jr_inoz

I may be wrong but I am interpreting your post as saying that if dogs are bred as close to the standard as possible, then they will be able to perform their function. A dog can be built perfectly but it matters more as to what goes on in the head as to whether it can actually go out and perform its function. Of course it needs the correct body to go with it but without the brain, the body is merely nice to look at. In some breeds, alot of the top dogs in that breed that actually perform their function to a high standard, would be laughed out of a show ring. It is unfortunately necessary in some breeds to have two distinct lines. One breeding to show ring conformation standard and another breeding for working ability and function conformation. Really not wanting to make this a one versus to other debate as they both serve purposes but just wanted to comment on the above post as some people dont realise the differences. I understand your points, but find it interesting that there are differences, when in reality, reading the standards, there probably shouldn't be. (Naive of me, I know). I also would have thought that a bad temperament wouldn't have been good in the show ring. Dog nervous of the judge etc. Would have thought that good temperament was important in showing - not easily distracted, focused on work, outgoing, responds well to people. Would have thought that these would be important in a show ring and also transferrable to do the work designed to do.

I'm sorry, but don't most breed standards state that the dogs must be bred 'fit for the work that they were bred to do'? I am not a breeder, but I do show. I am new to showing. I do know though, that breed standards call for dogs to be fit for the purpose for which they were originally bred - in other words, my working dog should still be able to go out and work sheep. If a breeder doesn't care about that part of the standard, aren't checking for sound dogs that conform to the standard, then they won't be fit for work, their conformation will mean that it won't be able to work sheep all day. Showing a dog is one way of ensuring that good conformation.

I'm in the process now of making some leads for a German Shepherd lady for show so I don't see why you couldn't use kangaroo lace leads with a choker. I also get some lovely kangaroo lace leads from a lady who makes them for me. she uses an inner core for extra strength, so would probably be fine for a Rottie in the show ring.

I have another dog staying at the moment, same breed as my current girl - shetland sheepdog. My girl has decided that she likes the taste of the other girl's ears and sucks on them - they get very wet and sloberly. Not good on a dog you want to show! (My girl is not the dominant dog either, but the other girl doesn't seem to mind the ear sucking). I have tried the following suggestions to get her to stop: some salve on the tip of the ear, with talc mixed with black pepper pressed on it. She still sucks this off. I moved onto talc mixed with Paprika - still does it I then moved onto Cayenne pepper - still does it. I am at a loss!! Not sure that I want to try dencorub or vicks on her ears, as I think this might damage her smell before it deters my girl from sucking. Any other suggestions? If I catch her at it, she gets well and truly told off. Doesn't seem to deter her though, They go off outside or wherever, and they come back, one with a wet ear.

I think you are asking the wrong crowd here I do not know any show person that has not got a lead fettish / Shampoo fettish / Brush Fettish or a plain dog obsession Imagine what I have got after 40 years, I could go on "Hoarders" After having Working dogs, Gundogs & now Toys, Show & Obedience I am fast joining your group. I have a double coated breed. I think I own every grooming product and shampoo currently on the market. I have to steel myself each week. "Don't visit the dog shop, you DON'T need another product, pair if scissors, lead!" My dog has a whole cupboard at home dedicated to all her crap (oops, things).

I have found Dr Matthew Condon (Chiropet) to be excellent. He is in Albert Park - (I travel across town to go to him). He is a qualified vet and vet chiropractor website - www.chiropet.com.au

I have been showing for 18 months. I show one dog. I have 5 show leads. I am looking at 2 more. I buy leads like some people buy shoes or handbags. Is there a therapy group for people like me?

Agreed - also I am more likely to look at the length of a lead, I'm very very particular about the length of the lead on various dogs. Yep - I am very short, and show a small dog, so my lead is not very long.... can't lend it to a friend who shows the same breed - he is very tall - the dog would be 6 inches off the ground if he tried to use my lead. (Wouldn't mind seeing that sometime though.....)

I do a variety of things.... I use a lead that blends with my dog but also matches my outfits. I have a sable and often wear a red jacket, or pink jacket. I have a red beaded lead and a pink beaded lead. I also have a purple lead, that I would use with a tri or blue merle (planning on lending it to someone who does)

Come and say hello at your next show. I run around in group 5 as well with a sable sheltie (but not very often at group stage)

now how did you find that thread when I couldn't? thanks

Tried a search on the forum for this (cos I know I've seen a post before) but couldn't find anything. Does anyone know where I can get a set of show stackers in Adelaide? Would like to get something quite quickly. Will order online if I have to. Does anyone have any show stackers for a smaller breed that they'd like to sell?

Am I correct in saying that if you get a dog de-barked and you are in victoria (once you've jumped through all the hurdles), you cant show it? I have no idea how all the breeders in Vic with 'talkative' breeds cope.

Mostly outside, but will be allowed in everyday. Coat, brushed a couple of times a week, clipped if needed. Not formal training Walked once or twice daily and weekend trips to the property their dad lives on. Fences are 7ft. If you're brushing the coat a couple of times a week - then I reckon a sheltie would be good. Especially if from a breeder who breeds for confident temperaments. They are great dogs - quick to learn, very kid friendly, easy to train, highly intelligent and love all or no exercise. A sheltie that has been bred with some of the american lines in it will definitely be robust enough too. Coat a lot easier to maintain than it appears. mine plays in long grass, at the beach, in mud and wet. A brush once a week and a bath when she's really dirty and all is fine. Over summer when it is dry, I may need to pull out a few prickles when she's been running through paddocks, but that isn't an arduous task.

