Mentor needed

[mauirobin]

I have found a breeder for my next puppy. I want to dabble in the ring & will be looking for a mentor in my area. Of course I want to spend some time learning pre-puppy, so if any of you are nearby, just let me know.

I have also seen on AKC site that I can apply for one here in my area. Also, a question if you please....with female dogs, do you have to miss potential shows because of heat cycles? It would seem to me that you would. Just wondered how you get around these things if it's possible, or if that's the reason there seem to be more males in the ring?

There are several confirmation shows coming up in the next few months in Cincy & Columbus that I plan on attending to observe. Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mauirobin

I have found a breeder for my next puppy. I want to dabble in the ring & will be looking for a mentor in my area. Of course I want to spend some time learning pre-puppy, so if any of you are nearby, just let me know.

I have also seen on AKC site that I can apply for one here in my area. Also, a question if you please....with female dogs, do you have to miss potential shows because of heat cycles? It would seem to me that you would. Just wondered how you get around these things if it's possible, or if that's the reason there seem to be more males in the ring?

There are several confirmation shows coming up in the next few months in Cincy & Columbus that I plan on attending to observe. Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

If your breeder is selling you a show puppy, she must be very knowledgable about yorkies and showing......Unwritten rule, the person selling you a show puppy also takes on the mentorship.....Double wammie on the responsibility; the responsibility of selling a show worthy pup (it's the breeder's reputation in the ring; and the responsibility of mentorship (it's also the breeder's reputation in the ring).

And in answer to your question. It's very dependent on how your female behaves during her heat cycle.....If the harmones are real wacko, and she becomes coy and refuses show....well you can't force her. If her heat cycle doesn't change her personality, then show her. But, becareful that she doesn't drive the boys nuts.

Actually you usually see more females in the ring. What you do see is more male Specials, because the breeding time line for a female is less.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by mauirobin

I have found a breeder for my next puppy. I want to dabble in the ring & will be looking for a mentor in my area. Of course I want to spend some time learning pre-puppy, so if any of you are nearby, just let me know.

I have also seen on AKC site that I can apply for one here in my area. Also, a question if you please....with female dogs, do you have to miss potential shows because of heat cycles? It would seem to me that you would. Just wondered how you get around these things if it's possible, or if that's the reason there seem to be more males in the ring?

There are several confirmation coming up in the next few months in Cincy & Columbus that I plan on attending to observe. Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

As Mardelin said usually your breeder is your mentor in the show world;however here is a site you might like to study: Conformation Stacking

It uses clicker training but you don't have to use clicker training.

Here is one beginning exercise you can do preferably with a show lead, but can be done with a regular lead to. The object here is not to have the lead sway or swing when you walk, and that the lead hangs down directly from your hand to its clasp.

You place the lead in your left hand and you simply walk in a show circle. ie counter clockwise. Vary your pace. Also keep elbow tuck into your body at about waist height with arm turned away from you about ninety degrees. Stop and start smoothly. Now do same exercise with the down and back.

Figure out what are the shoes you want to wear in the ring. No heels, no open backed or toed shoes. Preferably crepe soled, or a non slip sole.

Also investigate if there are local breed clubs in your area, that teach conformation showing. But again clear all through with your mentor.
Have fun, and good luck in the show ring.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by gemy

As Mardelin said usually your breeder is your mentor in the show world;however here is a site you might like to study: Conformation Stacking

It uses clicker training but you don't have to use clicker training.

Here is one beginning exercise you can do preferably with a show lead, but can be done with a regular lead to. The object here is not to have the lead sway or swing when you walk, and that the lead hangs down directly from your hand to its clasp.

You place the lead in your left hand and you simply walk in a show circle. ie counter clockwise. Vary your pace. Also keep elbow tuck into your body at about waist height with arm turned away from you about ninety degrees. Stop and start smoothly. Now do same exercise with the down and back.

Figure out what are the shoes you want to wear in the ring. No heels, no open backed or toed shoes. Preferably crepe soled, or a non slip sole.

Also investigate if there are local breed clubs in your area, that teach conformation showing. But again clear all through with your mentor.
Have fun, and good luck in the show ring.

Good info Gail.

Quiet shoes are a must....you don't want them to squeek or clomp or make any noise what so ever......it freaks out the other dogs in the ring.

What I usually tell newbies to do before puttin a lead on their dog is to practice on with the lead first.......tie your keys to the end of the lead....hold the lead in the proper position, not allowing excess lead out of your hand, keeping that lead very still while you walk, you don't want your dog's head bouncing up and down......once you learn that then begin working with the
dog.....

There is an excellent DVD put out by Sweetie Blue on how to train a pup for the ring.

