How does one begin?

[mistyinca]

OK,
For a total noob who might be interested in showing. How and where do you start? I'm sure I'm too late with Chloe, who is already 6 months old, but if I were to get a yorkie in the future, that may have potential, where do I start? I know there are handling classes, but I have no idea how to find them. Could someone explain how the process goes?

Thanks

[Ladyhawk]

Check out your local kennel club and see if they offer handling classes. Even if you can only find a pup obedience class the socializing will do them good. Go on infodog.com and look for matches in your area. These are a great place to start. It's very relaxed, a bunch of puppy's getting together to get exposure to the ring and a judge. Practise at home, stacking on a table, walking along a fence in a straight line. Have everyone you know handle your dog, look at her teeth, etc. I started taking Connor to work with me cause he was a little hesitant about new people and situations. Expose them to as much as you can and practise. If you can find an exhibitor in your area, talk with them, they don't have to show Yorkies. One of my mentors shows Pointers but she's still a great resource.

[shyorkies]

A good mentor is worth their weight in gold! We have a wonderful kennel club in our area and they also offer conformation classes.. I think it is very important to do your research and find a show exhibitor in your area who would like to help you achieve your goal! You can always go to the YTCA Website and see if there is a member in your area who maybe able to point you in the right direction.. Good Luck!

http://www.ytca.org/

[Mardelin]

Absolutely correct about the mentor. There is an article in the current issue of the Yorkshire Terrier Magazine about good mentor's worth their weight in cold. Someone that has been in it along time and has a reputation of winning and has an established line.

[mistyinca]

Thanks for the tips

There is a show for the YTCLA in May that I'm planning on going to. I'm really excited about seeing so many yorkies in one spot! How do I approach someone about helping me? I mean, if some total noob were to ask you, or maybe buy one of your puppies, would you be willing, or would you not want to bother.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

Thanks for the tips

There is a show for the YTCLA in May that I'm planning on going to. I'm really excited about seeing so many yorkies in one spot! How do I approach someone about helping me? I mean, if some total noob were to ask you, or maybe buy one of your puppies, would you be willing, or would you not want to bother.

Specialties are a wonderful place to meet reputable show breeders. However, go around and look at the dogs, but be careful not to begin your questioning until after they've shown. As far as buying their puppies.....unless it's for pet.....it won't happen. Reputable breeders have to get to know you and trust you.

Don't be afraid to approach them after they've shown, pre show breeders are focused on getting their dogs ready for the ring and really don't have the time to devout to you....

[tegamom1]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

Thanks for the tips

There is a show for the YTCLA in May that I'm planning on going to. I'm really excited about seeing so many yorkies in one spot! How do I approach someone about helping me? I mean, if some total noob were to ask you, or maybe buy one of your puppies, would you be willing, or would you not want to bother.

Going to the show is an excellent way to start. Just remember before the show, exhibitors are very busy getting their dogs ready for the ring and don't have a lot of time. Walk around, observe, possible ask if you might speak with them after the show. The true, reputable breeders will be glad to help you or point you in the direction of someone that can. Before anyone will sell you a show puppy, you will have to earn their respect and trust. Most show breeders breed for themselves and when they do happen to have a puppy available, they are VERT careful who it goes to. You learn from them and gain their trust, and although it does take some time and effort, it is well worth the time spent.

[topknot]

Don't be afraid to approach them after they've shown, pre show breeders are focused on getting their dogs ready for the ring and really don't have the time to devout to you....Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers

Mardelin- You are so right, after a show is so much better. I am still trying to get a great topknot going and sure enough will have to fix one before we go in the ring. I had one person with older kids - 9 -10 year olds with the mom come over to me as I was getting ready and the children started to play with my dog and trying to touch her hair and topknot. I tried to tell them nicely - please come back after I show and I will be happy to answer your questions and it was like they did not understand. I had to eventually leave my table and walk away from them. After a show - we just feel so much more relaxed. We also have to make sure we are not late or miss our ring times. Everything has an order and must proceed right.

Great way too get stated is to join a breed club in your area or if you are like me and no breed club near me - join an all breed club. You will learn a lot and find out about handling classes and such better. Good luck!!
T.

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by topknot

Great way too get stated is to join a breed club in your area or if you are like me and no breed club near me - join an all breed club. You will learn a lot and find out about handling classes and such better. Good luck!!
T.

Well, the only club I know of is the YTCA, and to become a member, you have to get two endorsements from other members. That's kind of a catch 22, since other members would have their reputation on the line, and if they don't know me first, they wouldn't want to risk that, and I can understand that.

I'll definitely have to get the nerve up to ask some of the showers at that show. I certainly wouldn't bother them before...I know it must be a nerve-wracking period before a show.

I'm looking forward to it.

[topknot]

They have local chapters -for you in Calif. - http://www.ytca.org/closangeles.htm and http://www.ytca.org/cnorthcalif.htm I did not know which one you might be closer to, so I sent both. Then check out AKC site for the local all-breed or toy club closest to you.
You are lucky - I do not have a local YTCA club in Georgia at all. Think of the chance I would ever have to become a member - 0! I was a member of Goldcoast YTC years ago when I lived in Florida and loved the meetings. I would look forward to them every year and especially our Fun Matches and Holiday parties! Wow!!
T.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

Well, the only club I know of is the YTCA, and to become a member, you have to get two endorsements from other members. That's kind of a catch 22, since other members would have their reputation on the line, and if they don't know me first, they wouldn't want to risk that, and I can understand that.

I'll definitely have to get the nerve up to ask some of the showers at that show. I certainly wouldn't bother them before...I know it must be a nerve-wracking period before a show.

I'm looking forward to it.

No, No, No....What is meant by that is you need to have 2 people sponsor you.

Contact the club, let them know you are really interested in yorkies and becoming a club member. You must attend so many meetings within a specified number of months. If L.A. club is like Bluebonnet, a sponsor must have known you for approximately 6 months before voting you in. So, during the six months you are attending a meeting they are getting to know you.


Attending the Specialty will be a great way to meet people in the club.
Cindy Landry is the club president. And if I'm not mistaken Janet Jackson, President of The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America is also a member of the L.A. Club. I would also suggest that you attend the dinner too. Wonderful to meet exhibitors from all over.

[Olivier]

Finding the right mentor is very important . I worked 5 years with mine before she allowed me to co-own one of her Yorkies . I learned how to take care of the dogs , how to handle at shows , helping during whelping , how to plan dog shows . When I co-owned my first Yorkie , she let me take the dog to dogshows and when she saw that I was really a responsible co-owner , Laurene asked me if I was interested to own my show dogs . Now, we are best friends . I had to work very hard before I start my breeding program .

[mistyinca]

So then, does everyone start off helping another show person with their dogs, rather than trying to show one of their own?

Thanks.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

So then, does everyone start off helping another show person with their dogs, rather than trying to show one of their own?

Thanks.

Not everyone starts off that way, but it's the best way. Once breeder/exhibitors begin to trust you.....seeing that you are sincere in what you're doing....Integrity and Ethics, then comes the next step of trusting you with one of their dogs....but, not without contracts.