I took it that way, it' s not about being sensitive it's about the way people say things. I didn't say nothing else about it so why bring it up again .

There was a different way that could have been said in my opinion. It's not a big big deal so leave it alone. People shouldn't always assume someone is saying one thing, it's also best to ask (for clarification) if it's not clear what the person is posting .

I said I was interested in showing both of them. The breeder got the okay for the male but I haven't got the okay for the female.I just wanted to know where to begin to get into the show world.

It's not big of a deal, just drop the whole thing (it's silly). Gia's current weight as of today is 3.0 at 17 wks. I contacted a show dog trainer in my area and she's coming out this weekend to evaluate Gia providing she gains a little more weight. The trainer said th ideal age to start training is around 6 months. So hopefully she'll get the okay this weekend, and hopefully she'll put on 2 more pounds within the next two months.


Chewy has already gotten the okay so I will begin his training at 6 months.


This whole show dog thing gets expensive :eek: :eek:

training
 

You can start training them yourself..table stacking, teaching them to allow their teeth to be looked at..hands on etc..
Yes, it is expensive..joining a handling class will cut the expense...and IMO it is never wise to let them go to the handler until they are ready to win the points..YOU can show them starting at 6 motnhs, but it is wasting money to hire a handler until they are in full coat and ready for Open.

A good handler has your best interest at heart and will not take a dog/bitch until they can win..and that means beating adults for the points..not just their class and a ribbon..you get no points for winning a class.
You can show in the puppy classes and get yourself known..might win some points and cut your handling fees.

Make the trainer/handler is KNOWN in Yorkies..waste of money to get a large breed handler for a toy etc..many judges favor handlers they know..knowing they will not take a poor quality dog..gives you a great headstart.

So i should basically wait until they get there adult coats then? I'm not a good trainer at all, I still trying to teach Gia how to sit and we've been doing that for about a month.

Where can i look to find puppy classes in my area so that Chewy & Gia (possibly) will be able to get points?


Is there a web site or something I can go to?

Some training/obedience schools do have handler/puppy training classes. You could check with your local kennel club. Or if you live in an area that has a Yorkshire Terrier Specialty Club, you may contact them.

I used a handler with my first Champion, but traveled with him to learn the ropes on training, grooming and showing.

Sometimes it is cheaper to hire a handler, since they split your expenses with other clients.

training
 

You start at 8 week or 12 whenever you get your pups...you socilize them with people..stack them on the table etc..but you need to contact local dog clubs for classes.
IMO it is a waste of money for a handler to do what you can do in classes with your pups now...a handler is for winning a dog show, when they are ready to win..

AND unless a trainer breeds or shows Yorkies, they really can not give you much info about the quality and potential of yoru dog..go to INFODOG and see when some shows are coming in your area..you can watch and learn.

Karma,

If you are trying to train your dogs, you are a good trainer!

Just show your dogs. Do not ask for opinions. Do not be afraid of rejection. Do what you want to do. Just know the rules not opinions

I found that finding classes was hard in my area, I finally found them but it took weeks of calling around.

What I did first was learned the rules of a dog show, then went and attended one, wrote down EVERYTHING that confused me and then researched that...while at the show I asked questions. I tried my best to learn dog show etiquette.

I then started researching everything I could find online about yorkies (the search still continues), I read every post in this section (and leanred quite a bit), asked some silly questions and big questions (I still have more...).

A few things I have learned (thanks to the lovely people here);

There is a differnce between show "quality" and show "potential"
Majority of breeders will not declare a dog show quality till they are at least 6 months old.
Most breeders keep there good quality dogs for themselves.
Look for a breeder who has several champions from there program.
There is so much to dog showing.
It is a rush (this is from my own personal experience)
It can take years to finish a dog.
It is daily work, a great sport and tons of fun!!!

I am just starting my quest to show, I still do not have a show dog, it may be many moons before that happens. But i am absorbing everything like sponge!!