how do i get started?

[squirrel818]

I've been thinking alot the last year or so about how much I would love to show dachsies. Neither of my babies are AKC and they have been altered. How does one become a responsible shower/breeder/handler?

[Irminsul]

First, I would go see some shows. Get the vibes, see if you like the competetive crowd.

Then, I would find a breeder who would sell you a show quality dog or let you co-own it. I would take lessons in showing and join a local dachsie club.

Your two are no longer eligable to compete. The whole point is to improve the breed, and your two can no longer help achieve that. You also would have to put up with the whole heat cycle situation with girls, making and attitude of an unaltered male. Would your two be happy about another addition?

Growing up in a breeding/showing house, I will tell you that it takes a huge commitment. My mom hasn't had a vacation in 16 years!

Hope that answers some of your questions. Contact Becky, maybe, or find a breeder near you who could be your tutor? Maybe let you be a handler?

More people will have lots to say, I'm sure.

[kpm_tex]

Get involved with your local Dachshund club... breed clubs are the ones who put on all the shows. Not sure what side of the state you are on by these are two club sites I pulled up from the Dachshund Club of America Web site.
If you get involved with a club you'll have an opportunity to learn how a show is put on, meet breeders, learn where to go to learn how to handle.. etc.

Dachshund Club of Burks County (http://www.dachshund-dfabc.org/)
&
The Western PA Dachshund club (http://www.dachshund-wpdc.org/)

[TessieMom]

An alternative to confirmation is to do other things like agility in which you and your dogs can compete and can be altered need not be AKC registered (you can even do some AKC events with an AKC ILP though). Getting with a club for these activities is great advice!

[Dachshundrsq]

With your current dachsies you could:
Do Agility
Do Rally
Do Earthdog
Do Obedience

You need to take pictures of your dachsies and send them to AKC along with an application for an ILP number.Application for ILP Link (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/ilpform.pdf)

This is what you send with application:
•2 Color photographs of your dog.
-One standing in profile
-One head-on showing the facial characteristics of the dog.

•Proof from a veterinarian that the dog has been spayed/neutered.

•A non-refundable $25.00 application fee.

Once compiled, the completed ILP application along with the items listed above should be mailed to:

The American Kennel Club/ILP
P. O. Box 37933
Raleigh, NC 27627-7933

To learn more about the ILP program.....
Go Here!! (http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm)
This would be a good place to start.
Get some books and start reading, reading, reading.
You will need a mentor, someone who takes you under their wing, so to speak, and teaches you all their is to know about AKC, getting involved in events, where to take classes. You must do your homework to be considered serious about this. No one will give you half a chance if you don't make an effort to learn things for yourself and ask for clarification if something doesn't make sense.
A breeder has to attempt to know it all but realizes that learning never ends, it is a daily event. Never stop listening, never stop learning. Jump in head first in areas where you can start learning the whole process and when you start doing things with your current dachsies, you both will enjoy it immensely.
Make yourself familiar with the AKC website. Go through as many areas and pages as possible as this will help you to learn what is available, how certain programs work and all that is entailed in keeping records for AKC registered dogs....etc.

[Cindi]

I have been showing wires for over 25 years. I started in obedience with mini longs and quickly found the proper coat for me :) How old are your two? Are you interested in performance events ie rally obedience, obedience, earthdog, tracking or agility? Field trials are out for these current dogs (ILP dogs can't run) but you can get involved in that later when and if you decide you want to add to your current household.
There is absolutely nothing more fun, IMO, than agility and the bonding that occurs between you and your dogs is phenomenal!!!! I have 5 that do agility and all have different attitudes but all love it. Within a year you can be competing in the agility ring if you think you would like to do that and by then, you could also be involved with a dachshund club and learning the people involved. It takes a while before you learn which people you can admire, which types of dachshunds you like and you might even find that your mentor might be in a variety that isn't the one you would like to end up with <GGG> odd as that might sound. If you take your time it will be well worth it!

Cindi
DC Laci's Time Warp MW AX, AXJ, CGC
CH Laci's Farli MW NA, OAJ, CGC (field pointed)
CH Laci's Deck the Hall MW MX, AXJ, CGC, VC (field pointed)
CH Laci's Seamus Harper MW OA, OAJ (field pointed)
Laci's CSI v Kanix MW (10 points - 10 months old and she can't wait to get on the agility course after her birthday on Christmas day <G>)

[squirrel818]

I've always thought that Cricket would be a wonderful agility dog. And Weenie can sniff out any critter anywhere. To find trials I would check with my local dachshund club?

[Cindi]

That would be one choice .... you can go to AKC's website and look for upcoming Events :) If it is an AKC sanctioned event it will be there. If it is a *practice* put on by a local club, then the club will be your main source of information. Some earthdog events are put on by other breed clubs, too ie terriers :grouphug:
Your local obedience club, if there is one, may sponsor beginning agility lessons. Since I'm a known fan of clicker training, I of course advocate clicker agility training but it isn't the only way :)

Good luck! Let us know if you find local help!

Cindi