Friend: “What are you doing this weekend?” Me: “Showing Bonnie at breed show” Friend: “Why on earth are you doing that?” Me: “Because I want to learn about the breed ring and I think Bonnie is worthy of some letters before her name” Friend: “No handler?” Me: “NO” Friend: “I don’t know why you bother”…
One mistake that I see and I cannot stress enough is the over emotional human who thinks it best to coddle, impose and add more stress to second hand dog. Whether the dog you have adopted is an introverted, passive dog or an extroverted, anxious, reactive dog. Imposing upon them will only add to your…
It was an honor to be asked to judge both of these assignments, as it has been so many great shows here in the US. There are some differences when you get asked to judge an assignment abroad. You should do your diligence and learn the process that they are used to doing at …
Black and tan is not actually a colour, it is a pattern. The gene which creates the black and tan coat determines the pattern that the colours take up, not the actual colours themselves. Whatever colour ,or combination of colours, a dog inherits from its parents, it can still have the black and tan pattern….
Seeing virtue in others is a difficult task because I think we have been programmed to criticize. I am not sure why, maybe it is our own insecurities leaking out. I learned a lesson from a respected Judge and breeder many years ago and it has changed the way I see other dogs and in…
The creation of a fine brood bitch must begin generations before the day she first whelps. Not only must she come from stock notable for beauty of form and movement, and stability of temperament ideal for her breed, but there should be also behind her generations of dams granddams who whelped easily, normally, and who…
What I have done is make sure I have them all activated, their forms and confirmation in their hard copy files, chip numbers and organization name in my phone and in the online AKC Manage Dogs for each. The moral of my story is ALL breeders need to activate their microchipped pups before they leave
Mats at indoor shows are usually provided. These are for your dog’s assistance by allowing more stability and grip to the floor surface. Take cognisance of the fact it is dog which should be taking advantage of the mat and not the handler. Much to my amusement have seen this little indiscretion applied many times…
Symmetry is balanced proportions. It brings something into a pleasing arrangement. Dog judges with an eye see the dog as a whole. Filling the eye means no one thing out of place. Therefore, when the eye is drawn to a particular part of any animal such as rear, coat, front, or head, it usually incorrect
Put your dog’s leash on and just stand still. When your dog releases the tension on the leash, click and show him the treat in your hand. Let him see you place the treat on the ground by the outside of your left foot. Once he’s eaten the treat, move to the end of the…