How Do You Show Breeders' Do It All?
 

I will try to answer..I'm trying to be quiet while my hubby winds down...

Well darn...I tried to highlight my answers in red but would not work for me or i am doing something wrong. my answers are in caps.
sorry.

My answers are in bold LOL
I hope this helped LOL....I also have to check on my mother who's in a nursing home and clean house and THANK GOD I have a hubby that likes to cook LOL

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

Ok I typed my response in another color...

How many Yorkies do each of U have now?
Well I work with my mom showing/breeding...but I personally have 3 over the age of 1 and 2 puppies I am running on for show.

Do U have certain days sit up for baths?
I try to give everyone a bath every 10-14 days, it just depends on my crazy schedule when that happens. Our show dogs get a bath every 4-7 days depending on their coats.

Do U bath all U're Yorkies on the same day?
Sometimes, but most of the time I do not have the time to do everyone on the same day.

Do U have certain days for training?
I train any day I can find the time. We keep the training sessions short and fun. Most of them love it and I really enjoy spending the time with them.

What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??).
My non-show dogs and the puppies with the late breaking blue who seem to blow coat are brushed daily. Show coats are done on bath days or when they are re-wrapped.

Do U do all U're Yorkies grooming/brushing on the same day?
No...

And then U're shows, how do U all find the time (U make the time don't U.) to do it all?
It is like anything else you enjoy in life, you make the time. I do not find that showing is hard to find the time for, but that breeding is...lol...I have missed more family occassions for a litter than for a show.

How many of U have small children that show Yorkies too?
No kids...not even a husband...I do as I please..lol


How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives?
It is one of those things that you just have to commit too. I have missed some shows I would have loved to attend. Sometimes I take the dogs to the show while mom stays home with the expecting mom, or we both stay home. You have to be willing to miss birthdays, funerals, weddings, recitals...etc...if need be. I am a firm believer in that you take responsibilty for the female you decided to breed. Our mom's welfare is always a first priortity. Of course there are extreme cases when you may need to pull away but you find a great friend or your vet to watch over your expecting mom.

I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?
Oh yea it is hard work, but it is so rewarding to see what you are producing especially when you know you are heading in the right direction. I have seen a lot of heartache in the last year and there were 2 occassions when I was ready to spay/neuter everyone...stop this and told myself this was crazy and why do I do this to myself and my girls...but the rewards do come back in such a big way. When you spend all this time, money and energy it is so hard to not be passionate about what you are doing...it just comes naturally at that point!

I appreciate your thirst for knowledge Lee, it's a great asset.

I just wondered of each of U Show Breeders here on YT that have puppies, females and males how do U do it all?

How many Yorkies do each of U have now?

I have 5 Yorkies and 2 Maltese

Do U have certain days sit up for baths?

No. I bathe my show dogs every 3 days and the others whenever they need it.

Do U bath all U're Yorkies on the same day?

Normally, I don't. When I show, I bathe, blow dry and flat iron the dogs every morning.

Do U have certain days for training?

I train every day.

What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??).

I have to brush the Maltese everyday. The others every few days.

Do U do all U're Yorkies grooming/brushing on the same day?

And then U're shows, how do U all find the time (U make the time don't U.) to do it all?

We make the time. There are times that we get little of no sleep.

How many of U have small children that show Yorkies too?

I have a 17 year old daughter and 11 year old son. My daughter has been showing since she was 11.. My son only shows when he is sure he will win.

Isn't it hard to raise small children and show Yorkies to? (I have 2 small girls 9 & 12, & 5 Yorkies & I have a hard time keeping up. I don't see how in the world U all do it)

I stopped showing when my children were very small. It is hard to to have the time or money when you have very small children. My daughter helps with the training and groomng.

Does U're hubbies help U? Yes.

How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives? I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?

I enjoy grooming and showing. I find grooming very relaxing.

Robbie, Thank U so much for U're input on this, U'll never know how much this does help one trying to learn! :)


Do U have certain days sit up for baths? YES.

