I have looked at prelim entry breakdown. It seems like Dara will be competing against probably 6-7 puppies at the National, then against 7-6 other class dogs. to put this in perspective Sweepstakes are open to puppies, under 18 months old. So in advance of the judging schedule in puppies under 12 months old, she is competing against a maximum of 7 females, then the 12-18 month class then the open class.


Okay the idea is to get her into Winners Bitch ring, and it looks like she has a good chance to do that - dependent upon the breakdown of puppy class entries per age group and of course the quality of dogs. Which I won't know until tomorrow.


If she wins her class she will be eligible for best puppy in breed then best puppy in group. That is puppy class ends at 12 months old and 12-18 month old class is not eligible for puppy awards.


I know this can seem rather byzantine, it took me a longish while to figure this all out. But hey what can I say.

Dara did well as a visitor to an indoor show. She got to run on the plastic runners they put down. I saw some paw slippage, very common for a large breed dog, and I do have a product to aid in *stickiness* of the paw if and when it goes on concrete.


She acted confident and happy, despite the concentrated smells and sounds with in an indoor show environment.


As always my trainer has given us more homework. It is the short run to the big day......

Enjoying hearing all about it. I had some idea of what goes into showing a dog but had no idea of the utterly endless, nonstop details and huge efforting it takes to prepare and enter shows. Dara is doing her part, too. I'll bet she is getting really big compared to that puppy you brought home!

Thanks Jeanie. We are doing the prelim packing. I have almost finished cooking up the 5 dinners for my sister who will be staying home this time, to take care of Magic. Magic can't travel with us, because his rabies titer test won't be done in time:( It is okay as sis is not so fascinated with doggy shows lol. And Magic will be on guard duty at night, so I feel okay with leaving sis home, and the neighbours all have agreed to look in on sis.

I have the grooming supplies almost packed, just mixing up my shampoos and gathering together the conditioners I will need. Extra collars, leads, harnesses (Razzman), gathered up. I usually spend about 10 minutes throwing some clothes into a bag for me:)

Printing off all my entry confirmations, routes, and hotel info. We have notification of our arm band numbers etc.

Unfortunately due to show times, Dara won't be able to partake in the health clinics ... but I hope to manage to get her entered into CGC on Friday. But there is a 20 dog limit entry and the show starts Wednesday and we don't arrive until Thurs, so I shall see if there is a spot available to her.

Our first aid kit is always packed, but I also make sure to have diarrehea and anxiety stuff with us.

Last will be our food for the trip, as we try to eat our lunches that I make, and I will pack some frozen soup to do us for a couple of dinners.

We will have to purchase raw food first thing on Thurs for the pups, and some minimal grocery shopping for the humans too. We love our coffee! I bring a French press and usually buy a lb of coffee. We can't stand motel coffee!

Thurs all going well we arrive mid-day - go immediately to show grounds, set up our crates etc, wash Dara, blow her dry. Go to motel, check in, get set up there - do food shopping etc. Walk every-one, big long walk.

Then onto show grounds earlish Friday. Prior to that - full one hour exercise with our very energetic gal, and basically have fun with her. I usually do the teeth at the motel, after early morn feeding. And that feeding will be hand fed with the beard moved up and out of the way. Final grooming is done on site. For Blackies, I will blow dry the beard. Make sure ears, eyes are sparkling clean, check nails (again). Fluff the hock area, snip errant hairs. Final check of collar and lead for integrity. The coat should shine like black velvet when the light hits it, not one single tangle or knot palpable. Early to the show grounds is a good policy, because you are not rushed, and then you take your dog for a walk around with lots of treats and toys, and especially for a puppy you make it a fun time!!! Well at least that is how I do it.

I hope I can sneak her home made treats across the border - we shall see. If not I can purchase some pure liver treats at the pet store

Very exciting time for us! Oh yes we have bumped up Dara's food to put a little more weight on her, as she is kept in sports condition usually. That means she is eating 3.5 lbs a day. But she is burning off a lot with the conditioning exercises too! Ilona said on Friday, okay now you bump up her food, cough cough, well we started last wk to bump up her food.... lol lol, so we have bumped up even more now.

Nationals are pretty important - in fact they are if not the most important, one of the most important shows a breeder attends.

I am so looking forward to hearing Dr Denis Obrien speak on Saturday night about the new genetic test for JLPP!

I will try to post pics and vids to facebook or something.

Gail, your energy, zeal, dedication to improving the welfare of dogs, how to enrich and enhance their lives with us, is amazing to me. You are tireless and dedicated as none I've ever known. I love reading every detail of your constant pursuits!!!

Good luck! Tibbe and I are pulling for Dara and you!!!!!!!!!! You both have that fire in the eyes and such competitive spirit, so go get 'em, girls! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Thanks Jeanie, but it truly is a team effort.! We are very much looking forward to the Nationals. It is the most important show a breed has.


So let me say this, in a regular show, when you also have Nationals the judges know that the competition is very very fierce for BOB. BOB goes into group, a group judge weighs all the 25-28 breeds for that group, but knows that the National Specialty winner is in the ring. There are a few National Specialities for different breeds that weekend.


