Tips for new exhibitors

[yorkieK9trainer]

No problem txhopper!
This is a pet peeve of mine. lol, one of many! *grr*

[yorkiemom1970]

I have many pet peeves, but an un docked tail isnt one of them. If he's a proven winner, it can be done. When we retire our dogs, show or not, as ethical breeders we spay/neuter before placing. Anethesia will come into play sooner or later.

Just to elaborate...I love un-docked tails, but unfortunately that is not how it works in this country if you want to win. So... I dock, I dock, so shut me up with a sock! LMAO!

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by yorkieK9trainer

"you could but this pup is over a year old and you could have problems, I just wouldnt suggest it...JMHO..."

What kind of problems could you possibly have w/ a proven dog? Proven as in the ring; health documentation and a solid temperment?? I don't understand. What are you saying?

Further, why buy a pup that you may not be able to finish? ISN'T THAT WHAT WE DO WHEN WE BUY "SHOW PROSPECT" PUPPIES? lol *duh*
However, this dog HAS been shown and successfully. He may not do well under an AKC judge because of his tail, but history shows it has happened. I think it'd happen more often too if more people had the cajones to put them in the ring! I don't like them myself, but I will still conceed that a structurally sound Yorkie is still sound w/ or w/o a tail!

Further-
As far as putting this dog under for surgery goes (to dock his tail) he is SAFER because of his weight. Anesthesia is a tricky thing no matter how you look at it, but if a preanesthetic blood panel is done before the surgery and the dogs weight is over 3 lbs, there are few complications! Not a big deal, really. And as far as the pain factor goes? I've had a handful of dogs (at least) that I've docked at an older age (various reasons) and in my experience the pain and aggrivation that they show is FAR less than a spay or neuter- which is deemed a "routine procedure". So what? Just because one is cosmetic and one isn't it's somehow better? Not in my opinion, they both can be painful and every dog is different and procedures vary (i.e. laser being better than blade for post surgery pain or sensitivity).

jm2c

I can see where you're coming from though and I still think this would be a good proposition for this novice.

All sounds logically to me.

[sylvan]

Originally Posted by yorkieK9trainer

*duh*.

that was real nice.....

I have to disagree with the attitude here, and though it may be difficult to find a show prospect here in the US, it is certainly not impossible. I would be leery of purchasing what appears to be a possibly soft-coated, high shoulder, undocked dog for showing here in the US. Sound and healthy is great, but.. Desirable type varies from region to region even within this country and your assumption that "He would grab the attention of the crowd and even the judges in her area." is really assuming alot.

[yorkiemom1970]

Originally Posted by sylvan

that was real nice.....

I have to disagree with the attitude here, and though it may be difficult to find a show prospect here in the US, it is certainly not impossible. I would be leery of purchasing what appears to be a possibly soft-coated, high shoulder, undocked dog for showing here in the US. Sound and healthy is great, but.. Desirable type varies from region to region even within this country and your assumption that "He would grab the attention of the crowd and even the judges in her area." is really assuming alot.

When did it become difficult to find a show prospect here in the US?

[AngelMia]

OKAYYYYYYYYYYYY! I purchased a German little female with a full tail, mind you she is not show quality just yet! She was purchased and I took the chance of buying her as show POTENTIAL. I was told here that a Yorkie with a full tail will never finish. I did my research, spoke to a couple of vets and they all responded with the same answer, it's not such a big deal! Your taking the same risk as if you were S/N them. As for pain, they do better. That's my own experience, my Monique did get her tail docked not to long ago. Just two wks to be exact, and yes she was a bit in discomfort for part of the morning of the next day. All I gave her was one baby aspirin in the morning and evening of that day and she was good as new. What she didn't appreciate was the e-collar which she finally got used to and it just became part of her. I have had my dogs S/N and it has taken them a few days to recover. As to the age, all the vets that I approached told me it didn't matter if it were done immediately or 10 months down the road! I was in a rush to get it over with because I felt the sooner the better. Here's a couple of photos of her the very next day! The one you see her out in the grass area she had managed to slip out of her collar!
Now mind you it was very hard to finally give in and do it, I even got sick to my stomach after all was done! I felt sorry for her and I also felt I was the cruelest person on earth!
But if you feel there is no other option, it's really not all that bad as it seems.
Good Luck!

