I have a 5month old pup who I want to show, my breeder says she goes to the groomers a few days before a show....So I contacted a grooming parlour and told them my breed, asking if they knew it, or would like me to bring alonmg my book. She was very confident all would be well, when we got there she was horrified it might involve some stripping (all double dutch to me). She said as he was going to be shown she wouldn't do it in case she made any mistakes! Also thought I would not have any luck around  these parts finding anyone else!!
My question is does a 6 month old in first show need to be groomed? Would a bath and a good 'brush up' do?
Karen

What breed is it?  It would depend on their rate of maturity whether a puppy coat needed to be stripped at 6 months or not.  I must say I don't know any show dog people that entrust the job to groomers.  Most learn to do it themselves or are helped by their mentors in the breed.

An Australian terrier, I suppose I will just have to do what I can, daunting as a complete novice.......Breeder is not accesible, (only by phone) I dont believe there are any more of the breed here.:rolleyes: Maybe she meant for the groomer to bathe and clip nails ...who knows coz I sure dont...And groomer wasn't to helpful.
Karen

Hopefully one of our grooming poster will spot this but all I have found googling is this information

>They are easy to groom and have a weather resistant coat. These dogs should never be clipped and, if necessary should be plucked instead. They should be brushed and combed at least once a week and the ears checked for hair that may block the canals.

So hopefully any stripping is minimal.
Why don't you contact the club and see if they can find you a breeder in your area able to help you learn if you are going to show you probably want to join the breed club anyway.

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN Sec. Mrs B M Brown. Tel No: 01698 860714

I bathed my 6 month old st bernard myself the night before my 1st show.I hadn't a clue what to do, i just copied everyone else in the ring.She got 1st  in minor puppy bitch,1st in puppy bitch,2nd in junior bitch and won best puppy in show, it was the st bernard club of Ireland annual show. How's that for beginners luck. If you have a good idea of how they should look, nails done & ears clean, you'll do fine.Get a good luck at the other dogs on your breed, you'll be able to judge whether or not your dog is presentable enough.Good luck at the show.

Jimbob

Thanks to you all, I have managed to speak to somebody now at the breed club about a ' king coat' and am feeling a bit more comfortable,also the local dog/kennel club have helped me find a lady locally who will teach me stripping.
It seems that it may be minor anyway in the breed so long as I dont let the clippers be brought to him it will be okay....
Nah, I am still terrified....
Karen...Don't we all have to face up daily to something that scares us and just go for it!