WE all go out to cheer on our breed in the group. That is what we do as breeders of a breed, despite where we placed at the Nationals. It is for me quite exciting.


I do remember in the group ring when my breeder friend was competing, all the other exhibitors of Blackies were there ringside, there was water available all four corners of the ring, I had extra treats to give to the handler should she need them. We shouted and cheered for our breed in the group ring, and so did the other breeds do so. The judge smiled and said, I hear you all, so wonderfull.


It is unabashedly partisan for the lovers of the breed in the group ring; but trust me once sentiment is over we dissect the placements, and sometimes have to admit these 4 finishers were perhaps better than our BOB....

Good luck!

Thank you!

Daras' Registration num came through!
 

:Well the CKC has sent me her registration number - wow via email only took them 8 days to communicate with me. That is fast for the CKC.


So now I can fill out the AKC paperwork and send that off to AKC.


So we should be in good shape if Dara earns any points this wkend:p

I am almost finished packing, just the food which I do in the am, the sandwhiches I make tonight Razzle to finish grooming tonight. And my overnight bag to pack. I even managed to remember a hairbrush for me; lol lol I am going to bury a few packages of pre made raw under my frozen soups, and hope that they decide not to check out the total contents of the cooler. I do have a sealed un-opened bag of kibble, and hey there are grocery stores for meat all over da country:p

Indoor shows are nice, we don't need to pack the shelter, the fans, the coolers, the cool coats, etc, etc.

US money purchased, passports checked and in car, as are doggy rabies certificates. I also take their full medical records with me.

Living room is less full of staging stuff, what a difference only showing one dog makes !!

I am going to leave my Nikon at home, hubby is taking his, and I am going to take my little Sanyo Video camera.

Just a couple of emails to send to my USA friends, I need them to save me some grooming space, and to book if necessary the bath time for the tubs on the show site.

\Oh yes Ilona has come up with plantar fasciitis, and I need to remember to get some Dr Schools heel cushions, also Epson salts, and a cold pack...My handler needs to be able to run with my gal;) I am also bringing some massage oils and juniper essence. If you have had it is pretty painfull and can take a long time to heal up.

We leave quite early tomorrow am, and I will be the first driver to the border (of course), my hubby can barely blink at 5 30 am.

I want to get as far to Md as I can tomorrow, so that we have a very light/short drive in on the Thurs. Thurs big set up day, Dara will need plenty upon plenty of exercise with that long car trip, and she will get wash blown dried, and groomed for show on Friday. And of course we have to find some dog food, ppl food, check into motel, etc.

That's all for now folks.

I hope your dreams continue to come true with Dara. I will be thinking of you and cheering for you, Dara, and Ilona from afar. Have a safe and wonderful trip. I wish you and your family great health, happiness, loving times shared, and endless precious, memorable moments. I really hope Ilona feels better. Please send Dave and Ilona my love and good wishes too.

We have stopped for the night prox 60% there. The doggies are quite excited to be in a new place, and travelled very well in the car.


I was able to sneak some doggie raw food across the border, so their tummys are replete with their home food.


Dave just came back from a one hour walk, and I will *cook* some soup for supper. Razz and I had a shorter walk about.


Next will be some bath time and play time for us all :-)


Post some more tomorrow.

The Nationals are over.
 

Once I get the official results I will post. We all were very very happy with Dara's first show experience, and that in a indoor environment with a relatively large show, and of course a huge Blackie (BRT) entry.


Friday was a tad rough, as she adjusted to her environment, but still she was admired by all. She placed first in her class Fri and Sat, for the Nationals.


Moms made a big error as all the hoopla that surrounds the BOB end, we Dara and I missed the best puppy in breed judging:mad::mad: In golf there is a saying, never up never in, in dog shows, you can't win if you don't show up lol but really crying inside at my error. The President of the Club grabbed my arm and said get in there, but my armband was AWOL, and by the time we found one, I was too late.......... A grrrrr

Dara showed well and her trainer Ilona was very pleased with her. Each day better focus and showing. And I did over hear some comments - that gal can move! Which she can verra verra well. But she is smallish, and needs to put muscle mass on her, to compete with the older gals.

Of course my battery chose to conk out when Dara first entered the ring, I changed the battery but I only got a few vids * I think * of her in the ring.

We shall see if Dave got some good stack photos or movement pics!

Hope everyone is well here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8_4...ature=youtu.be


Winners Bitch competition - National Specialty. Dara is second from the end with the blonde woman

She looked great. Very well trained

Thank you!

CGC Title - short video of part of CGC
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-70F...ature=youtu.be


Obviously some hiccups but she passed :-)

Life goes on
 

The big news is the Snow we have here, and how my darling Dara, just loves to play in it. *I truly should try for a video of that*


Lots of paperwork to do for Dara, register her with AKC, pay the fee, order the JLPP test kits, book her appt for full blood work and the Thyroid offa panel, find a Rally novice class we can attend, grooming appointments, and try to see what health clinics are up and coming early next year. She will not be shown until at least spring time, she will have matured more by then, and hopefully some competition will be available.