[AngelMia]

You are so right Irene about training your dog on the grass as well. I was the one that had a hard time with Oreo this past week-end because I only trained him on concrete! The poor guy was hopping and prancing on the grass instead of walking! So yes please take in consideration the grass! I did know it was going to be outdoors but it didn't dawn on me that would make a difference. OHHHHH us WANNA BEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZ1

Originally Posted by YorkieRini

1. Train your dog to walk on grass.

2. Dont' leave the show until you get your pictures taken. The do them at the end of the show. I left drove an hour out and came back when Theresa told me about the pictures.

3. Don't wait to register the day of the show. Register online otherwise you may not be able to enter day of the show. I missed the first show because of that.

4. Don't be discouraged if you don't win all of the shows. You dog is a winner no matter what, he/she needs to put on a show for the judge at that moment..practice practice at home. Go to handling classes.
Find them here: http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training_clubs/

5.Practice your topknot..I love this presesntation
http://www.purepaws.net/Top_Knots_files/frame.htm

6. Make sure your show dog eats. I gave Dice McD's hamburger patty all weekend he LOVED it..lol

7. Becareful around large dogs. A Mastiff went after a Crested at the IABCA and in my handling class a Mastiff went after another Yorkie.

Long Live the Wannabes!!!

[princesspippi]

Thank you guys for all your help.

[yorkieK9trainer]

"... and though it may be difficult to find a show prospect here in the US, it is certainly not impossible. I would be leery of purchasing what appears to be a possibly soft-coated, high shoulder, undocked dog for showing here in the US. Sound and healthy is great, but.. Desirable type varies from region to region even within this country and your assumption that "He would grab the attention of the crowd and even the judges in her area." is really assuming alot."


- Not an assumption. A few AKC judges traveled to Hungary and took a look at this dog and a few others from the area and were quite pleased w/ him and said that they would certainly put him up and that we needed dogs like him in the US. Further, his coat is correct and yes in the photo he does have high withers, but look at the handling! He's practically on his tippy toes in the photo w/ his head craned up. Not a good representation of the dog by any means, but you post what you can when ya can. Two photos shouldn't sell a dog, that just gets your attention. Talking to those that know the dog will and then seeing a good variety of photos (self stack, different levels, blah blah blah...) will help even more in a decision if you can't meet the dog.
And what I was saying about finding a young adult to compete w/ IS indeed difficult! Not many breeders here in the US are willing to sell a dog that in their opinion can certainly finish to a novice handler. I dare you to find ONE! And even more, one that wouldn't reem the person on the purchase price and potentially a ridiculous contract? (Contracts are necc. Don't get me wrong! Just I've seen some outlandishly ridiculous ones out there). No, a breeder is wise to keep those dog to themselves or place those dogs to experienced show homes. So, my point was that she would have a heck of a time finding one here that has as many good points as this boy does, not get reamed on the purchase price and has nice tight joints w/ a personality to boot. You tell me if I'm wrong?
And yes WBC does do contracts-she's fabulous about keeping in touch w/ her progeny too. Almost to a fault!

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by yorkieK9trainer

"... and though it may be difficult to find a show prospect here in the US, it is certainly not impossible. I would be leery of purchasing what appears to be a possibly soft-coated, high shoulder, undocked dog for showing here in the US. Sound and healthy is great, but.. Desirable type varies from region to region even within this country and your assumption that "He would grab the attention of the crowd and even the judges in her area." is really assuming alot."


- Not an assumption. A few AKC judges traveled to Hungary and took a look at this dog and a few others from the area and were quite pleased w/ him and said that they would certainly put him up and that we needed dogs like him in the US. Further, his coat is correct and yes in the photo he does have high withers, but look at the handling! He's practically on his tippy toes in the photo w/ his head craned up. Not a good representation of the dog by any means, but you post what you can when ya can. Two photos shouldn't sell a dog, that just gets your attention. Talking to those that know the dog will and then seeing a good variety of photos (self stack, different levels, blah blah blah...) will help even more in a decision if you can't meet the dog.
And what I was saying about finding a young adult to compete w/ IS indeed difficult! Not many breeders here in the US are willing to sell a dog that in their opinion can certainly finish to a novice handler. I dare you to find ONE! And even more, one that wouldn't reem the person on the purchase price and potentially a ridiculous contract? (Contracts are necc. Don't get me wrong! Just I've seen some outlandishly ridiculous ones out there). No, a breeder is wise to keep those dog to themselves or place those dogs to experienced show homes. So, my point was that she would have a heck of a time finding one here that has as many good points as this boy does, not get reamed on the purchase price and has nice tight joints w/ a personality to boot. You tell me if I'm wrong?
And yes WBC does do contracts-she's fabulous about keeping in touch w/ her progeny too. Almost to a fault!

