I have been showing dogs for over 25 years.....and I have only just recently had a truly bad experience under a judge. My heart was broken with one quick comment.
So far this show season, I have watched a particular dog constantly win even though it is a truly poor example of the breed. I have listened to comments from surrounding people and they are also amazed and appalled that this dog continues winning and quickly racked up a championship.
I recently saw a dog dismissed on the 4rth show of a four show weekend . This little dog was trying hard and showing it's little heart out, but the judge deemed it unworthy of the ring even though it was pointed and just went thru three other judges that same weekend. Why??? Why dismiss this little dog and leave an animal with disqualifying faults in the ring.........I know I will continue to show - but, after having seen this, it will take time to get my heart back into the shows and to restore my faith in some judges opinions.
I guess it is true - even though I have defended against this comment for years and continue to handle my own dogs - sometimes it really is about who is on the end of the leash.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
A New Puppy
I have occasionally received calls from families within a day or two of them having purchased their new puppy from a breeder or adopted a new dog from their local animal shelter . They tell me that their new pet will not come out from under the table or is hiding under the bed. They are concerned because the animal will not eat or drink. They are very upset and state that the animal was fine when they picked it up from the breeder or shelter but now that they have them home, they are just not the acting right.
Well, I understand that bringing home a new pet is a very exciting time for a family. People generally tend to want to have all of their friends come over so that they can show off their new furry friend. Everyone will of course want to touch the new pet and hug it and pick it up and walk it and feed and and and and......After all this, the family will sometimes even take the puppy/dog to the park or somewhere public, and once again everyone will want to say hello to it.
Through all of this commotion you are undoubtedly having a great time showing off your new best friend. However, you need to realize that this is all new and very exhausting to the animal. The whole experience is very overwhelming and in all fairness, the pet should be given a few days to settle into the routine of a new household and have a chance to get to know you as their new owner. You need to remember that even though you are thrilled and want to share this experience with the world, your pet needs a little time to adjust. They have just been taken from a familiar location, placed in the care of a stranger and moved to a new place where nothing is the same as it was. It takes time for them to settle in.
So you may find that for a few days, your pet is tired and just wants some time alone. remember, they are most likely a little stressed, exhausted and just want to get to know you.
You may also notice that the new puppy/dog may have a little diarrhea for a day or so, this can be normal. You have to take into account a change of diet ( suggest you feed the same as they were eating before and change gradually ), change of water and the stress factor. But, if this continues or seems excessive, it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. If you new puppy/dog is showing extreme health signs such as continued vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, consult your veterinarian immediately. A puppy/dog can dehydrate very quickly and this can lead to further complications.
If the puppy/dog does not engage with you and remains unsure and unsettled you should consult a trainer.
If you have a new puppy/dog, congratulations. I truly hope that you have many many years of fun together.
Please remember to spay and neuter your pets!!!
Well, I understand that bringing home a new pet is a very exciting time for a family. People generally tend to want to have all of their friends come over so that they can show off their new furry friend. Everyone will of course want to touch the new pet and hug it and pick it up and walk it and feed and and and and......After all this, the family will sometimes even take the puppy/dog to the park or somewhere public, and once again everyone will want to say hello to it.
Through all of this commotion you are undoubtedly having a great time showing off your new best friend. However, you need to realize that this is all new and very exhausting to the animal. The whole experience is very overwhelming and in all fairness, the pet should be given a few days to settle into the routine of a new household and have a chance to get to know you as their new owner. You need to remember that even though you are thrilled and want to share this experience with the world, your pet needs a little time to adjust. They have just been taken from a familiar location, placed in the care of a stranger and moved to a new place where nothing is the same as it was. It takes time for them to settle in.
So you may find that for a few days, your pet is tired and just wants some time alone. remember, they are most likely a little stressed, exhausted and just want to get to know you.
You may also notice that the new puppy/dog may have a little diarrhea for a day or so, this can be normal. You have to take into account a change of diet ( suggest you feed the same as they were eating before and change gradually ), change of water and the stress factor. But, if this continues or seems excessive, it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. If you new puppy/dog is showing extreme health signs such as continued vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, consult your veterinarian immediately. A puppy/dog can dehydrate very quickly and this can lead to further complications.
If the puppy/dog does not engage with you and remains unsure and unsettled you should consult a trainer.
If you have a new puppy/dog, congratulations. I truly hope that you have many many years of fun together.
Please remember to spay and neuter your pets!!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