I do that too and then some days if in the mood I bath all 5, now when I deep condition them each I split the days up.

Do U bath all U're Yorkies on the same day? NO WAY! LOL! ATLEAST I CAN'T.

Even tho we have the laundry tub in their room, my back still kills me, I thought if we put it in it would help with the bending over the tub and killing my back, well of course that didn't help. Guess it has something to do with growing older.


What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??). EVERY DAY THERE IS SOMEONE WHO GETS A BRUSHING.

That is what I do, which one needs it so to speak.


And then U're shows, how do U all find the time (U make the time don't U.) to do it all? YOU DON'T SLEEP MUCH AND "SOME" OF US STAY UP ALL NIGHT, LOL

I still don't see how U all do it, U've got to have the will and want. I have to say I truly look up to all of U who show!


Isn't it hard to raise small children and show Yorkies to? (I have 2 small girls 9 & 12, & 5 Yorkies & I have a hard time keeping up. I don't see how in the world U all do it) NO, HASN'T BEEN HARD AT ALL. HAS BEEN A JOY AND A BLESSING

Can I ask how old U're children are?

Does U're hubbies help U? OH YES! HE KNOWS HE WILL NEED "HELP" SOMEDAY TOO, HA


I think my Hubby would help if I ever showed, he does help now when need be.

How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives? I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U? I DON'T WHELP THAT MANY LITTERS.

We've only had 1 litter a year and I truly think that would be enough for me for now.

Donna, Thank U so much for U're input on this, U will never know how much this does help one trying to learn! :)



Do U have certain days sit up for baths? I bathe when it's time LOL

How do U know it's time? LOL


Do U have certain days for training? I train when the time comes

For U're puppies U mean?

What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??). Brush after a bath or when it's time to re do wraps

What do U use to brush? I know U're not suppose to dry brush so what do U use?

How many of U have small children that show Yorkies too? I wouldn't show if I had small children LOL

That's what I'm thinking too.

Isn't it hard to raise small children and show Yorkies to? (I have 2 small girls 9 & 12, & 5 Yorkies & I have a hard time keeping up. I don't see how in the world U all do it) That's why I'm glad I waited to show until after my daughter was grown and out of the house.

My Contract (That's what I say all the time :) )is up with my youngest in 9 years so maybe I can learn all I can by then and then become a Show Mommy too :) Who knows time will tell.


How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives? I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?

I'm thankful I work at the schools and I have summers off and I try to plan litters during the summer or if not I'm soooooooo glad I have an understanding boss and I just have to take time if I have too and my hubby helps when I have little ones or I try and plan litters around holidays since I get alot working with the schools LOL....if I didn't have a great job I wouldn't be whelping litters.

We have 1 litter a year and I plan them for Summer litters as my girls are out of school then, and I can make sure I'm here with our Mommy and Babies.

Jackie, Thank U so very much for U're thoughts. I do love finding out from U different breeders how U each do it.

How many Yorkies do each of U have now?
Well I work with my mom showing/breeding...but I personally have 3 over the age of 1 and 2 puppies I am running on for show.

That's nice U work with U're Mother, U can help each other out that way.

Do U have certain days sit up for baths?
I try to give everyone a bath every 10-14 days, it just depends on my crazy schedule when that happens. Our show dogs get a bath every 4-7 days depending on their coats.

If U don't wrap U're Yorkies then every ? days do U give baths?

Do U wrap U're Yorkies?


Do U have certain days for training?
I train any day I can find the time. We keep the training sessions short and fun. Most of them love it and I really enjoy spending the time with them.


Do U train each one separate or together?

What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??).
My non-show dogs and the puppies with the late breaking blue who seem to blow coat are brushed daily. Show coats are done on bath days or when they are re-wrapped.

How do U know when they are "Blowing Coats?" (How old are they when they "Blow Coats"? & Is it when they are loosing their puppy coat & their adult coat is coming in? Anyone else feel free to answer this too. Just trying to learn

And then U're shows, how do U all find the time (U make the time don't U.) to do it all?

