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.
my breed is Pembrokes and not Ausies but,eight years ago after receiving a show prospect from a good breeder I found that I missed her far too much every time she went off to a show so I gave it a whirl.I worked hard, and had to grow a thick skin, but 2 years later we won winners bitch at a very competitive regional specialty. I put all but three points on her myself and the following February we did run on the green carpet at Westminster. We did not win that day, but it was an amazing experience.
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