Conformation Classes, Day One

[JemarsSerena]

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Well, we started conf. classes tonight. As much as wish it went as good as it does in my kitchen, it didn't. I'm not discouraged though. She's young and still learning.
As we came in Serena thought that all the dogs in OB 1 and those waiting for conf. classes were throwing a suprise party for her! She was SOOOOOOO exicited that they were there to see her that she tried to go ZOOOOmy! I managed to finally calm her down.
Now classes begin. Serena was pretty good about waiting in line. We practiced stand while waiting. We practiced opening her mouth. Our turn arrives and she does none of what we were doing so nicely in line for the practice judge.
OK, so close inspection needs MORE practice. Then we get to movement. The first two times were a little rough but then she figured out what we were doing and produced a wonderful gait that drew compliments from the judge. YEAH!!!!!!
We celebrated every success and worked very hard. Next week, we do it again.

[spoiledbabies3]

Bill...She is so very beautiful that she's gonna win em all over! Just give her time...she was excited tonight...meeting new friends and all... Pics of her progress would be awesome! Slobbery kisses and paw hugs from our gang to that cutie pie.

[GypsysMom]

Im glad things went well, during the first 5-10 minutes with GYpsy at basic Ob she is crazy, barking and yesterday she actually wanted to play with a dog that was in her puppy class that she used to stay away from! I can only hope one day she can get so well trained that she listens that well off leash! that is in advance classes...

Good Luck I know you and Serena can do it!

[Ayoka]

Thanks for the post, sure sounds interesting! I'm sure that you'll be pros by the end of the class!!!!!

In all of the classes we've taken, for the first few classes, I try to get to class at least 20 minutes early to let Bear do his sniffing and get comfortable in his surroundings. By the time class is started, he has checked everything and everyone out and I find he is a little more focused.

Maybe this could help with your pooch?

[Sharon Marples]

Bill, your comments bring back so many fun memories! They always think that everything is just for them! Hang in there, she will get the knack of it in no time with your help! I'd love to see some pics of her when she is stacked.

[JemarsSerena]

I'll get some more pics up soon. I think we'll try to get to class as early as possibly next week. I like the idea of letting her get used to things before classes start. She's getting taller and I think she just crossed the 60 lb mark. We need a new lead if anyone has any suggestions. The one she has now is a simple leather strap that if she tried hard enough she could snap. I'm going to go to petsmart and the dog park this weekend to get as many people who are willing to get her to open her mouth and accept strangers checking her out.

[smileygirl]

Well I'm glad she is having FUN...I know it's time for work but?? I used to go early as well, it helped alot. Once Serena figures out what she is there for and what you expect, it's amazing. Isis even sees the training ring (even if we are just visiting), instant perfect dog! It's just one of the things I find so amazing about this breed...I seen eager to please...but these guys take it to a whole different level! By the way since you are trying to make it for IL/WI Rottstock one of the items I'm working on is a braided leather lead..Tina

[JemarsSerena]

I'll bid on it even if I get one this weekend. I'm attending the Heartland Kennel Club show this weekend in KC. I was told I could pick one up there. I'm going to watch and learn a little more. I really want to see the puppy class. If \ When I make it to Rottstock hopefully we'll get some help from my fellow rottie owners.

Pics of her stacked are still coming. The ones I took came out bad because my feet were in each one. I was sitting on the floor to get a pic from the side.

[smileygirl]

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Is Serena going with you? These shows are amazing. The one in Chicago I attended 4 years ago (when I fell in love with these guys) was amazing. A great group of owners and dogs. I had no rottie yet so I went alone....low and behold one year later(almost to the day) I had my first...Isis....Tina

[JemarsSerena]

Can't bring a dog who is not showing. I'm really just going to see how the whole thing works. I'm a rookie to showing. I'm sure I'll have some hilarious stories to tell when I screw things up in the ring a few times. What I really want to see is the puppy class. We need to work on stacking and I want to other pups her age stacked. If anyone knows of a good site with pics, I'd love to see it. None of the sites I have seen show dogs at Serena's age. They show either adults or puppies around 7 weeks.