Can anyone help?
I know that pups can start showing at six months but is that exactly six calendar months after birth or 24 weeks? I know this seems like a silly Question but i'm trying to work out if i'll be able to take the new pup to the SAR exemption show (assuming its in Feb.). She was born 23/08/01. Pleeeease help me, I want to enter my first show.

Cheers, Naomi.

It is 6 calander months so if the exemption show is on or after 23rd Feb you will be fine to show her.

I have seen many puppies younger than 6mths at exemption show's (just claimed 6mths) as the results are not sent to the Kennel Club due to the fact that they are entered on the day so there's no way of veryfying the puppies registered age. Seems to be a decision the owners take - have never done it myself.

If there is only days in it and it is a local event, it can't do any harm, whereas dragging a 6 month old puppy half way across the country is not a brilliant idea, even though allowed. We must all make decisions on when and where to show our pups (and especially how often) taking their welfare into account. Asa with all rules a cut off point has to be made. In some countries they have 'Baby puppy' classes for pups of 4 to 6 months old.

So if your pup is a few days short of 6 months and your concience tells you that it is not too far or too long a trip fopr him then go, as it is in a good cause and no-one need know. Except us of course, lol!

In the US, they have what they call 'puppy matches' for ages starting at 2-4 months, 4-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and open (over a year). Most of these shows require complete vaccination of the puppy prior to entry. The US vaccination process is a bit different from what I've seen and read about over here and I really don't want to get into a debate of which is better. The point that I am making is that if you use common sense, early exposure to shows can be as helpful as exposing them to things like trips to the supermarket or the field.

I personally have no problems with it. I'm not sure how much more vaccinating is done here in the UK after four months, so maybe there is a basis for it somewhere.

Puppies are taken to obedience classes, puppy socialization classes, field classes, etc. Just use commonsense in any situation.

Yes, I would agree. I think if you take them to shows very early you have to be prepared to give them your full attention, no leaving them on the bench or in cages whilst dealing with older dogs, but if you can make the show an enjoyable day for the pup they will come to no harm. My latest two pups, who are 7 months old, really enjoy shows and are totally convinced that everyone else there, human and dogs, have come with the sole intention of seeing them!

I would be very interested in knowing how the US vaccination process works Sierra, privately it you don't want to start a debate on the pros and cons.

[email fleetgold@lineone.net]Joan[/email]
Take the rough with the smooth

Sure, Joan. I'll email you in the next couple of days. I'm working under a deadline for two columns that are due by the end of the month and the editor is screeching!!! We can trade information and that way I can find out too if they do differ.

Thanks Sierra, I'd be happy to share information.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth