Sayly

The topic is about why numbers at shows are dropping, and people feeling insulted by their fellow competitors is a very valid reason as to why they no longer show, and could be, in part, one of the reasons entries are falling. Just because you aren't upset by it, doesn't mean someone else isn't going to be and it doesn't mean their feelings are less important than yours. I don't personally think it plays a big part as I suspect it's always been like that, the same as "face judging". My husband used to come to every show with me, now he flatly refuses, he absolutely hates it. Hates the atmosphere and hates what he hears going on around him. I asked him one day why he hears so much more than me and he pointed out that he is usually sitting reading a newspaper, minding his own business and not talking. People assume he's not listening so they say all kinds of things in his earshot. I don't think I said anyone's feelings were less important than mine? I'm sorry if it made you feel that way. You know how I feel about the incident you are talking about, but I also don't understand why people would let one rude person turn them away from a hobby they are interested in, but maybe that's just me, maybe I'm just stubborn. But, we have had great support from our 1st show dog's breeder, and I think that support can make a lot of difference. I've seen a few show dogs sold to new people who don't have that breeder support and backing, and I think it would make it a lot harder when you first begin showing should someone be less than pleasant. I'm simply putting in my opinion and saying I don't see why I should let one or two people's negative comments bother me and keep me from doing what I want to do, but it obviously bothers others more than it bothers me - perhaps they are more easily insulted than I am, or don't have the support we have. I'm putting forward my frame of mind which has kept me more than happy in the showing community, but like I said, I am still only a few years in, but several of my closest friends are showies and the majority of people who show are wonderful, I hate that a few bad eggs give everyone else a bad name. So I want to stand up for the good people involved. I haven't noticed more bitching in the dog show world than I did playing high level sport. And I agree, I don't think it is the only or even the main reason there is a drop in numbers. Why are entries dropping - I don't know, but I know why I don't show every weekend, which I also put in my post. And like I said above, I don't think it is something that is easy to get into, especially without a great breeder or mentor to support you when you start out. When I was younger and wanted to show, we had no idea where dog shows were held except the Royal. Maybe if they were better advertised, or like others said, in a more public place, more general public would attend and spark the interest of some, or at least turn them in the direction of a pedigree dog vs the mutt or the designer. But then who is to pay for this? Individual clubs which might be struggling for money? Our club is putting adverts in the paper for our upcoming show for the general public, but it cost more than I was expecting.

Currently ours are all naked. They play way too rough with each other, and the neighbourhood is generally a pretty good one. However, I am moving out late this year and taking Holly with me. We are moving to very different area and I wouldn't doubt that many people would happily keep a dog if they came across one without a collar, especially a dog who looks like Holly. The vet had issues finding her microchip even when I told him exactly where I had felt it (I don't think he believed me), so I am going to get Holly a break-away collar for when we move out. She's not a jumper, or an escape artist, and is likely to be the only dog, so to me, a break-away collar makes more sense than no collar in this situation. Whenever we come home though, it will come off. It comes down to your own situation and making the decision you feel more comfortable about.

After the first class in group I ever won, Mum and I got congratulated by heaps of people we didn't know or know well, including so called faces, all breed judges and big winners. My first BIG was the same. Every BOB or challenge or class in group winner in my breed I try to make sure I say congratulations. I don't have to have agreed with the result, but they stil deserve the congrats. I like showing, and I obviously I have been lucky enough to miss most of the crap that apparently goes on. I've seen a lot of crap, and sure, I know some people have bitched about me or my dog but I don't understand the point in getting hung up about it. All I can do is be the person I want to be, set an example for others, make sure I don't make the experience a negative one for people around me, and enjoy my day. But I've only been showing for 5 years, so who knows, maybe in another 5 I will feel differently. Right now I am really craving a day at a show, I haven't been to one in a few weeks and uni is doing my head in! Its my way to unwind from uni and gives me something else to think about. I cope much better with uni work when I've had the little break for a day!

And yet the bolded section is how I have felt in all the years I have been showing. I know not everyone is as lucky as me, but getting into showing has been a positive experience for me, and Mum. We have shown in two groups and people from both have been nothing but helpful and encouraged us, both in our breed and in others. Many of them are now great friends and I love going to shows to see them, win or lose. I know there is negativity there too, I have occasionally experienced it, but not often, and from people who's oppions don't matter to me anyway. I work every 2nd Saturday, and I am studying a pretty full on degree, both of which limit the time I can show, but I show as often as I am able. However, we don't show Mum's Irish much anymore because there isn't much point. There's no other Irish out in SA at the moment, and she is rarely given a class in group. We enter under specialists and when we know there's competition at breed level that's about it.

