Almost twelve years ago, I got introduced to the dog world. I have been a pet owner all of my life, but this is different. This is the world of Dog shows, breeding, raise and caring for a breed. I am one to the lucky ones who got into the sport. Most newcomers only last five years from what I have been told. The reason that I am still into the sport and have had success has been my mentors, Charlie Fippin, Dee Turkleson and Karen Bolton. Without them I too would be a casualty of the sport. Mentors make the difference. Eleven years ago, I went to a Flat-coated Retriever Specialty with these lady’s where they began filling may head about the sport and that breed. One of the first things I was taught was Flat-coats most important trait is temperament. At our setup there were 9 Flat-coats, about 8 Cavaliers, and I brought my pet Cairn terrier Reilly. One of the first things they had me doing was to put Reilly into a pen of 3 Flat-coats. I said to them are you sure? After a couple minutes, Reilly was having the best time with Spot one of the girls. Then Reilly was turned loose in with the Cavalier’s and Sally Sausage who later I would be gifted two of her puppies, showed Reilly who was the boss. After several days of the specialty, I needed a nap because these ladies’ wore me out. I took Reilly and one of the Flat-coats Journey back to my room. The lobby was filled with out Flat-coats and their owner/breeders. I noticed that some of their dogs were jerking the handler’s leads and growling at other dogs. Some of the people asked if Reilly my Cairn terrier lived with Journey the Flat-coat. After being with these lady’s and learning how quick witted they are, I responded, no he just met him this week and has the right temperament. The looks I got. I continued to spend time learning about Flat-coats and Cavalier’s. Later that year, I got to watch what would later be two of my first cavaliers Sax and Hermonie. They are now 10 ½ years old and my first AKC Champions. Over the next several months I learned that a dog could use a litter box. At 10 1/2 , Hermonie will still use one and one of her children Morse still uses one. I found out that this feature really sets a breeder a part. Not that every dog stays litter box trained, but in my opinion it makes for a cleaner dog over their life. Even sharing this with other breeder and hearing they tried it and it doesn’t work. Come to find out they didn’t give it enough time. As one grows in the world of dogs, it has its up and downs. Last year we lost our first Cavalier Parker to MVD. His was only 8 1/2. One the upside of things last year Fiona became my first Bred By AKC Champion. Ups and downs are a part of life, the important part is that your surround yourself with the right mentors, friends, and family.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 07:30:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015