Yes, it is the same. They use the down and back mostly.

Thank you, Im going to save the link

ok, im going to try to get there early enough to where i can watch a few groups, and study how other people perform, the guy that im handling for, will be in the ring with me, so thats some what of a ease

There's also a book by George Aliston "The Winning Edge" great book for handlers. There use to be a training session with him that you could view on the internet. I think it was on the IAMS web site.

:thumbup::thumbup: thank you!

Hope we've helped you and if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

And remember have fun and don't forget to breath.

Let me tell you a story. When I first started I traveled with my mentor and her then handler. Learning everything I could. Training, grooming, etc.
I'd get the dogs ready for him, all except the topknots. Well! it came the time that he wasn't going to be able to attend a show in Tulsa, OK and guess who was going to have to put up a topknot and show 2 of the 3 dogs that I had to groom.....that's right, me. I didn't sleep for 3 weeks, I was so nervous and scared.....so, we all start somewhere.

I found it on Amazon for $18.45

Everyone has been a BIG help....I'm glad i got more feedback then when i posted...Ill keep everyone up dated on the practice runs and how the show went!!

Thank you everybody!!!!!!!

WOW! This has been a great thread. I have read all of the comments . . . very informative . . . interesting . . . and at many times hilarious! I am interested in learning how to show . . . not sure if my little one will ever be able to show . . . maybe in some smaller, local things . . . . but one day . . . hopefully . . .

I am so glad! I live in Georgia too! We have really big shows here in Atlanta and several other surrounding counties - we get an average of 22 - 30 yorkie entries a day during the cluster shows. We get the best - some real tough competition. Would love to see you at the show. Best of luck!

You have received some very good advise here. I do wish you the best of luck. I can't wait to hear how you do.

I think one important thing beginners need to know, besides how to handle a dog, is to actually know how the judging is done. It is important to be ready when your class is called. It is always good observe how the judge is doing things ahead of time so if possible watch him judge some other breeds before the Yorkies go in. All judges are different in how they do things in the ring. They don't all follow the same patterns. I know there are a few judges that don't like you to use toys or bait. Thank goodness most judges don't care if you do.

If you get a 1st place in your class then be ready to go back in for the winners dog or winners bitch selection. If you get a second place then you still need to be on standby to go back in case the dog that beat you gets winners then you would have to go back in for reserve winners.

Most importantly be sure to let your dog relive itself before going into the ring. I always put scrunchies on the coat and walk the dog before I start grooming and doing the topknot. I don't feed them a big meal the morning of the show. I know one of my worst experiences was the second day of a show and right before going in the ring my puppy got diarrhea all over his coat. :eek: I had to rush back, clean him up and then back to the ring. I was a nervous wreck. I think the bait I had been feeding him over the weekend did not set well with him. Sometimes no matter how hard you try to make things perfect, things go wrong. Just try to stay calm. If you mess up then you will right up there with the rest of us. Just chalk it all up to a learning experience.

Thank you both, and I was not even the poster! Topknot I have seen several of your posts, and I am glad to know you are from GA! I am starting to look into the clubs. I would like to attend some shows! just to see what it's all about.

My mistake, I was thinking you were the original poster. I do hope you get to attend some shows. You never know, you may end up with a show baby some day. Best of luck to you.

You are in a good spot - not too far from Altanta. You have the Columbus Dog Club in your area and I would also join the Greater Atlanta Toy Dog Club too - in Douglasville. Sorry - we do not have a Yorkshire Terrier Club in our state. We meet up a lot though at shows. The shows near your area are Perry, Atlanta, Marietta to the north and you are not that far for the Montgomery AL show. So you have some really nice shows to attend. You will learn a lot faster by going to the clubs and attending shows. Best of luck.

The best advice I've seen posted thus far is to have FUN! But like others have said it's always best to know what you are doing and that is a lot of watching before hand. It's always good to go watch a couple of hours before you show at the ring you are gonna be in and watch the exhibitors and the judge and see what they all are doing. You'll see some carry their dogs in, walk their dogs in, wear pants, skirts ect...just do what you feel comfortable wearing "flat shoes" a must. In the old days men "always" wore suits and ties and women "always" wore skirts. I use to wear slacks but now "always" a skirt "BELOW" the knees LOL...no one wants to see my butt LOL...Just remember like most have said just jump on in there and have FUN FUN FUN :) It's the best feeling in the world!! One more thing LOL...when and if you lose always smile :)

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers