Hi....

I joined a little while ago and posted a few times, and got some advice. Attended my 2nd ever show yesterday, the first being the Cair Terrier Association Show a few weeks ago when my dog jack was 6 mths and a day old ;). result there was no place in mpd out of 12 and 3rd Maiden dog out of 3 ;).

Anyway... thought I would share my experience so far, and this may give some encouragement to those new to showing like me - they are bound to show themselves up less ;). I am on a small yahoo group of Cairn owners that are really great people and so forgive me for just copying and pasting what I posted there. For those worrying about showing, whether others will look down on you - whther you have to turn up in a land rover with a diamonte collar on your dog etc etc then take heart the VAST majority of people I have met have been lovely, friendly helpful and supportive. Okies heres my interesting experience yesterday..... Jack is now nearly 7 months old ....

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Hiya....

Well.... here is the lowdown on a very new experience for me heh.

Jack over the last 3 or 4 days has become verrrrrry boisterous, to say the least! Very full of himself, which coincides with a ummm how can I put this... 2 fast growing and now very visible bulges 'underneath'. Lets just say we stop every 5 yards on walks so he can mark his passing ;).

Anyway... the results lets get that out of the way... he wasn't placed in minor puppy and got reserve in Maiden Dog [ only 4 in maiden dog and as the other 3 were 1st 2nd 3rd in mpd no judging needed to be done, just a walkthrough].

Here is how it all happened... well, let me give an example... he marked the post on the show ring, not unusul a few dogs did it... BUT I was chatting to a very helpful guy next in line to me, turned to look down at jack and HE WAS PEEING ON MY LEG!!!! My wife and daughter were very supportive... in fact they were crying.... in between the laughter of course ;).

On the judging table Jack repeatedly tried to jump off and go 'play' with the other dogs/handlers. He wouldn't let his teeth be seen - in fact had no interest at all in anything but getting back down to the other dogs ;).

Now, Jack stands a table fine - usually heh. He will be cheeky but walks pretty good and generally is getting more and more responsive to commands - UNTIL the last 3 or 4 days ;).

The judge said best not to stress him at his age it could put him off for good. So knew if he had any chance then he now had none.

I came out of the ring with that damp feeling between the shoulder blades needing a darkened room and a large something very alcoholic!

let you into a secret... Jack loves the shows, my wife and daughter love it for the entertainment - I can't help but have a smile to myself too... MUCH LATER after that large something alcoholic ;).

Met some more people, and saw some people from the last show... Most people I have met have been VERY nice. There are most definitely the odd 1 or 2 that I wouldn't invite round for a game of scrabble, but thats life in general.

Got to talk to the owner of my dogs sire, and what a lovely lady - she was super, and was compliementary about Jack and his progress [not his behaviour as you may have guessed heh].

Bottom line... we have learned a little more, and we are all enjoying the experience. Thank you to those of you that have been giving some much needed advice and help, you have made the experience a good one. I no longer feel the need to buy some jodhpurs, which before I started trying this showing lark I thought I might have to ;).

See you at LKA for some more personal punishment ;).

Regards Dave