Yeah they are a mixed bunch, but I wouldn't have them any other way. I love having the completely different personalities between the terriers and the Aussie Shepherds. When I have my own place and can have more dogs, it will be mostly Aussies but I will always have something else (either an Irish Terrier, a Bull Terrer or a bull breed rescue), to remind me I'm not as amazing as my Aussies think I am. ETA: I think 4 was easier than three, often we take 2 to a dog show and leave the two at home, or I take my two somewhere and can leave the terriers with each other for company, or Mum and Dad can take the terriers and leave me with my two. Adding a 5th didn't make it any harder, although, the 5th was an Aussie who gets on with every other dog we have without an issue and you can take anywhere. But that's just our situation.

I don't have a group pic with all of mine in it! The closest I have is three... Holly and Poppy, the older two. Ruby And the Aussies! Rory, Holly, Maizie and Lou Lou. Lou Lou is Holly and Maizie's mum and isn't mine. Rory is Holly's son. Rory and Maizie don't live with me all the time, they are co-owned with the breeder and spend time with both of us.

Holly and I will be in a solo dog household from December. I am moving out to live closer to uni and of course Holly is coming too. If we can find a place that lets us have two dogs, one of the friends I'm moving in with will bring his Mini Schnauzer (ETA: if not, she will stay with his parents who don't want to see her go), but if not, Holly will be it! Lots of walks, training and ball throwing, and I can finally buy her nice toys because the terrors won't be around to chomp them! We will be coming home most weekends though for shows and family stuff.

I'm so sorry. How heartbreaking.

Get a male Aussie then Esky! :p

I live at home with my parents still (changing from next year though :D ) and between Dad, Mum and I we have: 1 Border Terrier - Dad's 1 Muttly (Bull breed x working dog) - Mine 1 Irish Terrier - Mum's 1 Aussie Shepherd - Mine We also have a couple of other Aussies who come and stay, who live with the breeder but she and I co-own them. One is with us most of the time though, although she's back at the breeder's for her first litter at the moment! Mum also co-owns a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a friend, the pup lives with the friend most of the time as she's able to have more dogs than us! So... four that live with us and a bunch more that come and visit often!

Our Border is inside unless we are home or she digs out! She's an awesome little digger and once she worked out their were neighbours chooks, roos and cats she could chase if she dug out, it became an obsession. She's happy to be inside and happily runs in every morning after her morning run, but leave her outside while no one is home and there's no more Gracie in the yard. We placed chook wire, then cockie wire down from the fence across the perimiter of our fence and she would find weak areas or corners which weren't as well done and dig under and out. Once she had something in her mind, there's no stopping her. She's super determined and very prey driven. Awesome little dog though, very cute and very sweet, and once we solved the digging out issue, she's easy to live with. Gets along with all our other bitches and doesn't give a hoot about the dominance crap that two of the other girls can try and pull. We don't have issues with her barking. She will give one warning bark but doesn't continuously bark. She spots/hears things before the other dogs do, and usually is the first to know something is going on.

Good news! Fingers crossed he keeps on improving!

How exciting!!!!!

Sending good wishes and gentle hugs Earl's way. Hope you are holding up ok, I can't imagine how you are feeling at the moment. Thinking of you and your family.

I'm sorry for the loss of your special man.

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a stunning boy he was, and obviously very special.

I'm so sorry Jumabaar.

How sad there was only one Irish there. The BOB Lakie went RUBIG too (to Edie's sire who went BIG). :D

I love the leggy, rough coated terriers, I love the pics Monah! Thank you for sharing. Lakies can come in several colours, including black and tan.

I am so, so sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Bracken

My super blue girl, Maizie, is having eight to nine babies according to her ultrasound! Due on the 1st of November. The litter is her breeder's but I am excited nonetheless! Now Ruby needs to come into season so we can try one more time for Irish babies...

Congratulations!

Great news. Fingers crossed she continues to improve.

Awesome pics Gayle! But... where are the reds? :p

How did you go at the show today?