Extremely New, want opinions!

labmomma · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:46 am Post subject: Extremely New, want opinions!

I have always had my eye on the show ring, very intersting, very great competitive atmosphere...all around i just enjoy it!
I have always wanted to get my girl, corona into a show or two just for fun...see how she does sorta thing, but i have a few concerns...now be honest...(but remember im only 20, tend to take thing harsh Confused

so be gentle with me lol)
1. Corona is a very exciteable dog, loves people, loves other dogs(when there noses areNT glued to her butt) and a really GREAT dog, i think she's gorgeous, and would do well...! But she is TOO exciteable...she's rather forceful when wanting attention, has no self control when being petted(she tends to lean, and throw her head back to look at u, and lifts a couple legs in the air so u scratch just the right spot) not to forget that she will thrust her nose into any crevis of your body no matter if u are sitting or standing...if ur butt looks like a good target for possible attention towards her...thats where her head will be shoved-whether u like it or not LOL.
I've been working with her ALONG time to get her to just "chill" when being touched but i cant seem to get through to her. Any idea's as to how I can kick this into high gear to get through her thick head so she would be calm enough to show?
AND...
#2. about 2.5, 3 months ago she was playing with a tug toy with the other dogs, and she chipped a bottom tooth, it cracked in half and a piece fell out, she had just a remaining sliver still connected to her gums...but after about 2 weeks of feeding and regular play times outside the other piece fell out...
Would she be seriously docked points for this missing tooth? Is she still showable with it gone?
thanks all...I have more questions about getting "into" showing but i want to see ur answers to these first Smile

Thanks again Very Happy

Diana · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 7:07 am Post subject:

Hi Hun,

Being in the States its harder to help you but one thing I will say is that you are a massive disadvantage with that tooth gone. In the States dentition is very important (both humans and dogs - grin) and they count a lot on the placement and presence of all teeth correctly. You may wish to ring the AKC and ask them if she is allowed to be shown with a cracked/missing tooth. I have a feeling she may not be.... Or you may need 'official' special permission to show her without it. Check with them.

Now if its just a charity funshow, by all means have a go. But the last thing a judge wants - especially if they are dressed in a new smart suit, and especially if its wet underfoot, is 80lbs of happy labrador launching themselves at their chest when they come to 'go over' her. Wink

You will have to get that sorted before you show her. Obedience and Manners don't count for a HUGE amount in the ring but the judge will not take kindly to being lept all over and of course, they have to see her still for quite a few seconds to make an honest assessment of her.

Other exhibitors also will not want her leaping all ver their dogs whilst they are trying to behave - grin grin.

SO do you have 'show training classes' or 'ringcraft classes' anywhere near you? Again, ring the AKC and ask them, they will know for sure.

They can help you in many ways before you make your decision to show her. I will say showing in the States at nearly every level but charity fun shows is quite highly competitive and serious with most hiring professional handlers for their dogs rather than showing them themselves. It rather means, unfortunately, that a newcomer or dog that is not yet trained to show nicely in a calm manner, will rather stand out. But of course you have to DO it to learn about it so try and get some classes and you should be on your way to 'doing a bit'.

I will also lastly add that US showdogs of our breed are pretty substantial creatures on the whole and looking at your lovely dogs, you might want to go along to even a smallish AKC show to see if the whole idea is for you and your dogs LOOK anything like 'their' dogs... if you see what i mean.

Di