Got a show question.....help!
 

Ok, Ok, I know......I have some of the oddest questions. Well, here goes......

Can someone, or is there a timeline developed anywhere that would tell me what to do with a puppy that I am interested to showing.....

For instance......

9-12 wks....begin growing coat

4-5 mo----begin walking on lead

5-6 mos...take in the ring, practice....practice....on and on......


Something that would work that I could use when I have a Yorkie to begin training for the show ring.....

What exactly is "training a Yorkie for show???"


Thanks
Shirley

I am no expert but I would suggest buying a showing book. there a few outy there. Also I know first thing you want to do is getting them used to being handle all over the body. Then getting then to stay still in a certain position (stacking). The grooming. Basically it all should start from day one.:thumbup:

The one thing is to make everything fun and let them be a pup 1st.

Start by getting them use to being handled.....grooming, laying and standing for you on the grooming table. Start stacking on the grooming table. But, use the lead. I start with getting them use to having it around their neck when they're about 8-12 weeks.....

Coat growing-The secret to growing coat is keeping it clean. Never brush a dirty coat, or a dry coat (always spray the brush with some sort of conditioner before brushing) and don't over brush. Use a natural bristled brush (Mason-Pearson Brush).

I start walking on lead about 12-14 weeks.....being careful not to push it, letting them lead (getting them to follow you will come after they get use to the lead) and keeping in mind that they're teething from this point until 6 months.


If you have a training class in your area, it would be very benefical to attend for socialization. Get them use to noises, take them to shows before actually being eligable to enter.....this helps them get use to the sights, smells and sounds of the dog show and prepares them for traveling.

There is so many things to prepare your dog as well as yourself. Good Book is The Winning Edge - George Aliston.

Mardelin gave great advice.

All I can add is that everytime I pick up my puppy that I hope to show someday, I put it on the table even if for a brief moment. Secondly, I start them on a lead at 12 weeks and continue from then on.

One thing I do is start feeding them very small treats from my hand along with saying their name, but only give the treat if all four feet are on the ground and they are looking at me. This is free stack training and will be so handy later in the ring. You can start this at any time, if they like the treats they will walk with you and the puppy gets trained with out any real work from you , just a bit of fun time and good food.

Yes! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Very valuable.
A friend who first taught me how to do that called the treat "cookie". It kind of stuck with me so now I say the word and hold the treat near my mouth with fingers closed around it. When they look at me and stand still on all fours I give it. After a few days, I can do it without the treat everytime. Where do you hold your hand Debbie?

Edited...ha ha what I meant to say is "am I doing that correctly?" LOL!

Oops! Treat training is very important, food motivated dogs do very well in the ring. The one thing that I forgot to add is that I clicker train my dogs before doing anything with them.

Wow....great advice....keep it coming....I am writing as fast as I can....
 

This is perfect! Exactly what I was looking for......

If you guys think of anything else, I am a sponge......:):):D

Shirley give me your email address I have a few articles I can send you that will help training a show puppy ...I tried to PM you but your box is full:(

Oh, thanks for the heads up...I will empty it....
 

I will send you my personal email...that will work better anyway...and I will empty my mail box.

Thanks so much....

Shirley

sent:)

My key word is "bites". Tahlulah is so food motivated, that when I first took her in the ring I wasn't sure how she was going to do.....well, I got her to do her down and back and her individual, by softly saying bites, bites bites......all the way around the ring......That was her 1st day in the ring and she took WB, BOW & BOS & Best Puppy.

Absolutely fascinating! I'm soaking all this up like a dry sponge!:thumbup: Keep it coming!!!!!

This is a wonderful thread.......I too am soaking up everything you are writing!!! I am in the process of purchasing a Silky to show in the show ring under a mentor (his breeder) who will be teaching me about showing, training and grooming......so I am loving reading all your wonderful advise!!

Shirley - Does this mean you have found your baby finally? If so - do tell! I hope congratulations are in order. :)
T.