[mauirobin]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

If your breeder is selling you a show puppy, she must be very knowledgable about yorkies and showing......Unwritten rule, the person selling you a show puppy also takes on the mentorship.....Double wammie on the responsibility; the responsibility of selling a show worthy pup (it's the breeder's reputation in the ring; and the responsibility of mentorship (it's also the breeder's reputation in the ring).

And in answer to your question. It's very dependent on how your female behaves during her heat cycle.....If the harmones are real wacko, and she becomes coy and refuses show....well you can't force her. If her heat cycle doesn't change her personality, then show her. But, becareful that she doesn't drive the boys nuts.

Actually you usually see more females in the ring. What you do see is more male Specials, because the breeding time line for a female is less.

She is on the other side of the country to me, so being my mentor would be difficult at best.

Thanks for the DVD info Mardelin & the confirmation stacking info Gemy. I've been reading a lot, & those kind of things were my next questions...lol.

[miabellaamoure]

I think this is an interesting subject, glad mauirobin posted this thread.

Mardelin, can you share an idea as to what one might expect to spend for a "show quality" puppy?

After the initial investment for a show quality puppy, is there still a chance even after the cost and training that goes into this dog, that it might not make it to the ring?

What kind of screening process does a potential breeder with such a dog expect of a possible new owner interested in showing?

I guess what I'm asking is what is a breeder looking for in a person seeking out a mentor for the purpose of showing or breeding?

Is the person's financial ability a priority that must be proved...can they afford what comes after the initial investment of the cost of the dog?

Am I correct that most reputable breeders begin by showing? So, if one is looking for a mentor to show, they might in fact have a bigger vision down the road in breeding?

Thanks!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by miabellaamoure

I think this is an interesting subject, glad mauirobin posted this thread.

Mardelin, can you share an idea as to what one might expect to spend for a "show quality" puppy?

After the initial investment for a show quality puppy, is there still a chance even after the cost and training that goes into this dog, that it might not make it to the ring?

What kind of screening process does a potential breeder with such a dog expect of a possible new owner interested in showing?

I guess what I'm asking is what is a breeder looking for in a person seeking out a mentor for the purpose of showing or breeding?

Is the person's financial ability a priority that must be proved...can they afford what comes after the initial investment of the cost of the dog?

Am I correct that most reputable breeders begin by showing? So, if one is looking for a mentor to show, they might in fact have a bigger vision down the road in breeding?

Thanks!

I think Mary is at a show and will be gone for a few days, but lots of great questions. From my understanding, it's not the amount of money you have, it what kind of heart you have. You know, "Why, why, why, do you want to breed?," and "Are you willing to be patient, and learn first how to do it right?" I always think of the first Karate Kid movie and Mr. Miyagi when I think of this. Lot of "Wax on, wax off" before actual breeding begins. You should have a great deal of respect for you mentor, "Many are called, few are chosen."

[miabellaamoure]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think Mary is at a show and will be gone for a few days, but lots of great questions. From my understanding, it's not the amount of money you have, it what kind of heart you have. You know, "Why, why, why, do you want to breed?," and "Are you willing to be patient, and learn first how to do it right?" I always think of the first Karate Kid movie and Mr. Miyagi when I think of this. Lot of "Wax on, wax off" before actual breeding begins. You should have a great deal of respect for you mentor, "Many are called, few are chosen."

Thanks, and I totally agree but, I think if one realistically knew in the very beginning what might be financially expected to accomplish such a vision it might be food for thought.

Like when I was in high school...I dreamed of my first car as a BMW but, my savings said VW...reality check can be key sometimes.

ps. just wanted to add, not to sound like a debbie-downer or that one should allow $$$ to stand in the way of their dreams because, eventually I did drive my dream car...lol

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by miabellaamoure

Thanks, and I totally agree but, I think if one realistically knew in the very beginning what might be financially expected to accomplish such a vision it might be food for thought.

Like when I was in high school...I dreamed of my first car as a BMW but, my savings said VW...reality check can be key sometimes.

ps. just wanted to add, not to sound like a debbie-downer or that one should allow $$$ to stand in the way of their dreams because, eventually I did drive my dream car...lol

I think it's important to hold on to your dreams and if you are want something for the right reasons, you will be happy with the results. Too many people rush into something because they want it for the wrong reasons.

[miabellaamoure]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think it's important to hold on to your dreams and if you are want something for the right reasons, you will be happy with the results. Too many people rush into something because they want it for the wrong reasons.

So true...

[RachelandSadie]

Originally Posted by mauirobin

She is on the other side of the country to me, so being my mentor would be difficult at best.

