Hello everyone...
Submitted by HOLLAND75 on July 30, 2011 - 6:30pmThanks for permission to post! I figured we may as well take a shot at showing James....and did not realize what an undertaking it will be. He and I had our first ever conformation class last weekend, have our second 2moro. Suffice it to say it was totally embarrassing...neither of us knew what we were doing!
And tips for a beginner would be so hugely appreciated! 
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Silverback's Immaculate Interception, "James"
soo cute,, how old is he?I
soo cute,, how old is he?
I have no tips for you...well one..just have fun
he is 7 months...
..and 51 lbs
Silverback's Immaculate Interception, "James"
Just remember EVERYONE had to
Just remember EVERYONE had to start out just like you.....hang in there it will be better. Have fun and make it fun for your little guy!
should i hire someone to show him?
nm
Silverback's Immaculate Interception, "James"
Much more fun to do it yourself....
if you have the time and the personality to do it. Some folks hate being in the ring...I LOVE it! Just remember to relax and enjoy it...it's just a dog show, don't take it too seriously.
That being said, spend lots of time with your dog. Stop and stack him in strange places...get people to touch him all over so that it's not strange to him. Don't be afraid to obedience train him. He can easily learn the difference between the show ring, where you don't want him to sit, and obedience class, where you do. He'll love the time with you, and be a better show dog and pet because of the time you spend with him.
Find a good mentor in your area. You need someone who can teach you to properly groom a bulldog. It makes a huge difference in the presentation. If you don't know anyone who shows bulldogs, feel free to email me...I'll try to help you find someone who can teach you the basics.
Cathy Hardegree
You could call the BCA in your area...
And see if there is maybe someone with a good reputation that shows...they might be able to give you some on hand pointers and help! That would be awesome:-)
Best of luck with that cutie boy!
Amy and Sophia
we went this weekend--
to the monthly bulldog meeting-- it was awesome and they had a short conformation class. i got a bunch of tips, but i think i just need to read up and keep watching dog shows.
Silverback's Immaculate Interception, "James"
You could hire someone but
You could hire someone but that can be VERY costly. I enjoy showing and have beaten pro-handlers, but also have lost to them. Remember this is a beauty contest. There are judges that don't care who is at the end of the leash, and others that will only put up the pros. You will learn which are which and who not to waste you entrie fee on. I was told that it can cost about 1,000.00 per point...so it can be an expensive hobby. I love being able to say I did it on my own. You can buy anything with enough money even a champion show dog.....I have seen it many, many times. It can get frustrating at times. Good luck
thanks for the insight...
...i think i will try myself first. the idea of just buying him the points with a professional handler seems....like buying your way in. plus 1000 bucks a point is insane! not realistic for us AT ALL. we arent in a hurry and may never finish-- its not that important to us that we do with this dog.
but we have to at least try!
thanks again!
Silverback's Immaculate Interception, "James"