Show Dogs - Share some tips?

[Lady of Yorkies]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

I recently spoke to a handler, he suggested if you want to protect the coat without wrapping he uses neutragena body oil/cream rinse combo

he said good dog shampoo them mix 2 tsp of oil, 2 tbs of cream rinse (like suave) in a gallon of warm water mix very well and slowly pour and massage into the hair, rinse well but not too well, blow dry lightly.

He also suggested shampoo them every 5 days.

Brush boys coat less and girls coats more often.

Kimberly, what kind of shampoo does he use? I was using dog shampoo but everyone who doesn't seems to be happy with the condition of their pets coats so I switched back to people shampoo. I am going to buy some Mane and Tail tho.

[feminvstr]

you know he didnt mention a brand I told him I was using plush puppy and he said good was all...

I too think I will try Mane and Tail its every where here

[Lady of Yorkies]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

I recently spoke to a handler, he suggested if you want to protect the coat without wrapping he uses neutragena body oil/cream rinse combo

he said good dog shampoo them mix 2 tsp of oil, 2 tbs of cream rinse (like suave) in a gallon of warm water mix very well and slowly pour and massage into the hair, rinse well but not too well, blow dry lightly.

He also suggested shampoo them every 5 days.

Brush boys coat less and girls coats more often.

Kimberly, what kind of shampoo does he use? I was using dog shampoo but everyone who is using people shampoo seems happy with them. I am going to buy the Mane & Tail, both for the dogs and us. Do the silk coats tend to look as oily as the cotton coats after 2 or 3 days? My babies are a mix, looks like 4 silk coats and Autumn a cotton coat. Today the groomer agreed with me that her coat is cotton. Is it possible for a pup to start out as a cotton coat and change over to a silk coat, or is a cotton coat a cotton coat? I stopped using conditioner because they look so oily after just an hour or two.

Sorry I didn't see it post so I did a new one. LOL

[wnalegria]

Originally Posted by Lady of Yorkies

Mr. Big is going to be a silk coat when he finishes changing. It's just two different lenghts so he looks scruffy. His coat isn't long enough to drag yet but we are going to take him in and have it trimmed a little. I just got his pedigree and there are no champions in the last 3 generations. I have been told that if there aren't any champions in the pedigree that it is hard to win. I know there have to be exceptions to the rule but he's not going to reach 4#, I don't think. So I have also been told, from more than one source, that the Judges don't like such small dogs, even tho they are within the Yorkie standard. I don't expect to win anything much but I am thinking of letting his breeder train us to show in the ring. If Kathy can let hers be pets as well as show dogs, I like that idea. I am seriously considering showing him. I have a list of questions to ask his breeder about 10-12 questions long so far.

If your breeder is wiling to mentor you- go for it with gusto. Get in there and learn everything that you can. Check and see if your local kennel club has puppy classes that you can go to. They are fun and will give you and your baby experience. You don't want him jumping into the judges arms like my Blockhead.

Do not be discouraged because of a lack of Champions in a pedigree- take things one step at a time. If you have a good quality dog-who likes to show take the baby steps and try. When you enter the ring who but you knows how many Ch.'s are in a dogs pedigree. There a wonderful breeders who have great dogs- they breed them to the standard but yet none of their dogs are a champion. because they never showed them. Nothing wrong with that. Size does matter. Some judges do not like a dog under four pounds- do they finish yes. It may take longer- it may take a handler- you will have to find judges who like that style of dog. You will have to do your homework.

My Buster may not be specials material if and when he is finished- I don't care
I really doubt that I would special him when finished - I would rather spend my money on another puppy with the handler. I am quite happy with him having a good time and being a dog. I did that wrapping biz back in the 70's and early 80's and I am quite happy not doing it at this stage of my life.

[YorkieRose]

Campaigning a Specials is for a select few IMO..tough, tough road for dog and owner.

[Lady of Yorkies]

Well, that post went into cyberspace! I asked what is Specials? Sylvia

[YorkieRose]

After a dog has achieved its championship title you can continue to show it in the Best of Breed class.
This type really needs to be a cut above to win the breed...exceptional coat is needed...a Special with no facial furnishings or broken top knot will have a hard time taking the breed over a well turned out class dog.

Ava Tyree's boy, Wyatt is an example of a suburb Specials. He finished his title and now he is shown in the breed..and that is how you become number one in the breed.

[wnalegria]

Just as showing your dog to a Champion is not everyone's cup of tea, The Specials is the same thing. Many a nice Champion has been retired once they are finished. It is a personal decision that each must make. Some folks will just hit a few shows after completeing their Championship- There is no right or wrong just what works for you and your dog. That is what is so wonderful about Showing-lots of options.