What to do/look for/expect at a dog show

[juliette]

As our interest in all things Dachsie in specific and Canine in general grows, I am planning on attending a local all breed dog show in May. Hijinx's breeder is acting as the judge, so I am curious to go see. Just go look mind you - neither of our dogs are show dogs.

The question is - we have absolutely no idea what to expect or see at a show, and for some reason I hope that the movie "Best in Show" is a mocumentary.

Any advice, thoughts, commentary would be appreicated!

J

[dutchman]

Not really into the show scene myself but have friends who are and have attened a few. From a non show pwerson point of view here are a few ideas. First off you should know most if not all shows request that non enetered dogs not be brought to the show. In other words for the general public please leave your dog at home. Some shows make little if any effort to enforce this but I suspect others might take a firmer stand on the matter. By all means do not consider trying to sneak in your dog if it tends to get too excited around other dogs or barks at other dogs. I'm sure that will get you kicked out.

Now as far as some of what to see and do. IF they have an agility ring (most shows don't) that is one of my favorite activities. I know one local show stopped having agility because teh crwods around the agility ring got very heavey while most of the rest of the show had few people watching. At many shows there are a number of vendors that have all kinds of dog related items for sale. If you need a new x-pen shows can have great prices. Grooming supplies, food vendors, clothing (both human and dog) beds, toys, treats, ... I let some of the people who show suggest specific events to try and watch since I don't know the proper names for all the individual competions. Personally conformation is the least interest for me to watch. I enjoy obedience and especially the one event that I can remember the proper name for that is more or less an advanced obedience where at one point the handlers put the dogs on a sit say and move to a position out of the ring out of the sight of the dogs. See if you can find a schedule of when each division will be showing. Oh yes the junior divisions can be interesteing seeing all the young handlers with their dogs. In this area it seems the dachsunds almost always show very eraly in the day and if you don't get up early you are likely to not even see them on the grounds after they finish.

Number one thing have fun enjoy yourself. Perhaps you will decide the shows are something you would like to participate in.

Tom

[K.Middler]

I'm sure you mean a show in Canada so find out who the Show Supt. is by looking at the CKC website if it like Canine Show Services or Colmars go to their website and see the judgeing program that way you know what time Dachshunds are being Judged if it's outside then you will not have a problem taking your dog along if inside there maybe be.If outside or inside take a lawn chair so you can sit ringside and watch you ca get a catolog that way you can know who the dogs in the ring are match the armband #'s with the ones in the catolog.Now talking to the judge is a NO,NO unless she is done judging and out of the ring.Some people who are waiting to go in the ring do not like to be talked to or have their dogs pet since they are getting ready to get called into the ring and want to listen for their # to be called and are in what we call ring ready mode it's kind of a state of mind where yo focas on what you have to do and what the judge is doing with dogs in the ring.Most all breed shows do not have that many entries if you could go to a Specitaly show you would see more dogs and learn more as most people are there for the day but all breed shows are show and go and the only ones that stick around in Canada are the ones that will be in Group as they MUST stay to keep their points Puppy Groups also. Here in the states we can all leave if we want to NO ONE has to stay for Groups. Have Fun!!!

[doxunzX3]

If you are interested in learning and observing more of the events. I agree with going to a specialty show. If you can get to a field trial or an earth dog event even better. Your dog doesn't have to be the top of the line to do what they are bred for. It is fun to watch and you might even get a bug and try it yourself. I don't show either. But love to go and just watch and see what the new trends are etc. The best of everything is if you get to an Aniversary specialty show, for us it is the Dachshund Club of America. It was fantastic, I was just thrilled to see all the differnet dogs and their owners from all over the world. :flower: :dog:

[K.Middler]

The Nationals are in NY this year in May go to the DCA website to get info.