It is like anything else you enjoy in life, you make the time. I do not find that showing is hard to find the time for, but that breeding is...lol...I have missed more family occassions for a litter than for a show.

I know what U mean, I make the time for mine, I try to keep a routine with them. I too missed occassions due to our litters being welped as I would not leave her. Had a chance to go to Cesars' boat free of charge, room paid and spend a few days but passed on it do to our litter was due, she ended up not whelping until the next week. But I couldn't leave her, everyone told me I was crazy for letting the chance pass me by as I've never been, but they don't always see the whys in staying with a Mother who is ready to whelp.


How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives?
It is one of those things that you just have to commit too. I have missed some shows I would have loved to attend.

Sometimes I take the dogs to the show while mom stays home with the expecting mom, or we both stay home. You have to be willing to miss birthdays, funerals, weddings, recitals...etc...if need be. I am a firm believer in that you take responsibilty for the female you decided to breed. Our mom's welfare is always a first priortity. Of course there are extreme cases when you may need to pull away but you find a great friend or your vet to watch over your expecting mom.

I know U must be willing to miss anything and everything when it comes to whelping litters, I will not leave my babies alone for nothing. That's the way I am my Mothers welfare is always 1st priortity, some people don't understand but they have to be. I have older daughters that will help if need be. (Thank goodness) & I would have to write everything down word for word what and how to do it, just like I would do for my children.

I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?

Oh yea it is hard work, but it is so rewarding to see what you are producing especially when you know you are heading in the right direction. I have seen a lot of heartache in the last year and there were 2 occassions when I was ready to spay/neuter everyone...stop this and told myself this was crazy and why do I do this to myself and my girls...but the rewards do come back in such a big way. When you spend all this time, money and energy it is so hard to not be passionate about what you are doing...it just comes naturally at that point!

I'm truly trying my best to head in the right direction with adopting Sage. It is hard when U're 1st starting out we all make mistakes as no one is perfect but I try to correct those mistakes and learn from them.

I'm sorry for U're heartaches U've been through even tho I don't know what they are. :)

I've never lost a Yorkie and I don't know what I'll do if that should happen, never lost a puppy either during whelping, that would be heartbreaking but I know it can happen. This is another reason I stay with my girls & new babies so much, to be there for them for the incase. I more less sleep, eat and drink with them lol. I'm just in fear that something could happen and me not be there. We've been very blessed to have good whelpings and healthy puppies. I just hope and pray that God will keep blessing us with good whelpings and healthy puppies :)

Tami, I was hoping U'd answer some of my questions! U know I always love U're thoughts as U do have such great wisdom on this subject & other subjects as well as others here on YT. Thanks so much.



Do U have certain days for training?

We train when it's nice out, usually on the dirt road. I'll set pups up on any high, non-slip hard surface throughout the day when I'm home.

Do U train them separate or alone?

I have the high counter top, need to get a bar stool chair for it tho, but it is nice for standing at while trimming. I've been picking each of them up as U would a Show Yorkie to put them on the counter top. Sofie is the only one who is skiddish of it so I have to make sure I have a tight hold on her as she sometimes trys to jump out of my hands.


What days do U groom/brush coats (every day, every other day ??).

We usually do top knots and a light brush in the evening on whoever is it need.

I need to learn how to do the top knots, never done one yet.
What rubber bands do U use & where do U get them at? (Anyone else feel free to answer this too) I would like to get mine all use to wearing the rubber bands as they are pretty use to wearing the terry cloth ponys.

What about puppies playing? Do they tend to rip/pull each others ponys out? I know mine do as they tend to bite at faces when playing and their teeth do get caught in each others fur. I'm trying to teach them not to bite at each others faces but that isn't easy. Anyone else feel free to answer also :)


The showdogs get brushed when I reband them.

Will have to learn to wrap & band them.


How many of U have small children that show Yorkies too?

I waited until my children were grown to pursue this dream.

That's what I'm thinking too, I think I might have to wait until my contract is up with my 9 year old in 9 years. lol. But during that time I can learn all I can about it all.

Isn't it hard to raise small children and show Yorkies to? (I have 2 small girls 9 & 12, & 5 Yorkies & I have a hard time keeping up. I don't see how in the world U all do it)

I would think it would be very difficult to do both though some manage it.

I just don't know if I could keep up with it all and I don't want in anyway to neglect my Yorkies or my children. (not saying anyone does but this is me and how I feel) So maybe it would be better if I wait till that contract is up to go after this dream of showing. Everything happens for a reason.

Does U're hubbies help U?

Terry is a wonderful partner. He keeps everybody happy while mom's away. He cleans up and feeds but won't groom or have anything to do with whelping. When it's Denali's turn he may have no choice. She's a daddy's girl and may insist that he's around when she whelps.

I think my hubby would help, he does help with them now even tho he fusses if he has to lol. (He didn't like cleaning the litter boxes at all, but the puppy pads he don't mind) Didn't help with whelping due to being gone to work, but he did call every few minutes to see if she had whelped another one.

Tiffanie was a 100% daddy's girl too, but as soon as she got pregnant she dumped hubby and came to me, then once her puppies was like 6 to 5 weeks old she dumped me and went back to hubby. It was like she knew he didn't know anything about whelping, it was kinda strange how she done it all. She wouldn't even sit on his lap any while pregnant. I loved it. Made me feel so good to know she trusted me that much.


How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives? I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?


I don't get alot of sleep! I can take the dogs to the shop with me if need be. If I have a gal that's due within a week I take her to the show with me. If she's due within days I stay home. I agree with Jackie, she's my responsibility and I don't leave her side. Terry has a rotating schedule so he's home during the week at times. We just do what we can to make sure the pups aren't left alone for at least the first week of their lives.

This is how I feel my Yorkies all 5 of them are MY resonsibility and I will not put them aside for nothing or no one. I take care of their needs before mine are met sometimes :)

I appreciate your thirst for knowledge Lee, it's a great asset

U're very welcome Tami, I want so much to learn to do what is right with Yorkies even tho I don't show them I still want to learn. I do keep all replies from everyone here at YT and I'm making me a little book and I put it in my show learning folder, just like I do with my whelping, grooming, health and ect. folders, that way I can always go back & refer to it if need be. U never can learn to much on the Yorkie Breed. :)

Before I bought Mingtoy , her breeder showed her in few Sanction matches and a real dogshow . He told me that he wanted to be honest with peoples asking for show Yorkies .

Iwolfe, Don't know U're real name sorry. I want to thank U for U're thoughts also. I love hearing from everyone & what they do and what works for them.



Do U bath all U're Yorkies on the same day?

Normally, I don't. When I show, I bathe, blow dry and flat iron the dogs every morning.


What kind of blow dryer do U use? I have the Andis one from pet edge.

What name brand flat iron do U use & where do U get it?

How do U flat iron a Yorkie? Never done it.


How many of U have small children that show Yorkies too?

I have a 17 year old daughter and 11 year old son. My daughter has been showing since she was 11.. My son only shows when he is sure he will win.

That is nice they are involved with U.

Isn't it hard to raise small children and show Yorkies to? (I have 2 small girls 9 & 12, & 5 Yorkies & I have a hard time keeping up. I don't see how in the world U all do it)

I stopped showing when my children were very small. It is hard to to have the time or money when you have very small children. My daughter helps with the training and groomng.

My girls want to help me now with the grooming but I still think they are to young yet, maybe when they get older.

I think I will have to wait until my contract so to speak is up with my youngest daughter lol


How in the world do U all fit whelping into U're busy lives? I go a look at all U're photos of U're beautiful babies and I think how in the world do U all keep up. God love U all, it must be so hard to do it all. I bet U get so tired, don't U?