I am learning so much from you, it's like common sense. Thank you!!

[AngelMia]

Originally Posted by yorkieK9trainer

"... and though it may be difficult to find a show prospect here in the US, it is certainly not impossible. I would be leery of purchasing what appears to be a possibly soft-coated, high shoulder, undocked dog for showing here in the US. Sound and healthy is great, but.. Desirable type varies from region to region even within this country and your assumption that "He would grab the attention of the crowd and even the judges in her area." is really assuming alot."


- Not an assumption. A few AKC judges traveled to Hungary and took a look at this dog and a few others from the area and were quite pleased w/ him and said that they would certainly put him up and that we needed dogs like him in the US. Further, his coat is correct and yes in the photo he does have high withers, but look at the handling! He's practically on his tippy toes in the photo w/ his head craned up. Not a good representation of the dog by any means, but you post what you can when ya can. Two photos shouldn't sell a dog, that just gets your attention. Talking to those that know the dog will and then seeing a good variety of photos (self stack, different levels, blah blah blah...) will help even more in a decision if you can't meet the dog.
And what I was saying about finding a young adult to compete w/ IS indeed difficult! Not many breeders here in the US are willing to sell a dog that in their opinion can certainly finish to a novice handler. I dare you to find ONE! And even more, one that wouldn't reem the person on the purchase price and potentially a ridiculous contract? (Contracts are necc. Don't get me wrong! Just I've seen some outlandishly ridiculous ones out there). No, a breeder is wise to keep those dog to themselves or place those dogs to experienced show homes. So, my point was that she would have a heck of a time finding one here that has as many good points as this boy does, not get reamed on the purchase price and has nice tight joints w/ a personality to boot. You tell me if I'm wrong?
And yes WBC does do contracts-she's fabulous about keeping in touch w/ her progeny too. Almost to a fault!

You've made another good point! Look at the handling! I did no justice to my Oreo handling him the way I did in a couple of shows. I did not realize until I looked at a couple of photos where I was stacking him, I had his hind legs so stretched out that made him look much longer than what he truly is. He should have looked square and compact. My bad for not realizing it in time to correct it. It is so important to know what you are doing to help your dog look his best. And if it weren't for the judge that took her time to tell me afterwards I would not have searched for the photos and seen it for myself.

[Nazir's]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

Great thread but I was advised NOT to feed your dog the morning of a show you really dont want him to have an accident in the ring. Not a pretty sight!

While I do not have a yorkie yet, I am loved by and exhibit miniature pinschers and I do not feed my kiddos before a show.

97% of the time they are shown very early in the morning, so it's not too hard on them at all but it makes it a whole lot easier on me when showing because that little piece of bait looks like breakfast to them. They are more eager to please, they are more food driven, and I have avoided accidents from happening while in the ring (has not ever happen).

They are fed immediately afterwards. To them, this is their little reward for being the fancy little buggers that they are.

Now, if they were not to be shown until after 12 noon or so, I would feed them prior to them being shown, but it would be very early in the a.m. as I usually do.

[Nazir's]

I'd also like to add, for the novice exhibitors in the breed, dont ever be ashamed to ask for assistance.

When I first got into my breed, while I did always worked with my dogs, I preferred for them to be on a handler. Yes, it's a fulfilling sense to show your own dog but if you are either too nervous and/or just too "new", it might be beneficial to both you and your dog if you were to allow someone more experienced show the dog. Nervousness goes right down the lead and could ruined the opportunity for even the BEST dog from winning.

Stand ringside and observe the qualities and faults of your dog, if you must. By doing this, you'll quickly pick up how your dog should be shown because each dog is different. You may even become so confident that you'd go in the ring and perform just like a true sport and experienced fancier.

Take your time and always remember, whether you win or lose, it's fun! It should remain just that for both you and your dog.

[yorkieK9trainer]

AngelMia- keep working on that handling! That'll make or break even the most correct dog in the ring! It's about the handler presenting a picture to the judge, not a handling class! lol, keep it up.

And YorkiRini, you're too much!

[AngelMia]

Thanks so much, I will continue to go to handling class and hopefully be ready for Monique's first showing. There is so much to learn but I have the patience. It is so true that you do learn more and more when you go to the actual shows. I have to find out somehow if there are any up coming fun matches that we can participate and start getting her ready.