Gemy, you have been very helpful. ^^ I do like strict teachers becuase I believe in standards and tradition, they are implentated there for a reason. Nancy is also very nice and educating, I can tell people here really do care for the breed. I just want to express that I am grateful and happy that I've joined this forum. The only thing I don't like is that I make typos and it's always too late to go back and edit them out ; ;.

I'm going to go on Amazon to find/purchase for the book you recommended Gemy, "An eye for a dog" :D

Also I looked at a link from Nancy Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals and wrote down a few breeders in my area. Would it be creepy to ask them questions...out of nowhere? How do I find a mentor? ; ; I will be looking into local clubs too. Can you guys be my mentors? This is very different when I met breeders at the shows, they are not as...well, I am more comfortable with you guys from what I can tell now. Again, I am very thankful for all the help I've been given so far.

I strongly dislike the politics and the ugliness (runs away) that I've encountered before at the shows.

I think a person can learn a lot reading the old threads of Yorkietalk, if you read enough you get a pretty well rounded view on things. I'm not a breeder and can only tell you my experience from talking to breeders. Shows are busy time and you should go to shows not only to meet breeders, but get a feel for the whole thing. I think it would be okay to call a breeder and tell her you are interested in showing. You could ask her if you could meet her at the next show she goes to. Ask her if there is any way you can help her, you want to learn all you can. Be patient. Young women’s interest changes, and nobody wants to spend months teaching you, and have you run off to the next interest. Concerning the politics, there's politics in everything I guess, and I've read two good pieces of advice that should help you go far. "Develop a thick skin." Guard you reputation, it take years to develop a good reputation, but only minutes to ruin it.


Here's some good information from the AKC: American Kennel Club - A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows

This page also has a list of terms, learn the language of breeding so that when you finally find a mentor she doesn't have to start from scratch. A breeder might say, "The bitch is in season", and you must know exactly what that means! :D

Nabe look at the shows as a way of educating yourself about the breed. I agree, it is so very hard to just walk up to a show breeder/exhibitor and say Hi.

But many folks do that with me when I am at shows; and in particular shows that seek to draw the public in.

You need to really hook up with your local dog club.

When I entered shows, I already had a mentor in place. Who introduced me to the other breeders, etc.

Now I realize I was lucky two times over. But I still for many years just watched and learned. And now, I have developed a "skill" that is recognized as a structure and gait analysis kind of gal.

It took almost 10 yrs to develop this rep.