Where to start

[lilsmommy]

Supposing that our puppy is even show quality, how do you start the process of showing a dog? How old do they need to be and how much does it generally cost to show a dog?

Sarah

[Cindi]

If you bought your puppy from a reputable breeder, THEY are the ones that should help guide you through your first steps. They should have the expertise to help make the steps flow easier.
Conformation/socialization classes help a lot. These get the puppy accustomed to other dogs of all sizes moving around them. Also acquaints them with the grooming table/exam from a judge, moving while being distracted, etc. Table training can be done at home but you need the distractions of a class, IMO, to simulate show conditions. Puppy needs to know how to gait properly on a semi loose lead, keep his head up and stop coming towards you squarely...asking to be placed first http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif
There are books out on show dogs, there are books on dachshunds, there is also videos but the best way to learn about dog shows is to go and watch...watch lots of breeds not just ours.
Good Luck and I hope your puppy does turn out to be show quality. It can be a fun hobby and it allows the excuse to eat out!!

[lilsmommy]

Thanks for the advice - I've begun looking for obedience classes locally.

The breeder is reputable and will probably be more than happy to answer questions about this herself - in fact, she seemed a bit excited that I'm even considering showing him at all! I feel that I can overwhelm her with quetions (this is not coming from her at all) - new puppy questions (food, vetting, fences, etc). So... I'm asking here, instead.

[jenmilo]

I had my litter evaulated on Monday by Pat and Bob Hastings. I learned so much on what to look for in a show dog. They do have a book and video out called the puppy puzzle. That really helped me. If you are wondering if your puppy is show quality the book or video may help out. As far as the training goes I am just learning that myself. I will tell you this after seeing what it takes for a show dog from the Hastings it really openend my eyes the next day when I went to the DCA specialty. I was able to accually look at the dogs and see what it was they were lacking, and what was good for the most part. I saw the dogs in a whole differn't light.

[lilsmommy]

His dam is not show quality but his sire is, so it could go either way (it could go either way even if they both are show quality!). We will be seeing him again on Saturday and he will be a day away from 4wks old. If he isn't show quality and doesn't take to earth dog or other competitive sports, I'm sure he will be an awesome pet. I took a look at the web site for the people who evaluated your litter - quite impressive! I noted that the earliest you can really evaluate a puppy is at 8 weeks. So, it is still too early to tell for this little guy.

Sarah