Looking for a female to mate with

[Jane S]

Thanks to everyone to all their advice.  I took Zacky to a show today and I am pleased to say he one first prize!! 

That's amazing - just 2 days ago you were saying Zacky was a pet dog and you didn't show him and now, he has just won first prize at a dog show I would guess this must have been a charity Companion Show where most people enter their dogs for a relaxed, fun day out so it seems very strange that you encountered the sort of behaviour you complain about. I'm also very impressed that you have mastered show trimming and handling in just 2 days - it takes most of us years to learn

[Cathy]

 

Nothing constructive  to add, but its almost as much fun as BB.

[Magic Star]

Nothing constructive  to add, but its almost as much fun as BB.

 

I know who i'm nominating

[Jan/Billy]

Thanks to everyone to all their advice.  I took Zacky to a show today and I am pleased to say he one first prize!! 

That's amazing - just 2 days ago you were saying Zacky was a pet dog and you didn't show him and now, he has just won first prize at a dog show I would guess this must have been a charity Companion Show where most people enter their dogs for a relaxed, fun day out so it seems

I took Billy to a "show" today it was one like Jane said, a "charity show" completely different to professional shows  .

It was a great fun day out with the emphasis being on having fun and raising money for charity,nothing more. No one took it serious at all. This one was the RSPCA charity. It was a hilarious day, the dogs in the ring didn't have a clue what to do, and the agility was even more fun 

 I didn't enter Billy in anyhing as he's been poorly recently and I didn't think he was up to it but had I done so I'm sure he'd have won first place in "most handsome male" - I'm not biased honestly 

[allym]

I too found your comments a bit offensive.  I have been taking my pup to Ringcraft Classes and a few shows - I don't have any delusions of winning Crufts, but it's good fun, and a nice way to bond with my puppy. I also think it's a good way to socialise your dog and allow it to meet lots of different dogs / people etc.

The vast majority of 'showing' people I have met are completely devoted to their dogs - I think you have to be in order to willingly spend hours and hours grooming.  Of course most of them want to win, but that doesn't mean that they don't care about their dogs.  Conversely, I bet a lot of these dogs are spoilt rotten!

PS Being a newbie to this grooming business myself, I am seriously impressed that you've managed it in just a few days.  I've been practising and trying to learn for a few months now, but stilll find it very difficult...

[Jan/Billy]

PS Being a newbie to this grooming business myself, I am seriously impressed that you've managed it in just a few days.  I've been practising and trying to learn for a few months now, but stilll find it very difficult...

Me too! I've had billy two and a half years and still struggle like mad.  I tried to trim his paws last night, i got half of one paw done , by the time I've done the other three and a half paws the first half paw will need doing again  . So I'm back to the groomers next week - leave it to the professionals is what I'll be doing 

[Zacky]

Thanks to all for their comments whether postive or negative and thanks to all those cocker owners who no so much about dogs, (not a lot else though says the person with the least tact!!) for all thier help.  I have read with great interest all the negatives about breeding (no postives, but I suppose that is human Psychology its only the dogs who are so positive ) and I have decided not to breed with Zacky, although I have had a couple of offers.  Zacky mothers has a new litter and I will take your advise and select one of his siblings.  Happiness to all of you - Enjoy

[Zacky]

So if you breed they are not a pet?? very strange that!!

I am sorry your showing experience was not a pleasant one. A lot of dogs enjoy showing, and as long as they are happy to do so, I don't see how it can be cruel.  You have said yourself that you just wanted him as a pet so why are you contemplating using him for breeding? That is not the role of a pet dog

[Zacky]

Hey all:

1) No offense intended to anyone
2) I will not be mating Zacky - I have read all the comments about why not to Mate - all negative but nothing positive I suppose though that is human Psychology - life is negative nothing positive!!!
3) Yes I have had offers but have declined
4) Interested to read someones response that dogs for breeding are not pets - well what are they money making machines

Well said Rhona W couldnt agree more! 

[Zacky]

No I have not mastered show trimming - I paid for it to be done

Thanks to everyone to all their advice.  I took Zacky to a show today and I am pleased to say he one first prize!! 

That's amazing - just 2 days ago you were saying Zacky was a pet dog and you didn't show him and now, he has just won first prize at a dog show I would guess this must have been a charity Companion Show where most people enter their dogs for a relaxed, fun day out so it seems very strange that you encountered the sort of behaviour you complain about. I'm also very impressed that you have mastered show trimming and handling in just 2 days - it takes most of us years to learn

[Zacky]

Couldn't agree more har har!!!
Nothing constructive  to add, but its almost as much fun as BB.

[sarah25]

I agree with everybody else.

If you think showing is cruel why did you take him to the show. 

[Zacky]

If you have no knowledge of something you cannot comment, if you have knowledge you can comment, that is why I took him to a show so I could see for myself

I agree with everybody else.

If you think showing is cruel why did you take him to the show. 

[*Jay*]

So if you breed they are not a pet?? very strange that!!

I am sorry your showing experience was not a pleasant one. A lot of dogs enjoy showing, and as long as they are happy to do so, I don't see how it can be cruel.  You have said yourself that you just wanted him as a pet so why are you contemplating using him for breeding? That is not the role of a pet dog

But if you show they are not a pet?? I find that very strange   They were your words, not mine

[KellyS]

I'm just wondering why you think showing dogs is cruel?? Try telling that to my lot when they spot the show bag coming out!!!

The information concerning why not to mate are vaild points whether negative or not. They are designed to ensure that you have thought the whole thing through and to help you and others.