I enjoy grooming and showing. I find grooming very relaxing

I find the grooming relaxing too, love to do it :)

"Can I ask how old U're children are?"

Lee, my daughter is almost 11 now and she has been a junior handler since age 7.

well I say kuddos to all of you. Ive been to alot of shows and someday maybe...........I trully envy you all. Linda

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I can see it takes so much hard work. I have kids 8 and 15. I also have fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. With that said, I'm having to give serious thought as to when I can actually pursue my dream. I have enough energy for my family and yorkies at this point. It's really hard, but fun and rewarding.

[QUOTE=Susan123;1923602]I don't want to hijack this thread, but I can see it takes so much hard work. I have kids 8 and 15. I also have fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. With that said, I'm having to give serious thought as to when I can actually pursue my dream. I have enough energy for my family and yorkies at this point. It's really hard, but fun and rewarding.

There are 2 people in my area that show from power wheel chairs. One of them show a big breed. It is the most amazing sight to seem them flying around the ring. It is a nice dog and she wins a lot. There is one lady that uses a scooter to get around because of her disability. She drives the scooter up to ringside, gets out shows her dog and then gets right back in. I have had 4 back surgeries and it is sometimes hard for me to get on the ground so I have trained my dogs to free stack. When I am having a bad day, I let them do all the work. When I know that I am not going to be able to get down to stack my dog, I tell the ring steward and she tells the judge. I have a cart that I use to carry my gear and crates and I use a lightweight table instead of a heavy ringside table. A handicap tag also helps because the clubs often uses parking that is close to the building for club members and judges. It can be a long walk from your car to ringside.

My right hand was paralyzed for a while and I still showed my dogs. I was very slow setting my dog up on the table but the judges were very patient.
I even learned to do a topknot with one hand. I can look back at pictures and see that it wasn't the best topknot in the world but it was good enough.

Having said all that, I have to tell you that the adeneline rush is so high that pain goes away. I concentrate so hard on my dogs and getting them ready. For those few hours nothing else enters my mind.

I love that you all make time to follow your passion i feel like that is so important.:) and we are all glad that you do it because you provide the rest of us with quality beautiful babies. thankyou.

I will vouch that you are one of the strongest women I have ever known.
When I first met you, I was amazed by your determination and how you overcame your disabilities to continue doing something you loved.
Not only that, but your willingness to always help others. I owe you so much..and then some. You are the reason I continued to pursue my dreams and passion even when I felt that I couldn't. Not only have you been a friend and a mentor to me in yorkies and showing...but you are a great friend in life. I don't know what I'd do without my "ghost hunter".

Ghost hunter;) If you think the car rolling up hill backwards is wild, just wait until you see the ghost of Berryhill mansion shine her light on the railroad tracks.

Oh I can't wait. Ashley and I still have chill bumps from "Lydia" at spooky hollow. I told Michael about the car rolling up hill...now he wants to go and do it.
When I go back to Va Beach, I want to take the ghosts of va beach tour.

You are so sweet. I sometimes think it is not determination but obsession that keeps me going.

I encourage you because I know you have the drive to do great things. I was born into a show home so I never had to face what many of you do. It is so hard to get a good dog and, when you do, it is hard to find someone to tell you what to do with it. There are some wonderful, caring breeders but there are also some very rude ones. I will always help people get started because I love this sport and want it to always be here. Besides that, I don't want to have to drive all over the country looking for majors ;).

Talk about hijacking a thread - Sorry that I had to preach.

[quote=lwolfe;1923894]Thanks for this post, I found it to be very encouraging. I also imagine the adrenile rush is awesome enough to help you push through. I'm in a flare and have gotten very downcast concerned if I would be able to do it. Since being diagnosed at 32, I've gone through grieving for the things I use to be able to do and have since been trying to adjust. Adjustments can be made and allow me to follow my dream. Having this goal and loving the breed is great inspiration. And so was your post, Thank you.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I can see it takes so much hard work. I have kids 8 and 15. I also have fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. With that said, I'm having to give serious thought as to when I can actually pursue my dream. I have enough energy for my family and yorkies at this point. It's really hard, but fun and rewarding.

