Mentor? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

PinkMartini · 08-13-2005, 01:25 PM

How would you all suggest I find another knowledgable yorkie mentor?

I was friends with a lady who has bred/shown yorkies for 20+ years. I was planning on getting a female from her in the next year or so. I went with her to the world dog show in south america in July and when we got back, she emailed me telling me that her husband & her were getting out of the 'yorkie business' to pursue real estate.

I found her when searching for Bailey, we got to talking and became friends. She's shared so much information with me but I feel like if I want to succeed at showing I need to find someone who can help me out. Has anyone searched for a 'mentor' before? How did you find yours? Bailey's first show is next weekend and I plan on talking to anyone I can while there, but at previous shows I've been to, people have been very standoffish. I tried talking to this one woman about her ddb's at the last show Dozer was in and she flat out told me "I'm not interested in talking to a newbie" and walked away from me

So what would you suggest I do? Email breeders? How willing are showers/breeders usually to help out new people?

sylvan · 08-13-2005, 01:32 PM

It is really a shame when knowledgeable people refuse to help someone with a serious dedication to learn. I wish they would all realize the disservice they do to the breed itself, by treating the show world as a members only club. After all they weren't BORN at the edge of the ring, they were newbies once too.
Maybe Pat or Kathy could point you in a good direction....and I wish you the very best of luck.

YorkieRose · 08-13-2005, 07:51 PM

A good mentor is a wonderful asset. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to find one. I learned so much by watching breeders I did NOT admire..I made a promise to never be like them...case in point, the breeder who was so rude to you at ringside.

I did not have much help..no Internet, few books go into any depth about breeding, whelping etc. Basically, I learned from experince...you have a big advantage..Yorkie forums, wonderful info on the Internet, etc.
You will learn alot by showing. You will make mistakes and that is okay..most of us learn faster that way.
I would be friendly, but overly eager to talk to people at first..you see, exhabitors notice the person who makes the least noise, so to speak. Watch and learn, don't ask for advise in the beginning..just go and show your face, show your dog and go to every show you can...then after awhile they will see you are serious and not going away...the thinking is this..why waste time on people who show a few times and stop? You have to prove you are serious before most will talk to you...that is not my way..I LOVE to talk to people about Yorkies..and I know what it is like to be treated like crap..

You can succeed without a mentor, many of us are living proof.

Snow Yorkies · 08-13-2005, 08:41 PM

I hate to hear that there are such rude people in this world.... But what goes around will come around... I wish you well at the show and you will have to keep up posted on how you do??? Go bet the pants off that lady.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 08-13-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvan

It is really a shame when knowledgeable people refuse to help someone with a serious dedication to learn. I wish they would all realize the disservice they do to the breed itself, by treating the show world as a members only club. After all they weren't BORN at the edge of the ring, they were newbies once too.
Maybe Pat or Kathy could point you in a good direction....and I wish you the very best of luck.

I agree. How unfortunate.

chloeandj · 08-14-2005, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkMartini

How would you all suggest I find another knowledgable yorkie mentor?

I was friends with a lady who has bred/shown yorkies for 20+ years. I was planning on getting a female from her in the next year or so. I went with her to the world dog show in south america in July and when we got back, she emailed me telling me that her husband & her were getting out of the 'yorkie business' to pursue real estate.

I found her when searching for Bailey, we got to talking and became friends. She's shared so much information with me but I feel like if I want to succeed at showing I need to find someone who can help me out. Has anyone searched for a 'mentor' before? How did you find yours? Bailey's first show is next weekend and I plan on talking to anyone I can while there, but at previous shows I've been to, people have been very standoffish. I tried talking to this one woman about her ddb's at the last show Dozer was in and she flat out told me "I'm not interested in talking to a newbie" and walked away from me

So what would you suggest I do? Email breeders? How willing are showers/breeders usually to help out new people?

The woman takes you to Brazil for then dumps you right before your first show???

Well atleast your fiance has shown your ddb before so you won't be entirely lost in the whole thing, hopefully things will go very smooth.