Thanks for the DVD info Mardelin & the confirmation stacking info Gemy. I've been reading a lot, & those kind of things were my next questions...lol.

I'm a little bit shocked that a breeder with show-quality puppies would send one to someone across the country. Will it be coming home with open registration? I thought that a show dog had to be unaltered and if that's the case then why would any reputable breeder allow a puppy to go to a home of someone they cannot closely mentor themselves. If I were working on a breeding program with show prospects I would not personally allow someone to take one of my pups without altering them first unless I could personally mentor the new owner in the show ring and make sure that new owner wasn't breeding my lines without me there helping.

Just sayin....

[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

I'm a little bit shocked that a breeder with show-quality puppies would send one to someone across the country. Will it be coming home with open registration? I thought that a show dog had to be unaltered and if that's the case then why would any reputable breeder allow a puppy to go to a home of someone they cannot closely mentor themselves. If I were working on a breeding program with show prospects I would not personally allow someone to take one of my pups without altering them first unless I could personally mentor the new owner in the show ring and make sure that new owner wasn't breeding my lines without me there helping.

Just sayin....

An news on the future baby?

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

I'm a little bit shocked that a breeder with show-quality puppies would send one to someone across the country. Will it be coming home with open registration? I thought that a show dog had to be unaltered and if that's the case then why would any reputable breeder allow a puppy to go to a home of someone they cannot closely mentor themselves. If I were working on a breeding program with show prospects I would not personally allow someone to take one of my pups without altering them first unless I could personally mentor the new owner in the show ring and make sure that new owner wasn't breeding my lines without me there helping.

Just sayin....

The vast majority of the time...the pups are co-owned and there are strict guidelines in place regarding breeding including sometimes approval of the stud that will be used.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by miabellaamoure

I think this is an interesting subject, glad mauirobin posted this thread.

Mardelin, can you share an idea as to what one might expect to spend for a "show quality" puppy?

After the initial investment for a show quality puppy, is there still a chance even after the cost and training that goes into this dog, that it might not make it to the ring?

What kind of screening process does a potential breeder with such a dog expect of a possible new owner interested in showing?

I guess what I'm asking is what is a breeder looking for in a person seeking out a mentor for the purpose of showing or breeding?

Is the person's financial ability a priority that must be proved...can they afford what comes after the initial investment of the cost of the dog?

Am I correct that most reputable breeders begin by showing? So, if one is looking for a mentor to show, they might in fact have a bigger vision down the road in breeding?

Thanks!

Yes there is still a chance after the investment that a show quality pup, somehow shows a major fault, that was not present or even thought of at the time of purchase. Of course those chances go down the longer you as the breeder keep the pup, and you as the purchaser holds off on purchase.

For example LS can crop up even after one or two years old.
Temperament, for some reason that goes off. The dog gets a huge scare in the show ring, and you and the myriad of trainers can't seem to bring them through that.
PRA the first test is one year old. You start to show at 6/7/9 mths old. and whamee

Now in terms of financial "abi lity" that can be very fluid in given situations. But I think there does have to be at least some financial ability to care for the show pup. We are talking about resources of time, energy, willingness, and finally money. Usually top quality products and food, exercise time, and show training time at the minimum. Some breeders certainly given physical proximity will actually want to show the pup themselves. All will expect you to continue the show training they started. There are probably as many different agreements as there are leaves in a tree.

For me and my breeder, who knew me for years, trained me in obedience with another breed, it was a "trust" given to me. She knew I had the skills, desire, and wherewithal to show our boy to his CH. But the trust was manyfold. For eg: that I would not try to breed this boy, without her consent or authority. That I would keep this boy safe from my other much larger breed. That I would train my boy in at least one other sport.

Not all ppl who show actually want to be breeders of that particular breed. Some will do it for the absolute love of the breed, because they like to enjoy the sport of conformation. But certainly they would have shown commitment to the purebred dog, in the breeders eye, and are trustworthy. These folks may be a minority, how small I have no idea.

A show puppy cost. well it is not cheap let us say $2500 and up.

Also if you can not for whatever reason handle your pup to a CH, with a very good quality pup, you are looking at $2-$3K for that championship and upwards, as competition and points are not a given, and it may take some time to earn those points against enough other dogs.


My thoughts

[TexasKat08]

This is a really interesting thread. It raises one question in particular for me. What is the exhibitor's/breeder's motive for mentoring? I would imagine there are more "novices" out there wanting to show that there are show people willing to share their knowledge, although I could be completely wrong about that. Plus, I imagine mentoring takes a bit of time and energy so it is quite a commitment. When I saw the original post I thought asking for a mentor was odd, but now that I think about it, how would you go about finding one?