My confidence is wavering....
 

I should probably say it's out the window! I've been to 2 handling classes with Libby and the next 2 weeks they are closed for the holidays but there is a show about an hour away in Jan. I might be able to get one, maybe 2 more handling class in but each time I go, the more I realize I have to learn. I have been to shows as an observer and have watched on tv but actually doing it yourself is so much different! I realize I have A LOT to learn. I was going to enter Libby in a puppy match just for fun. I don't expect to do well... is that a bad attitude to have? She's pretty tiny and also has that habit of carrying her tail down. But I thought more than anything it would be good for me just to get me more used to things. Now I'm starting to feel like I will make a total fool of myself. I'm starting to chicken out! Can anyone give me some good advice here? Am I doing the right thing or should I forget it?

We all have confidence issues when we start, but we have to learn to control them as what you're feeling transfers down the lead to the dog and affects it's self confidence too. What you're feeling may be affecting her tail. So, walk into that ring like you have the best dog there......Other seasoned handlers will pick up on your lack of self-confidence. Believe, me judges and others are really helpful and considerate to the newbie

You're right it is much different watching than actually getting in the ring. You will learn more as you do get in the ring. In a matter of months, the more and more you are out there, it will all become 2nd nature to you.

I remember as a spectator....I'd watch handlers/owners come out of the ring sweating.....I'd say to myself what can be so difficult about taking a little yorkie around the ring. It's not like you're gaiting a Dobbie, Shepard around the ring. Once I got in the ring myself......I found out about the sweating...these lil guys can give you a real work out.

Remember handling classes are great but, you and your dog will learn more in the ring.

Are you doing the right thing? Yes! I can tell you this from experience. You just have to get out there and try. No one is going to judge. What matters is, to yourself, is knowing that you are trying your best. If you give up - all you have taught yourself is giving up is easy to do. If you want something bad enough, you have to work at it and just try.

I have had to get started twice, once in my 20s when I first got into yorkies and then again about 4 years ago when I returned to yorkies. I think it was much harder this 2nd time around. I I think about its meaning way too much. I have a bad habit of analyzing too much. I have loosened up in the past year and am now enjoying it, like I did the first time. You have to tell yourself to have fun and not make it so serious. You won't die from this! LOL

And so what if you have moments of embarassment. We have all had this at one time or not. Yes... all of us in the ring have had our moments. Let's see... I had a judge make a fool of myself while in the ring and anoouncement rude comments to others sitting by the ring, because I could not hear her and took off around the ring before she was finished with her directions. Okay,... I made it through that time and learned to ask the judge if I can not hear her. I had a dog get out of his kennel while in the ring and a friend caught him. Thank goodness for friends. Okay, made it through that one... I remembered another time when someone else's dogs ran through the ring loose during judging and it was not his turn. Oh well!! LOL

If I could make it through these moments, so can you. You just have to get out there. There will be good days and bad days, days you win and days you loose. But at least you are doing something, you love and are interested in. And making memories with your dogs you love.

And remember.. you do not need to go to handling classes only. You can practice at home. I do and practice at the show as well. The show atmosphere is the best place to learn, since they get use to the smells, sights, and sounds of a real show. Just make it fun for them and you.

Let us know how it goes. And question.... where is your show next month?

Theresa,
I can tell you from experience. There were plenty of times when i asked myself if it was all worth it, then i looked at Friday and how much she enjoyed being in the ring and I knew that it was. I had some people tell me I would never get her finished because of her coloring but I kept going to shows and although I didn't get her finished in AKC I did with UKC. I know some think that showing UKC is easy, well it may be for some but I worked hard with Friday and I am proud of that accomplishment. What I learned from showing Friday I am putting towards showing Bolt. I can only tell you the same thing you've already been told, Go in the ring like you own the place and Libby will feel that way to. Walk with a purpose and smile. Don't get discouraged if she doesn't win , just tell yourself that you both did good and there is always the next show. Good luck my friend and I hope to see you in the ring.

Thank you. I know you are right but needed to hear this!

You are right. I won't melt from embarrassment and I will look at this as just a fun thing for us! Thank you for your encouragement! My show is in Glens Falls NY!

Thank you! :p

Theresa, I know how you feel. It is especially stressful when showing a puppy for the first time. My biggest fear is having the puppy freeze and not want to walk. I have seen pros that have been showing for years have problems in the ring. Puppies refusing to walk, puppies rolling over on the table, puppies jumping around wildly, dogs pooping or peeing in the ring, the list goes on. Everyone is always very understanding and encouraging. I have seen many judges that were very patient with puppies and newbies. You will do just fine. Just the fact that you are going to handling classes shows me that you are willing and anxious to learn. Being in the show ring is not a lot different than the handling class. You will do just fine.

Thanks! Actually you just about summed up all my fears! In handling classes Libby does great when we are going around but when they have me to a triangle or an "L" she gets confused and just stops and she looks at me as if to say "You're going the wrong way!" I have a really hard time getting her going again. I know I really have to work on that...

I have seen long time, well know show people trip or fall down, drop the lead and the dogs runs off...and drop bait, brush and comb etc..practice at home..then go and have fun. Remember, if you are anxious those feelings travel down the lead like lightening...