I know two dogs that are currently being shown with the names 'Stars N Stripes' and also 'Star Spangled' Both good names - 'Star Spangled' is well on his way to his Gr CH title - his call name is Bana (pretty corny I know)

Ummmmmm are you sure this story is actually true? I have shown for more years than I care to remember and have heard this very story (breed changes each time) for many years. ummmm - I've had a judge actually tell me that story as it was this judge that refused the dog. the judge was told in the ring - but this dog is only 6 points from its title, and the judge replied - well he's not going to get them under me!

Yep - this one frustrates me a little too.... So show secretaries - all of whom I have had to contact have been wonderful - especially the really patient one who answered a lot of my very stupid questions prior to my very first show - if you don't want the phone calls asking if you've received such and such an entry two days before the show - send back the SSAEs. I would have loved a guide. Not just on how to fill in the entry forms - I had to ring and ask a secretary what SSAE meant on the schedule for my first show. The stuff we all take for granted can stump a newbie.

Absolutely LUUURVE my Merrells here is a link to their US website. You can get them in Oz - there is a whole store in Sydney now (pity I don't live there). I have narrow feet - they fit me. http://www.merrell.com/us/en-us/Home.mvc.aspx I have this problem in Australia too - with my Merrell's. I am a 6.5 most of the time. I often buy my on ebay. There are some good stores on there - good to deal with. You often get end of season stock they want to get rid of really cheap - and the great thing is the end of the US season, is the start of ours, so you get current fashion quite cheap.

That is pretty funny! My girl took a few hours to get the hang of the dog door when it got put in. It is the perspex type with a magnet at the bottom. I think she was easier to teach, as she hates not being with me, so she quickly learnt that if she wanted to be with me, she had to come through the door. I've had other dogs come and stay from time to time. The older girl that came to stay took two days to learn to use the door. It was hilarious watching my girl trying to teach her to use it. I'd encourage her with treats, but she was still a bit scared. My girl would come through the dog door to where i was, look back at the other girl, then go out to her again, nudge her, then come back in, go back out, nudge, come back in... The puppies that have stayed have learnt very quickly. One of them didn't have to learn at all - she saw my girl go through the door and just followed her - at a run.

If the camera manual doesn't say anything, and the thing says that they are now fully charged - you should be fine. (You can leave it in the plug for 10 hours more, but if it is fully charged, it isn't going to be charging up any more!) Camera batteries often come with some charge in them these days when you first buy the camera, so that customers can use them quickly. PLease note though - I am not a photography person, nor an IT person, so I could be really wrong...

Yep - Welcome to our nightmare - re the cancelled Hills show this year - it sucked that all vendors were told on the Friday night that both shows would go ahead - because forecast for the area of the actual show was within the rules. Then show cancelled, based on Adelaide temperatures... Vendors not happy at all - lots of food wasted. Also - when writing to DogsSA for an explanation of their policy and why they went against their own policy that says that it will be taken on local temperatures..... only reply received so far is that they have received my letter. No explanation, no apology. Welcome to a whole lot less shows through January and February - South Australia had only New Years Eve - night time, Australia Day - night time, then Summer Hills (one got cancelled). These were the only scheduled shows for all of Jan and Feb. Weather policy is having a huge impact on show schedule - Autumn International got moved this year from Adelaide Cup weekend in March to Anzac Day weekend in April. Lots of specialty clubs getting cranky at big All Breeds events trying to steal their traditional specialty show dates to get the cooler weather dates. Have fun with all this Vic people... ETA: - at least you guys have some indoor show venues as options

Hi EF I don't have the catalogue anymore, but I do have the "Backchat" (SSCSA magazine) - in pdf format that has the sheltie results for the royal in it. PM me if it is any use to you. (I know that the judge did make a point of placing every dog in the class - pointedly so in some classes - and the results in the Backchat only go down to third or fourth I think.) There were a number of dogs absent too on the day.

cool suggestion

yeah - but you only have a short haired dog. Double coated breed here that needs quite a bit of fussing before a show.

I have been lucky and have been able to set up with friends most of the time in their gazebo... BUT - when I am on my own - Gazebo is too hard for just one person to put up (I tried - and whilst people will help you when you do look like an idiot trying on your own - I hate to ask...) I have an umbrella if the weather looks fine (and not too windy) and an easy up tent (I have an oz-trail one, but the blackwolf ones are better). I love the tent. Lots of room. The actual tent itself, (without the fly really does take me one minute or less) I took people's advice and got a show trolley - I picked up one second hand (for about $50). It was in really bad shape when I got it - very rickety and not stable at all - but a whole lot of rivets and new hinges fixed it really well. Love the trolley. Like people have said, load up with the junk when arriving, pen for the dog plus grooming table. Don't forget the water bowl and chair for you. (Plus whatever grooming stuff you need)