First Dog Show

[smelcerk]

Originally Posted by gracielove

This is amazing. Have you learned how to groom a show coat? I know that is a major hurdle when dealing with the long haired show dog. All that wrapping.

I grew up helping my relatives that were into showing dogs but they did not breed Yorkies or any small dogs. I learned enough about the business to know I was not cut out for it. Later I decided to show Himalayan cats and that was an experience in itself. A lot of work but a lot of love as well. But showing both cats and dogs can be a high competition "hobby." There are people that want to win at all costs. There are also some very fine people who do their best for the breed. It takes a while to distinguish who is who.

It sounds like you have a great mentor so I hope you stick close to her and learn all you can. Best of wishes to your and your show girl!

No. I have not learned how to groom a show coat. I am "learning" but from what I can see, it is very very complicated and may be over my head. What I have learned so far is to never never never let the groomer cut my girls' hair. I told her that and swear she still snuck in a few snips. So next time, I might stay and watch her like a hawk. I have also learned to groom a little myself each and every day. At this point just wanting her to learn that grooming is pleasant and will be happening forever so she might as well relax and enjoy the attention. Don't even get me started on wrapping. That looks way too overwhelming but I am going to study my heart out and cross that bridge when I absolutely have to. I personally, hate the entire look of those hideous wraps. Showing may or may not be for me. Set myself a 5 year goal of giving it 100% effort and then will make the decision of whether to keep on. I have been talking to tons of people and can really see that some love it and some hate it. No idea which of those two camps I will fall into.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by smelcerk

No. I have not learned how to groom a show coat. I am "learning" but from what I can see, it is very very complicated and may be over my head. What I have learned so far is to never never never let the groomer cut my girls' hair. I told her that and swear she still snuck in a few snips. So next time, I might stay and watch her like a hawk. I have also learned to groom a little myself each and every day. At this point just wanting her to learn that grooming is pleasant and will be happening forever so she might as well relax and enjoy the attention. Don't even get me started on wrapping. That looks way too overwhelming but I am going to study my heart out and cross that bridge when I absolutely have to. I personally, hate the entire look of those hideous wraps. Showing may or may not be for me. Set myself a 5 year goal of giving it 100% effort and then will make the decision of whether to keep on. I have been talking to tons of people and can really see that some love it and some hate it. No idea which of those two camps I will fall into.

You definitely should not take a show dog to a groomer, unless they show a coated breed themselves. Pet groomers do not understand correct products and techniques for keeping a show coat. They will use cheaper shampoos (sometimes even dawn), slicker brushes, and may trim hair where it shouldn't be. Keeping a show puppy groomed isn't very difficult as the trimming is minimal. You will need to learn how to shave and trim the tips of the ears and shave in between the paw pads & trim around the feet. As your puppy gets older, sometimes the bottom of the coat may need to be trimmed up a bit or some stray hairs on the face, but someone can show you that as your puppy grows. Then when in full coat, you'll have to learn how to trim the bottom of the coat so that it doesn't impede the movement of the dog. But I really encourage you to NOT take your dog to a groomer, ever. Bathe & trim your dog yourself.

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by smelcerk

No. I have not learned how to groom a show coat. I am "learning" but from what I can see, it is very very complicated and may be over my head. What I have learned so far is to never never never let the groomer cut my girls' hair. I told her that and swear she still snuck in a few snips. So next time, I might stay and watch her like a hawk. I have also learned to groom a little myself each and every day. At this point just wanting her to learn that grooming is pleasant and will be happening forever so she might as well relax and enjoy the attention. Don't even get me started on wrapping. That looks way too overwhelming but I am going to study my heart out and cross that bridge when I absolutely have to. I personally, hate the entire look of those hideous wraps. Showing may or may not be for me. Set myself a 5 year goal of giving it 100% effort and then will make the decision of whether to keep on. I have been talking to tons of people and can really see that some love it and some hate it. No idea which of those two camps I will fall into.

I agree with MyFairLacy in that your pup should not go to a regular groomer. Gracie is not a show dog but I take her to a small local dog salon that is run by a lady that has shown Shih Tzu s for years. I am really picky about how someone grooms her and this woman is excellent and only does what I ask her to do. If you could find someone nearby that knows about show dogs it would be a big help to you.
My best advise would be to go to some shows with someone who is showing a Yorkie. Watch and learn. You need to learn the tricks of the trade for growing out a good show coat, not to mention the show ring ins and outs.
Hopefully, your mentor has directed you to some good reading material about the subject but there is nothing like actual hands on experience for learning how to groom and handle.
There are also shows for people trying to get their dogs experience in the ring. They are not official shows that rack up points, just for experience for young dogs and owners. Your local club will have a calendar of events.

[smelcerk]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

You definitely should not take a show dog to a groomer, unless they show a coated breed themselves. Pet groomers do not understand correct products and techniques for keeping a show coat. They will use cheaper shampoos (sometimes even dawn), slicker brushes, and may trim hair where it shouldn't be. Keeping a show puppy groomed isn't very difficult as the trimming is minimal. You will need to learn how to shave and trim the tips of the ears and shave in between the paw pads & trim around the feet. As your puppy gets older, sometimes the bottom of the coat may need to be trimmed up a bit or some stray hairs on the face, but someone can show you that as your puppy grows. Then when in full coat, you'll have to learn how to trim the bottom of the coat so that it doesn't impede the movement of the dog. But I really encourage you to NOT take your dog to a groomer, ever. Bathe & trim your dog yourself.

Thank you for this advice and I am going to take it. I will just add this to the million other things I am going to need to learn to do this thing the right way. I feel like I just need to start doing this stuff one step at a time and keep trying to get better and better each time. I need to not be too hard on myself and just do my best and learn from each mistake.

[maggiesmom_2007]

Good luck and besides what has been said about the grooming just remember to always have fun and no matter what happens in the ring win or lose keep it positive for your pup .

[gemy]

[QUOTE=MyFairLacy;4511380]You definitely should not take a show dog to a groomer, unless they show a coated breed themselves. Pet groomers do not understand correct products and techniques for keeping a show coat. They will use cheaper shampoos (sometimes even dawn), slicker brushes, and may trim hair where it shouldn't be. Keeping a show puppy groomed isn't very difficult as the trimming is minimal. You will need to learn how to shave and trim the tips of the ears and shave in between the paw pads & trim around the feet. As your puppy gets older, sometimes the bottom of the coat may need to be trimmed up a bit or some stray hairs on the face, but someone can show you that as your puppy grows. Then when in full coat, you'll have to learn how to trim the bottom of the coat so that it doesn't impede the movement of the dog. But I really encourage you to NOT take your dog to a groomer, ever. Bathe & trim your dog yourself.[/QUOTE]


Unless they are a show groomer and in specific for Yorkies...

[gemy]

Originally Posted by maggiesmom_2007

Good luck and besides what has been said about the grooming just remember to always have fun and no matter what happens in the ring win or lose keep it positive for your pup .

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by maggiesmom_2007

Good luck and besides what has been said about the grooming just remember to always have fun and no matter what happens in the ring win or lose keep it positive for your pup .

I agree. Just have fun and remember it's just a dog show