Good luck

In nearly all the shows I have been to the judges do not do the L. Generally the judge will have everyone go around as a group, then the judge will examine each dog on the table and then have them just go down and back, then around to the end of the line. Sometimes if there is only one dog in the class the judge will have you go straight to the table. That is why it is very important to get to ring side a little early so you can observe how the judge is doing things, they are all different. Most importantly, if you are not sure what the judge wants you to do then just ask. Most judges are very understanding but some can be cranky. At one show I attended the judge would not allow anyone to use a toy in the ring. I thought that was a bit weird.

Well, that's good to know! I was really stressing about that "L" thing! Good tip about getting there early too. I will do that! Thanks!

If you can set up near other yorkie people. There are some judges that won't allow toys, bait, brushes and there are some that will not allow any product or hairspray in the topknot. So, by setting up and asking questions...you'll get an idea what each judge prefers...now what they prefer in a dog.....sometimes that isn't very evident.

Remember walk in the ring like you've got the best dog.

Some judges will ask for different patterns. You said you've attended handling classes, they usually hand the patterns out.

There is not subsitute for real ring experience. Handling classes are very good - but in the final anaylsis they are not the "real" thing.

Go in and have fun - it's a lot about internal attitude - and yes your confidence does transmit down that lead. So does your sense of adventure and fun.

Well just last weekend I ended up showing - when I didn't think I would be - I had on a pair of rocker shoes. Oh dear - I knew I was in trouble - but I said what the heck- here we go. My Magic and I started to run - I was waving around - he was looking up at me - and Gawd I over balanced and went down on one knee. Magic put on his brakes - turned to look at me - walked back and kissed me on the face. My knee was hurting like blazes - he has been trained to brace me as I lift up from the floor. Well my face was beet red - I hobbled the rest of the way around the ring. We lost of course - but I was so proud of my boy!.

So the moral here - is get used to the shoes you will show in prior to show day.

All I have to say is go for it! You will never know if you dont get out there!

The biggest word of advice is not to let your dog feel your nerves. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of it all and even easier to "take it out" on your dog, so to speak. Just remember, they are dogs--their idea of fun is digging holes and chasing squirrels not the forever grooming and walking around a silly ring.

Play with her and make your demeanor confident but also engaging. You want her to associate the ring with fun and later when shes older you can work on the semantics. Right now you want her happy and prancing!

Oh I cant forget! One of the best pieces of advice that was given to me was "Shows are not won or lost by a topknot!" Especially helpful to think about when you cant get a topknot just right!! :D

Best of luck to you both!

I empathize with you! I have a puppy match first Sunday in Jan then the following week, I will take a friend's dog into the ring for my first time. Feeling a little bit of jitters... but gotta start somewhere... Been going to classes and shows... Listening to my breeders advice... My own girl won't be 6 months in time for the January show. Her first time out will be the sweeps in NY - big stage - if I don't "chicken out!" LOL Trying to remember, it's supposed to be fun! We will have to be in touch about how we both did as first timers! :)

Yes, please let me know how you make out! Maybe we can meet up in NY. I'm planning on going just not sure yet for how long or which days....

Well... match show over yesterday. It was a lot of fun. No pressure... My 5 month puppy girl did pretty well. She was first out of 2 puppies and then went second in puppy toy group out of 4 - not too shabby. Better than I expected. My breeders 14 month male had no competition in his class, and took third out of 4 in toy groups - not awful. He was a little nervous. I think all the noise still gets to him. We are working on building confidence and acclamating to noises. This Sat and Sun I will be showing him in a regular show... then on to NY and sweeps with my bitch, she will be 7 months. If I don't lose my nerve, I will collect my number for the classes on Sat & Sun at the Yorkie specialties. :D

Good start! It will get easier each time you go in the ring. Remember, most important thing, have fun! New York will be a wonderful experience for you, win or lose. So many wonderful Yorkies, exhibitors, breeders...so much to see and so much to learn and so many new friends to make! Enjoy!!

Well, this weekend was my first "point" show! Saturday, I showed one of my breeder's dogs and took winners dog over one other dog (my breeder's other dog). So my first show and my first point! Sunday, reserve out of 2 dogs - my breeder took the point that day. A friend's bitch took BOW both days. I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. Sort of like going on auto pilot. Just remembering what we do in conformation/ handling classes and it was over before I knew it! Next stop - NY! Good luck to everyone exhibiting! :)

Congratulations on your nice weekend. I am glad it went well for you. It will just get easier the more you show. Will you be showing in NY? Good luck to you.

I just wanted to update you all...

I DID IT!

We just got back from our first show. I tried not to be nervous but couldn't help being a tad bit nervous. We walked away with a red ribbon and some very nice comments from the judge.
Libby didn't perform as well as she has at handling classes but I'm sure that's my fault and we will keep working.
All in all, I had fun and will definatly do this again!
Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement!

:thumbup:I knew you could do it. Getting that first show behind you is a big step. I am sure the show bug has bit you. Keep up the good work.:)

:thumbup::thumbup: well done.

congrats Theresa!

Congrats! Our show got snowed out today and the way it's looking tomorrow isn't too promising. Are you showing tomorrow as well? If so, good luck.

Way to go! :thumbup:

Thats wonderful! Glad you had fun and plan to show again.

Congrats! I am glad that you had fun, we have really enjoyed being in the ring. It is a whole new learning experience! Congrats again!

Way to go Theresa, It will get easier as you go.

Congratulations on your ribbon and your jump into the ring! There is no stopping you now!! :)