Joy is off to a dog show in Dec.

[ptkennel]

We are getting ready to go to another dog show the first weekend of Dec. in Calgary.  Looking forward to it.  There are only three dogs on Friday, and four on Sat. and Sunday.  Not a whole lot of competition.  Hopefully we will get a few points this time.
Joy is really starting to look good, she is levelling off nicely.  Finally her front end is catching up with the rear. 
I haven't worked with her for a few weeks, hopefully it all comes back to her.
She is always a different dog though when she gets to the ring.
Any words of wisdom are welcome.

[VdogLover]

The best advice I got was bring along the gum if your nervous Good luck

[VdogLover]

Dogs can smell on your breath if your nervous...ther oy is the gum hides the smell.

[VdogLover]

  The judge will give you instructions, follow them carefully but relax, as your dog will feel your stress through the lead. Remember this is supposed to be fun! Chewing gum will help to keep the smell of fear in your breath hidden from your dog.>>>

From a dog handling website....I'm really not crazy..lol

[Gracie Belle]

Good luck to you and Joy.  I have zero experience with showing dogs but my advice is to have an awesome time.    Oh, and Orbit bubble mint is pretty good.     

[Icerotti]

Good Luck Joy...mommy and you will do just fine   I hope mommy takes some pictures!

[bluskygirl]

Good luck!!! How exciting it will be. You could mix it up a bit and have Joy go as the skunk.    Just kidding! I'm sure you'll both do great!!! 

[FumbsAuntie]

Good Luck!! I agree that i hope pictures will be available afterwards!

[VdogLover]

VdogLover, have you ever used gum? Did it work?

I first started using gum while doing flyball with Lucci.  She's a dog who reads EVERYTHING with her Mom and I noticed she would turn around to lick my mouth while waiting on the line before each heat. The more nervous I was the worst she ran..including one time just not leaving me when sent. I tried gum the next weekend and there was a big difference including only "mouth kissing" before the first heat. Since the "fear" smell was not there she must have figured all was well with Mom so it was time to have fun.
I now use it in any dog situation where I may find myself nervous.

In the conformation ring I have only used it with a friend of mines dog and he has never shown what I am feeling inside. Like to say "Yes, it is the gum" but it could also be that it just isn't my dog so he doesn't care how I'm feeling

I'm sure it may not work with every dog but hey gums cheap and its worth a try.

[DixieSugarBear]

Gum worked for me this past weekend. We went Best of Breed over a dog/lady I really wanted to win over. It was only one point but boy was it a sweet one.  As we were ready to go in the ring she turned in her ring number for her bitch. So the only way for us to get a point was to go BOB and we did.  I was so very proud of my Dixie Darlin.

Lisa

[amylynn]

Good Luck!

[ptkennel]

congrats Lisa, thats awesome!

[The Brindle Pack]

Any words of wisdom are welcome.

No words of wisdom just wanted to wish you the best of luck.

[MommaBear]

Good Luck with the show! Let us know how she does

[Thelma]

thats great! best of luck!