Dara is her regular sassy self and Magic has decided enough is enough, he now has pinned her to the floor by the back of her neck. She bounces back up and tries for him yet again:D Not yet dear lady, he has at least 30 lbs on you and he may be old and slow, but he is a very powerfull senior boy. I am hoping that she will settle soonish, before Magic gets too frail, and I might have to intercede. Dara is a dominant gal and needs to learn that her feminine wiles will not always trump the alpha male. They are each doing their doggey thing, and so far so good. She needs to learn respect and Magic is just the man to teach her.

So life goes on, and now it is time to turn attention to all things Xmas!

I am very happy to read and see that you had a good trip and made it safely to the show and back. Dara is gorgeous! She obviously loves you too. I saw her sneak a peek at you when she was working the ring.

Congratulations on completing her CGC and for her accomplishments in the Nationals.

Thanks Kristin.:) Have a great day

Hiking with Blackies at Hilton Falls Ontario
 

Some short vids. The falls were very pretty, and our day was mild.




https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...type=2&theater




https://www.facebook.com/n/?video%2F...gi%40gmail.com

Very pleased to report I now have 4 folks on my waiting list for a puppy of Dara's breeding. Every-one knows her age, and she has to pass all the health tests that can't be completed until 2yrs old.


2 to 2 breeders and pet owners. And this without a website LOL LOL and only one showing in the USA.


The 2 breeders are performance breeders, so we had long detailed conversations about the training she is undergoing. They loved her videos of dock jumping, and wonder when I will CD her? LOL - gotta love the performance breeders (and I do). They would be reluctant to source a puppy from *just a show dog*. They want working titles on the dog. They wanted to know detail about her temperament (of course), her working drive which is very good - but still a puppy -easily distracted. They want videos more of them of me working with her. Sent the other day :-)


We talked in detail about the females of our breed - they are generally more hard to work with than the males - more variable in their attitudes. Hey gals we all know PMsing.....


Anyhoo just updating Dara;s thread......

Dara is a beauty, and you are doing a remarkable job raising and training her. You took great care and time waiting to find a wonderful breeder and trying to ensure as much as possible to find a healthy, beautiful representation of the breed with the right temperament. I'm really happy for you, especially hearing how much you love Dara. The wait will be worth any amount of time to get one of your gal's pups when the time comes.

Could not have been put better :thumbup:

Thank you Lisa and Alyssa! Dara has indeed grown, we had to let out her halter a notch around her chest - we use this halter for pulling.


Ilona is pleased with her development, and noticed that she has matured a lot in just 6wks!


Monday we pick up an old used tire to put on the back of her halter - so she starts to pull something :-)

Over a month since last posting!
 

Let's see. Dara is being kept in show groom. She is now into her second heat...and the boys are being pretty good. But it does mean Moms doesnt' walk her very far, so she has been more home bound for awhile.


She has learnt Stand n Hold. Which is important as she hopefully will be my service support dog. Once past 18 months old she will learn drafting, although she is already learning to pull on a halter.


Her first snow here she absolutely adores! I've actually never met a Blackie that did not love the snow :)

I have missed our posts about Dara and hearing about your entire family. It must be difficult for all of you now that Dara is in heat, but I'm glad the boys are handling it well. I think Dara will make an excellent service support dog for you. You create such a beautiful, powerful, and protective bond between you and your babies. I'm sure Dara will love giving back some of your protectiveness and love that you so freely give to her.

Katie loves the snow also.

Thanks Lisa. I am very pleased with her deportment during heat, she is actually quite a hussy lol. So we need to be extra cautious with the two blackies. Razzle god love him is willing,,, but he about comes to the top of her hock joint :)

Dara is finally coming out of heat. Thank God. I was beginning to worry a bit. The boys are still agog, but her physical symptoms are diminishing.


Dara and I .in house have worked on Retrieve, Give it, Take it, Heel around. Down n Stay. Of course my two males are whining and putting up a fuss cause I am working with her, while they are in their crates,


But she did very well dispite the distractions

I need to remember the dog owners prayer! Succinctly it is, this too shall pass....Dara is trying my patience! She is just so full of energy, she comes back from a walk more charged up then when she left for her walk. I can't wait for summer to swim her lots.


She continues to try to dominate Magic (poor boy), and has taken to leaping up on him; I stop that right away, and remonstrate with her - but so far that falls on deaf ears. Her enthusiasm appears to know no bounds.


She continues to try to climb up on my chair with me in it, and other various and sundry behaviours she is strongly discouraged from enjoying.


That's all for now

Met with a potential new groomer. I think I am getting really old, as everyone looks so young these days :-)


Dara continues to mis-behave and just quite possibly may be improving somewhat.


\I might take her and Razzle to a tracking seminar in June. Looking at some Canadian shows to take her to - potentially mid April near Fergus Ontario.


I am really anxious for the warmer weather to get here. And as soon as I wrap up taxes will move on the health clinic testings.