others will make it completely up to you, and still others will want somthing in between. No way for us to know, talk it over with your breeder and come to an agreement you are comfortable with. -Neb

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