Susan123 (Don't know U're name sorry) Please don't think U're hijacking this thread for U're not. My Sister has Fibromyalgia & she is a dibetic also. It is very hard on her too, she is on different meds that has caused her to gain weight and she just keeps on going, how I don't know. She too has a 12 year old daughter. She helped my Father plant potatoes yesterday and he back I know will be hurting her bad.

All U can do it try if this is really what U want in life. Never say Never is what I tell all 4 of my daughters. & I can't don't get it done, I can gets it done. I have 1 daughter who is such a Doubting Thomas, I always tell her stop saying I can't. I know the Fibromyalgia is very hard to live with from what my Sister is going thorugh. But if U want to do this bad enough, then do it, don't let anything or anyone tell U that U can't, U'll have some stumbling blocks I'm sure but just go right over them!! I wish U the best and if U want U can PM me about my Sister and her Fibromyalgia.

I know when my girls grow up and if I still want to show, there will be nothing or no one stop me that's just me, if I want to do something bad enough get out of my way, I'm gonna try my best to do it. Hugs, Lee :)

There are 2 people in my area that show from power wheel chairs. One of them show a big breed. It is the most amazing sight to seem them flying around the ring. It is a nice dog and she wins a lot. There is one lady that uses a scooter to get around because of her disability. She drives the scooter up to ringside, gets out shows her dog and then gets right back in. I have had 4 back surgeries and it is sometimes hard for me to get on the ground so I have trained my dogs to free stack. When I am having a bad day, I let them do all the work. When I know that I am not going to be able to get down to stack my dog, I tell the ring steward and she tells the judge. I have a cart that I use to carry my gear and crates and I use a lightweight table instead of a heavy ringside table. A handicap tag also helps because the clubs often uses parking that is close to the building for club members and judges. It can be a long walk from your car to ringside.

My right hand was paralyzed for a while and I still showed my dogs. I was very slow setting my dog up on the table but the judges were very patient.
I even learned to do a topknot with one hand. I can look back at pictures and see that it wasn't the best topknot in the world but it was good enough.

Having said all that, I have to tell you that the adeneline rush is so high that pain goes away. I concentrate so hard on my dogs and getting them ready. For those few hours nothing else enters my mind.

U all are amazing to me, U do what U have to do in order to be where U want in the Show World and U do give us that has this dream also the want even more to do it. Thanks so much for sharing with us. :)

Oh I can't wait. Ashley and I still have chill bumps from "Lydia" at spooky hollow. I told Michael about the car rolling up hill...now he wants to go and do it.
When I go back to Va Beach, I want to take the ghosts of va beach tour.

Can U please share about U're Ghost Hunters here? I love Ghost Stories and I love haunted houses. This is getting off subject tho maybe we should put this under the off subject fourm so we don't get into trouble. What do U all think, if U're willing to share could U make a new thread there with U're details. PLEASE.

You are so sweet. I sometimes think it is not determination but obsession that keeps me going.

I encourage you because I know you have the drive to do great things. I was born into a show home so I never had to face what many of you do. It is so hard to get a good dog and, when you do, it is hard to find someone to tell you what to do with it. There are some wonderful, caring breeders but there are also some very rude ones. I will always help people get started because I love this sport and want it to always be here. Besides that, I don't want to have to drive all over the country looking for majors .

Talk about hijacking a thread - Sorry that I had to preach.

No U're not hijacking the thread lol, U all are giving us U're thoughts too and it does help us new ones (At least it does me)
I was not born into a Show Home so this is all new to me, and it is hard on us new ones to learn all the right ropes so to speak, this is why I ask questions so much to learn for I don't think we can ever learn enough about Yorkies.

It is hard to fing a good dog to help U have those beautiful show puppies and then if U do want to go on to show, there isn't many out there that is willing to help U learn what U need to learn. Thanks for all U're thoughts. :)