PinkMartini · 08-14-2005, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chloeandj

The woman takes you to Brazil for then dumps you right before your first show???

Well atleast your fiance has shown your ddb before so you won't be entirely lost in the whole thing, hopefully things will go very smooth.

Yea, I guess it was something that her husband & her were thinking about for some time, and then after her handler moved out of the country, that just sealed the deal for them.

The showing part itself isn't really what I need help with. I learned the basics during Dozer's shows. What I need help with is when I'm ready, finding a female; researching Bailey's lines; help with whelping; ect. Stuff that I'm sure I could find info online about, but not so sure I'd want to do myself...

Thanks for the tips Pat. I guess I just figured people who are dog people (that I've met anyways) tend to be friendly. Not the case with showers/handlers I guess.

Sylvan, I agree. I often wonder to myself "Did these people forget they were novices once?" Because it sure seems like they have.

chloeandj · 08-14-2005, 09:35 AM

I'm sure you can find help with researching lines and finding a nice female right here online with the members of YorkieTalk. Finding help with whelping is something you can probably do locally, if you do some research of who are some reputable breeders of any small breed dogs in your area who might be willing to help you out during whelping your first time if you don't feel very comfortable with info that you gather online, or maybe even a good vet may be your best bet until you have a litter or two and learn the basics of what to do.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 08-14-2005, 10:17 AM

I know you will do it right because yiu have learned so much and you will be cautious and careful. You will be a good breeder.

sylvan · 08-14-2005, 11:38 AM

Pat as usual gives great advice here...I am having the opposite problem. My mentor is retired from showing and refuses to touch the whole scene with a ten foot pole. She has been wonderful teaching me about the breed itself and all the ins and outs regarding care and whelping and finding excellent quality dogs. I am hoping to produce a CH of my own and would feel so much better about having her at ringside for handling and showing advice, but it looks like we're on our own in that department. I've been hanging out at shows to learn for quite awhile and after keeping quiet and absorbing as much as possible, the president of the Kennel club approached me at a specialty and was very kind and informative. She sat behind my mother and I and complimented my eye when I pointed out a great topline on a girl going past. (I only EVER say what I see that's good)The only other people that spoke to me were just digging for dirt to plant gossip in. They made assumptions about where I got my dogs and started bashing some breeder who had nothing to do with me for not mentoring properly. I really abhor the petty game playing that seems to be an integral part of this whole scene, but I still feel that showing what your producing is an obligation for a serious breeder. You need to be willing to be critiqued and compared to learn and improve. Otherwise, why do it? To produce more pets??

Is it possible for your 'ex' mentor to hook you up with someone else that could help you with the nitty gritty stuff? I can't do hands on from here, but will help with any info I can. Us newbies gotta stick together.

YorkieRose · 08-14-2005, 12:47 PM

I find Pom and Maltese breeders more friendly, my friend in Can does also and sets up with them...Jack Russell people are great for the most part. You might look into an all breed club. I went to one for about a year..we had classes. Met alot of people that way. As a rule when you are not competing against someone as in another breed you will be welcomed..when you join an all breed club, they have to talk to you LOL LOL

08-13-2005, 01:25 PM	#1
PinkMartini BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: California Posts: 1,043	Mentor? How would you all suggest I find another knowledgable yorkie mentor? I was friends with a lady who has bred/shown yorkies for 20+ years. I was planning on getting a female from her in the next year or so. I went with her to the world dog show in south america in July and when we got back, she emailed me telling me that her husband & her were getting out of the 'yorkie business' to pursue real estate. I found her when searching for Bailey, we got to talking and became friends. She's shared so much information with me but I feel like if I want to succeed at showing I need to find someone who can help me out. Has anyone searched for a 'mentor' before? How did you find yours? Bailey's first show is next weekend and I plan on talking to anyone I can while there, but at previous shows I've been to, people have been very standoffish. I tried talking to this one woman about her ddb's at the last show Dozer was in and she flat out told me "I'm not interested in talking to a newbie" and walked away from me So what would you suggest I do? Email breeders? How willing are showers/breeders usually to help out new people?

