Hi,
I have entered Lola into her first show but I'm worried she won't be ready. Do I have to go through with it if I feel she should wait?
Annieee

have you been going to ringcraft classes? my cocker has got his 1st show next weekend but since iv been taking his to ringcraft i think he will do ok!... i hope!

Hi Anniee - if you feel she is not ready you don't have to show her. You can take her to the show for the experience though. Is her breeder going to be there as she will be the best person to advise you ?

Christine

My friend who won best puppy and res. bitch import sent me an e-mail three days ago saying that she didn't know how she was going to cope as the dog wdn't. stand and she wdn't move properly!! Just goes to show.

If you feel uncomfortable about it don't show her. The dog can tell how you feel also.

Hi Annieee
just bare in mind that a judge won't expect your puppy to behave perfectly! I have seen puppies who are naughty in their classes but have been placed and have obviously enjoyed their day out which is much more important than standing/moving correctly
Good luck,Archer

Hi all - Thanks for the replies.
I started obedience and ringcraft with Lola right from the start. We were going well. Unfortunately, at about the begining of August, my brother, who is wheelchair bound, rang me to say his wife had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. This was a secondary from a malignant melanoma she'd had 5 years previously. They have a 5 yr old and an 11yr old + 18 month old G.S.P.
As you can appreciate, from then on I was up and down the M1 each weekend. Sadly, my sister-in-law died just before half term, she was only 40.

Lola has had a very unsettled start in spite of my careful planning. Some of you may remember I tried hard to get my Dobe pup for the start of the school hols as I'm a teacher. Anyway, hopefully it's back to ringcraft and obedience next week. Luckily she is not badly behaved but a bit of a coward. She is desparate to play with other dogs but she is nervous at the same time. Whilst I have been away, she's been walked with my other dog George and i think he's been like her body guard. She is nervous when he's not with her.

I would value any input and tips from anyone.
Thanks.
Annieee :)

Christine - I don't think her breeder will be there but I'll inquire :)

If Lola will stand and she will walk in the ring then I would go if you have entered -purely for experience. Judges know that all minor puppys arent going to behave brillianty . Go just for experience for both you and pup and dont take it all too seriously.
And GOOD LUCK to you both :)
Lel