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Originally Posted by tjdmom  I should probably say it's out the window! I've been to 2 handling classes with Libby and the next 2 weeks they are closed for the holidays but there is a show about an hour away in Jan. I might be able to get one, maybe 2 more handling class in but each time I go, the more I realize I have to learn. I have been to shows as an observer and have watched on tv but actually doing it yourself is so much different! I realize I have A LOT to learn. I was going to enter Libby in a puppy match just for fun. I don't expect to do well... is that a bad attitude to have? She's pretty tiny and also has that habit of carrying her tail down. But I thought more than anything it would be good for me just to get me more used to things. Now I'm starting to feel like I will make a total fool of myself. I'm starting to chicken out! Can anyone give me some good advice here? Am I doing the right thing or should I forget it? |
Are you doing the right thing? Yes! I can tell you this from experience. You just have to get out there and try. No one is going to judge. What matters is, to yourself, is knowing that you are trying your best. If you give up - all you have taught yourself is giving up is easy to do. If you want something bad enough, you have to work at it and just try.
I have had to get started twice, once in my 20s when I first got into yorkies and then again about 4 years ago when I returned to yorkies. I think it was much harder this 2nd time around. I I think about its meaning way too much. I have a bad habit of analyzing too much. I have loosened up in the past year and am now enjoying it, like I did the first time. You have to tell yourself to have fun and not make it so serious. You won't die from this! LOL
And so what if you have moments of embarassment. We have all had this at one time or not. Yes... all of us in the ring have had our moments. Let's see... I had a judge make a fool of myself while in the ring and anoouncement rude comments to others sitting by the ring, because I could not hear her and took off around the ring before she was finished with her directions. Okay,... I made it through that time and learned to ask the judge if I can not hear her. I had a dog get out of his kennel while in the ring and a friend caught him. Thank goodness for friends. Okay, made it through that one... I remembered another time when someone else's dogs ran through the ring loose during judging and it was not his turn. Oh well!! LOL
If I could make it through these moments, so can you. You just have to get out there. There will be good days and bad days, days you win and days you loose. But at least you are doing something, you love and are interested in. And making memories with your dogs you love.
And remember.. you do not need to go to handling classes only. You can practice at home. I do and practice at the show as well. The show atmosphere is the best place to learn, since they get use to the smells, sights, and sounds of a real show. Just make it fun for them and you.
Let us know how it goes. And question.... where is your show next month?