I concur with the above post about setting up her own website. Also about the difficulties in breeding. But back to the original point of the article and post.

I have been involved in the show world for 5 years - one year of which - I helped groom, found out about ringside, judging schedules, etc, etc. I had no dogs to show. I think that articles that are informative and succinct are best for the absolute novice.

I also would like to highlight the point that we need to attract not only new blood to the sport of showing - but to do our best to make the show environment a fun one for the newbie. After all you are in the ring only for a couple of minutes - but the preparation for showing takes a very long time. the junior handlers competition is a great idea and when I can and there is one at a show I attend - I go over as a spectator and cheer the young ones on.

Finding a good mentor is so important - but not always so easy - particularly one in your breed. I'm thinking about all those folks who live in far away places. There is one woman I know that lives in Thunder Bay who travels down to Toronto and London for her mentoring. This is breed specific mentoring. In between - she communicates via email and pictures with us (our breed club) have great exchanges of information. She is a member of her local kennel club and takes handling classes there as well as obedience classes.

I also like the idea of a journal/blog - my experiences as a newbie showing. Links on her website to AKC and other authoratative articles about showing.

This is the best advise...

Thanks for all the advice. I will start a blog and my own site and try to untangle my stuff from my dads. I think I have tried to put my own ethics and thoughts into his site and it doesn't make a lot of sense. If he breeds pet puppies. His site should be about pet puppies. Our identities should not be put in the same place.

Part of my dilemma is that, but for my father, I would have never found my passion for Yorkies! :) So, I owe a lot to him. And, I am already VERY experienced when it comes to taking care of puppies, etc, so that's a good thing for when I eventually breed my first litter.

Based on what you are attempting to do, seperating your website from your father's is a great idea. However, I don't think that what you have is a dilemma: you are now becoming his mentor and teach him more as you journey through this wonderful life of yorkies.

I think this has become a very informative thread! I'm so proud of Sara for not becoming hostile over the advice that is being given. So many get so defensive over posts that are trying to help and this shows Sara is willing to learn and take advice to heart. I wish more newcomers to the showing and breeding aspect of this like Sara has. She did not become defensive and took the advice as constructive and helpful! It's those that become defensive aren't wanting to learn the right way and Sara does! I commend Sara!!!

Donna

:thumbup::thumbup:

Now Sarah - here comes the fun part - creating a new kennel name just for you! You will have fun doing this. Test out some for a few days before deciding that will have meaning to you. Good luck!

I know! That's all I have been thinking about for the last little bit, mulling over names and running them through MyAKC online to see if any of my ideas are already being used. I am thinking "Genre."

As I think that over, I am going to to start work on the websites.... I have learned so much about that over the last few years as well (a VERY slow learning process - you have to pay someont to teac hyou about that stuff, LOL). So, if anyone needs help with a website, I have gotten pretty good at HTML and PHP code. :)

I appreciate everyone not being mean to me. I felt like it last night and I wanted to get defensive, but I didn't see what that would accomplish. Honestly, I am new, I am learning, I am in the situation that I am in because circumstances put me here. I have no regrets for sure.

But, I am compeltely dedicated, and all I think about is Yorkies, all the time! :) I am going to do whatever I have to do to learn more and excel.

I really appreciate the advice on trying to breed a better line. If it isn't going to work, then I really don't want to waste my time. I mean, sure, I can make a better line from my dad's dogs, just not a show quality line. I mean, his dogs are all well-bred as far as pets go - no hereditary health issues, etc. But, I will just resign myself to the fact that they are pet dogs, and like it was said before "you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear". His focus should be breeding quality pets. That's what he wants to do anyway. He did great selecting dogs with excellent temperments. They are all sweet as can be, not yappers, very smart, and learn quickly. So, as pets go, they are excellent. But, I am not looking to breed pets what so ever. I want to own and show quality Yorkies and do my part to preserve and protect the breed.

Selecting a Kennel name......

Something that is meaningful to you.....something in your life, friendship, etc. Rothby is from Rothenbach, Tyava is from her husband and her name put together, This Time was because she started with yorkies she kept on saying This Time, I'm gonna do it this way and This Time I'll do this.....mine is my best friend since 2nd grade and my name together......

I was told a long time ago. If you don't like a litter you produce, sell all the pups and use the money to buy the best you can buy.

"Primrose" is from the place I saw my first Yorkie...
In an enclosed garden at Primrose Cottage.. in Lymm UK..

See, something meaningful.

That's why I was thinking Genre -

If it wasn't for my dad, I would never have fallen in love with the breed. His name is John, John+Sarah John-rah, Genre... :)

Viola!

Do a google search, that should tell you if the name is being used.

By the way ditto on not getting defensive when we were attempting to advise you. You can always seperate, by their responses and attititude from those that are truely in it for the passion of the breed and those are in it just to breed and sell.

Focus on yourself and what you want to accomplish.....that is the best advise you can give to newbies, by being an example.

I guess google would have been easier. :) I found nothing using google, but three yorkies born in the 80's with "Genre" at the start of the name. I figure that's far enough back that it won't infringe on anyone.

Genre Moira AlexandriaTC023168F02/24/1982Genre Spin Off Of Ca DreaminTC023169M02/24/1982Genre Noel BerryTC023170M12/05/1981

I found nothing on mine when I googled except finding out Mardelin meant Virgin Mary.....go figure......my name is Mary =, but a virgin.....3 kids, Not.

Sounds good..never heard it or seen in any mags, ads etc...:thumbup: