There's a term in the horse world called "push button." If a horse is a "push button" horse, it knows what to do, and nearly anyone can ride it. Push button horses are great for beginners.
On Saturday, I was lucky enough to show a "push button" Cardi. Dawn at Daybreake mentioned to me a while back that she was coming to Des Moines for a show, and asked if I'd like to join her there to learn more about grooming, showing, etc. That sounded like fun to me - go to a dog show, get to meet a fellow Cardi blogger, and learn more about conformation, too - so I said yes!
Dawn also asked me if I wanted to show one of her Cardis, Grace, to practice. This sounded like a good idea to me -- get into the ring with a well-trained, finished dog to get some practice.
We met on early Saturday morning, and I got to watch Dawn (and Cindy at Foggybottom, too) get dogs ready for the ring. I also got to ask a lot of "basic" questions like, "when did you give your dog a bath?" and "how do you set her up on the table?"
As we got ready to go into the ring, Dawn talked me through the judge's routine, and showed me the finer points of showing Grace. Grace is an excellent girl, by the way. She tolerated a new handler (after a bit of bribing w/ steak) and is a pro in the ring. The good news is that despite her rookie handler, Grace took Best of Opposite! What a good girl.
Thanks again, Dawn for the coaching and for allowing me to show your lovely red girl!!
Now I guess I'd better get to work on Rip, as I'm planning to take him to his first show the first weekend in April. And based on the gap between Grace and Rip - I've got a LOT of work to do...
P.S. - Carolyn, does this count as "just doing it?"
On Saturday, I was lucky enough to show a "push button" Cardi. Dawn at Daybreake mentioned to me a while back that she was coming to Des Moines for a show, and asked if I'd like to join her there to learn more about grooming, showing, etc. That sounded like fun to me - go to a dog show, get to meet a fellow Cardi blogger, and learn more about conformation, too - so I said yes!
Dawn also asked me if I wanted to show one of her Cardis, Grace, to practice. This sounded like a good idea to me -- get into the ring with a well-trained, finished dog to get some practice.
We met on early Saturday morning, and I got to watch Dawn (and Cindy at Foggybottom, too) get dogs ready for the ring. I also got to ask a lot of "basic" questions like, "when did you give your dog a bath?" and "how do you set her up on the table?"
As we got ready to go into the ring, Dawn talked me through the judge's routine, and showed me the finer points of showing Grace. Grace is an excellent girl, by the way. She tolerated a new handler (after a bit of bribing w/ steak) and is a pro in the ring. The good news is that despite her rookie handler, Grace took Best of Opposite! What a good girl.
Thanks again, Dawn for the coaching and for allowing me to show your lovely red girl!!
Now I guess I'd better get to work on Rip, as I'm planning to take him to his first show the first weekend in April. And based on the gap between Grace and Rip - I've got a LOT of work to do...
P.S. - Carolyn, does this count as "just doing it?"
Wonderful - and HUGE thanks to Dawn!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! As good an obedience and agility handler as you are, I bet you will do great in the show ring.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time and want to thank you for coming. That was Grace's first Grand Champion points. I really hope to see you again at some of the area events.
ReplyDeleteGood job Lani! I've never been brave enough to venture into the conformation ring!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That first time in is always the hardest but getting a ribbon sure helps. You know that Grace is litter mate to both Scout and Moira, right? I think Scout and Grace got all the "push button" genes though. Moira makes me work for everything - as does Georgia. You and Rip are going to be a great team. Don't worry!
ReplyDeleteGood girl Lani, and big thanks to Dawn. Showing other peoples' dogs rather than your own is a good way to get your feet wet. Just ask Traci.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're showing your own dog, you can be so emotionally attached that it makes it a lot more difficult.
Good job and a plus to the mentors both dog and people!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see you this weekend and YEAH--rookie goes out and best us all! My hubby sends congrats--he did the same thing, sent in on a dog, won, though he walked out, handed me the lead and said, thank you, I'm retiring at the top of my game. Silly man.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you and Rip in the ring in a month!
PS How was agility?
ReplyDelete