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Originally Posted by swan  I don't know why I feel so chatty, but I do. I imagine some people might wonder why someone would want to do this at all. I am a successful coach, teacher, husband. I am involved in intense, high level competition as work. I am 33 years old and I own my own home. I have had a lot of adversity in my life (I lost my mom in my teens to cancer, lost my dad in my twenties to alcoholism). I imagine some people might ask why I want to do all this. To me its because if it were not for my Yorkshire terrier I wouldn't have had a chance. I owe the breed big time. I don't need a pity party, I am a success in my life. But the breed has been so good to me, I genuinely want to help, be a part of it, make things better for the future. I know it sounds cheesy, but my Yorkie got me through the hardest times in my life. I am deeply motivated, the love I have for the breed is wholehearted. |
That sounds like a real good reason to get into showing and one day breeding. Your young take your time, learn all you can from your mentor. take the courses anything by Carmen Bataglia (sp?) Dr Jean Dodds on thyrodism/immunity etc. study genetics (there are on line beginner courses you can take), get real real familiar with all the genetic or thought to be genetic diseases of Yorkies, we have some good articles here and in the library, really spend time in the Sick and Emergency forum to begin to understand the emotional and financial cost of poor breeding. Go to lots of shows to observe (with your mentor if possible). Join your local breed club. Watch some of the YOrkies in the performance events be it rally, obedience, or agility. Start to really really learn structure: Here are some references - an Eye for a dog. by Robert W Cole. Dog Steps a Dvd and old one by Rachel Page Elliott - this is a fantastic video. Dr Chris Zink - she lectures go to any of hers - Building the Canine Athlete is a very good DVD.
Get your hands on as many dogs as you can. Watch ringside, really really watch - put your dog away pull up a chair. If you are very very lucky- you might get the experience I did and get individually tutored by a ring steward who just happened to also be a very well known All Breed Judge. Videotape the handlers - set your camera up on a tripod - then press record and you then sit and watch the ring - trust that your camera will pick up things "you" did not see with your eye.
Pick your placers/winners etc in the ring. How close were you to the judges decision? Eavesdrop discreetly on the breeders who will always be drawn to their breed in the ring, even if they don't have a dog in the show. When I do judging seminars - the judges always want me to talk about what the breeders are saying when they watch the ring competition. Even if you don't match on the placement order ie 1 2 3 - count yourself lucky if you have picked the same three from a packed field.
It is never too early to start your judges book. THis is where you record which Judge you have observed, and your interpretation of what he/she might like. Go to as many National Specialities as you can. Here you will get to see many Yorkies and most of the top breeders will be represented.
I know pretty daunting isn't it? And I have not even got to pregnancy whelping, stud agreements, sourcing a female - pedigree research etc.
Just think that this can be for you a lifelong passion. Go slow, but go deep, you will never rue the knowledge you glean.
Good luck in and out of the ring.