08-13-2005, 07:51 PM	#3
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	mentor A good mentor is a wonderful asset. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to find one. I learned so much by watching breeders I did NOT admire..I made a promise to never be like them...case in point, the breeder who was so rude to you at ringside. I did not have much help..no Internet, few books go into any depth about breeding, whelping etc. Basically, I learned from experince...you have a big advantage..Yorkie forums, wonderful info on the Internet, etc. You will learn alot by showing. You will make mistakes and that is okay..most of us learn faster that way. I would be friendly, but overly eager to talk to people at first..you see, exhabitors notice the person who makes the least noise, so to speak. Watch and learn, don't ask for advise in the beginning..just go and show your face, show your dog and go to every show you can...then after awhile they will see you are serious and not going away...the thinking is this..why waste time on people who show a few times and stop? You have to prove you are serious before most will talk to you...that is not my way..I LOVE to talk to people about Yorkies..and I know what it is like to be treated like crap.. You can succeed without a mentor, many of us are living proof.

08-13-2005, 08:41 PM	#4
Snow Yorkies Biewer Passionate Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern AL Posts: 1,684	I hate to hear that there are such rude people in this world.... But what goes around will come around... I wish you well at the show and you will have to keep up posted on how you do??? Go bet the pants off that lady. __________________ Dare to Dream Biewers Charter Member of BAPPC

08-14-2005, 12:47 PM	#11
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	mentor I find Pom and Maltese breeders more friendly, my friend in Can does also and sets up with them...Jack Russell people are great for the most part. You might look into an all breed club. I went to one for about a year..we had classes. Met alot of people that way. As a rule when you are not competing against someone as in another breed you will be welcomed..when you join an all breed club, they have to talk to you LOL LOL

08-13-2005, 01:32 PM	#2
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	It is really a shame when knowledgeable people refuse to help someone with a serious dedication to learn. I wish they would all realize the disservice they do to the breed itself, by treating the show world as a members only club. After all they weren't BORN at the edge of the ring, they were newbies once too. Maybe Pat or Kathy could point you in a good direction....and I wish you the very best of luck.

08-14-2005, 09:35 AM	#8
chloeandj Tinkerbell, My Little Flutterpup Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Beautiful California! Posts: 6,112	I'm sure you can find help with researching lines and finding a nice female right here online with the members of YorkieTalk. Finding help with whelping is something you can probably do locally, if you do some research of who are some reputable breeders of any small breed dogs in your area who might be willing to help you out during whelping your first time if you don't feel very comfortable with info that you gather online, or maybe even a good vet may be your best bet until you have a litter or two and learn the basics of what to do.

08-14-2005, 10:17 AM	#9
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	I know you will do it right because yiu have learned so much and you will be cautious and careful. You will be a good breeder.

08-14-2005, 11:38 AM	#10
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	Pat as usual gives great advice here...I am having the opposite problem. My mentor is retired from showing and refuses to touch the whole scene with a ten foot pole. She has been wonderful teaching me about the breed itself and all the ins and outs regarding care and whelping and finding excellent quality dogs. I am hoping to produce a CH of my own and would feel so much better about having her at ringside for handling and showing advice, but it looks like we're on our own in that department. I've been hanging out at shows to learn for quite awhile and after keeping quiet and absorbing as much as possible, the president of the Kennel club approached me at a specialty and was very kind and informative. She sat behind my mother and I and complimented my eye when I pointed out a great topline on a girl going past. (I only EVER say what I see that's good)The only other people that spoke to me were just digging for dirt to plant gossip in. They made assumptions about where I got my dogs and started bashing some breeder who had nothing to do with me for not mentoring properly. I really abhor the petty game playing that seems to be an integral part of this whole scene, but I still feel that showing what your producing is an obligation for a serious breeder. You need to be willing to be critiqued and compared to learn and improve. Otherwise, why do it? To produce more pets?? Is it possible for your 'ex' mentor to hook you up with someone else that could help you with the nitty gritty stuff? I can't do hands on from here, but will help with any info I can. Us newbies gotta stick together.