Let's Get Physical

Everyone knows that dogs need exercise. What I didn't realize is how much and what types are needed to remain in show condition. I learned the term "road work" - walking the dog on a leash, and for a corgi this doesn't mean taking an occasional spin around the block. There are many folks whose adult corgis do 3 miles a day (note: pups should do shorter distances). During in-climate weather, there's the "Dog-A-Jog" treadmill - another concept that was new to me. I have not yet invested in one, but could be convinced if we have another winter like 2010/2011. And then there's letting them run off-lead as that works different muscles. My first two corgis were ball fiends. The second two are not - so our running consists of letting them herd each other (or my kids) around the fenced backyard. I'm sure there are multiple thoughts on the right types and amount of exercise - these are just my experiences.

 I will not say much about diet because everyone has their own philosophy about what to feed their dogs. Mine do well on Taste of the Wild. I throw in green beans or carrots occasionally. They have a multivitamin, Fish Oil and Vit E daily. For Carter, Show Stopper was an excellent supplement when he was in the ring. It helps with coat growth and quality (I wish there was an equivalent for humans!). My 11.5 year old girl (who is a pet) also receives a joint supplement. My husband jokes that she's in such good shape that she may outlive both of us.

 Chiropractics are also a common service sought out by those who show dogs. My first corgi - my dear, sweet pet Jack who crossed the bridge the day after Christmas in 2009 - went to a chiropractor for years. I have not sought it out for others, however I am about to for the boys as I want to ensure they remain in tip-top alignment.

 And while we're on the topic of alternative approaches - I am a firm believer in the power of acupuncture for dogs. My girl ruptured a disc a few years and her hind end was totally immobile. Instead of surgery - I opted for cortisone and acupuncture. It worked! And she's back to playing ball like it's nobody's business. 

So what am I trying to say here? Showing a dog means more than committing time and money to participate in the events. There is much work to be done on an ongoing basis. It's a commitment - especially when you don't feel well, or are tired or busy - but you push through it, like an athlete.

Do I Have What It Takes?

I've been reading "Show Dog: The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred". It's a great book and I can relate to so much of it based on my experience in and outside of the ring.

The book does far more than chronicle the ups and downs of Aussie Jacks's life on the show circuit. I've learned so much more about dogs in general. And the more I read, the more I question whether the average owner handler can make a mark in the confirmation ring. There appears to be a strategy used by the pros - campaigning - that is important to further a canine's career. This includes backers and expensive ads in the right magazines. Must I be wealthy and employ the expertise of a renowned handler to excel in this arena?

I used handlers on my first Ch. and they are wonderful and talented and fabulous in so many ways and I am thankful for their skill and kindness. I would use them again in a heartbeat, but I really want to try and finish my second hopeful on my own. I question if this is possible as I look at pictures of us in the ring. Maybe I'm not cut out for this. Perhaps I should shift my focus to performance, which is a bit more objective.

My dream is to be in the ring at Westminster - or at least have a dog in the ring (because I've heard that you do want a handler in that venue). Some dreams come true...but not all.

Dogs Make My Life Whole

Taking a two-legged vacation. Missing my four-leggeds. It's odd not to have my little shadows with me. Makes me wonder how I ever lived without dogs!

It's ALL About The Shoes

Words to live by in the amateur owner handler world:

"Shoes are like friends, they can support you, or take you down" ~Anon

You will not see footwear from the breed ring featured at fashion week. Spending hour after hour standing on cement floors and/or grassy fields does not lend itself well to Jimmy Choos. It's all about comfort...and what won't cause you to take a header in the ring.

If you plan to enter the ring and Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik are your best friends, it's time to expand your social circle by introducing yourself to some new names - such as Merrell, Dansko, and Born (just to name a few). Be sure to avoid Uggs in the ring (referencing a questionable footwear choice in the 2012 Working Group @ Westminster).

I bought myself Merrells for in the ring and Dansko for outside of the ring. If you are entering outdoor shows, I highly recommend a pair of nice water resistant shoes or boots in the event of inclement weather. I was caught at a show without last year and ended up wearing flip flops.

Today I was a rebel and wore leather boots. I kept my feet firmly planted - so maybe I'll dare to move from the mundane to the sublime.

Bad Hair Day

Your (and you dog's) hair would look like this too if the GPS routed you through the back roads of the Bronx...