|
Welcome to the YorkieTalk.com Forums Community - the community for Yorkshire Terriers. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. You will be able to chat with over 35,000 YorkieTalk members, read over 2,000,000 posted discussions, and view more than 15,000 Yorkie photos in the YorkieTalk Photo Gallery after you register. We would love to have you as a member! Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please click here to contact us. |
|
| LinkBack | Thread Tools |
12-19-2009, 07:36 AM | #1 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny
Posts: 5,847
| 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? |
Welcome Guest! | |
12-19-2009, 07:54 AM | #2 | |
Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California
Posts: 14,776
| Quote:
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.
__________________ Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers | |
12-19-2009, 10:26 AM | #3 | |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA
Posts: 3,787
| Quote:
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? Last edited by topknot; 12-19-2009 at 10:28 AM. | |
12-19-2009, 10:44 AM | #4 |
YT 1000 Club Member | 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.
__________________ Lori, Friday, Olivia, Miranda , Chanel and Casey |
12-19-2009, 11:54 AM | #5 | |||
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny
Posts: 5,847
| Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
| |||
12-19-2009, 12:05 PM | #6 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| 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. |
12-19-2009, 12:10 PM | #7 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny
Posts: 5,847
| Quote:
| |
12-19-2009, 12:21 PM | #8 |
No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida
Posts: 8,577
| 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 |
12-19-2009, 12:22 PM | #9 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| 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. |
12-19-2009, 02:40 PM | #10 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny
Posts: 5,847
| Quote:
| |
12-19-2009, 02:45 PM | #11 | |
Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California
Posts: 14,776
| Quote:
Remember walk in the ring like you've got the best dog.
__________________ Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers | |
12-19-2009, 02:46 PM | #12 |
Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California
Posts: 14,776
| Some judges will ask for different patterns. You said you've attended handling classes, they usually hand the patterns out.
__________________ Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers |
12-20-2009, 11:13 AM | #13 |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | 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.
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 |
12-20-2009, 10:04 PM | #14 |
No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: CA
Posts: 459
| 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!! Best of luck to you both! |
12-21-2009, 10:11 AM | #15 | |
Donating YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY, USA
Posts: 302
| Quote:
__________________ Pam, CoCoa, Billy, Tuesday, Saucy, Snowflake, Sivi *More Furry Faces* wwwYTCGNY.org | |
Bookmarks |
|
|
Thread Tools | |
| |
|
|
SHOP NOW: Amazon :: eBay :: Buy.com :: Newegg :: PetStore :: Petco :: PetSmart