Saturday in Hollister

[Co-Pilot in Flight]

So an update of our show today in Hollister, judge was Dr. Harry Smith.

I could not beleive it when I checked in there were THREE entires for puppy bitch 6-9 months, wow our first competition with other pugs in our class. Well one never checked in. We were scheduled at 9:00 and first of course so I had hardly any time to watch the dogs being judged. Dr. Smith does a different pattern with them than any other judge although I liked him a lot, he was quiet and thoughful and awarded two blacks best in class!

Anyway I go in the ring a little frazzled, but I was okay. Co-Pilot was a bit high strung, although she looked good and was a good girl on the table. After we went around he asked me to go up front, I was pretty thrilled and we got first place in her class! Our first blue ribbon with competition. BUT, get this the other puppy bitch was being handled by a child. She couldn't have been over 10 years old. Although my husband said she did a nice job with her dog. She was very nice and congratulated me, it was funny though because I almost felt bad and then my husband jokingly said, "good job honey you kicked that little kids A$$". Of course she has probably been handling dogs longer than I have, and a win is a win.

When we went back in the ring I screwed up a bit. I was given lots of useful advise before I went in and anyway I had so many things on my mind, I let my eyes leave the judge for a few seconds too long and when he was coming down the row looking at all the bitches, I wasn't paying attention. I am sure I lost right then and there. He is a nice man but judges do expect you to manage yourself and your dog in the ring. I couldn't even tell you who did win but he put up nice dogs I was impressed.

If I see Dr. Smith tomorrow, or this with any judge, is it ever okay to ask them their opinion of your dog? I know when i saw one judge out of the ring she approached me and was really nice...but I am so new i don't want to do something I am not supposed to.

Thanks everyone I hope you are having a good weekend, and PLEASE be thinking good thoughts for me tomorrow morning, I'll need it!

[Jamie]

Congratulations!! That is so exciting!! I am sure you will do wonderfully tomorrow. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I'm not sure about asking the judge questions. In rally, we always talk to the judge afterwards, but I am not sure about conformation. I am interested in what everyone has to say as well. ;)

[shaynapug]

I don't usually ask judges....It's a real subjective sport...and...sometimes..they don't even remember!!

Sounds like you did great! Sometimes, judges put kids up just cuz they're kids! So...don't knock your win!!!

We all screw up......

I tell people that you have to take your knocks....It's very rare to get points on a puppy. I go there just to have fun and get us both used to working together as each dog is different! I get more into winning as mine get older.

Hope you have a great day tomorrow!

[Co-Pilot in Flight]

Yeah Diane, you are right, I really never expect to win points....but it is always nice to dream huh!

Anyway...we need the practice so we are there for that reason as much as any. I have heard that of all the judges breeders judges are more likely to put up puppies, so I was just dreaming about it!

[shaynapug]

Some judges do....but...most often...those pups are with handlers!

It does happen...there's a boy here that is almost finished at 11 months old and is owner handled.

Isis got points as a pup..but in the bred by classes. Topaz did nothing til she matured..then finished quickly!!

For me....It took me longer to finish my first few pugs as I was more nervous...etc.

I also took a class with 2 really good handlers. They had a seminar for a weekend. I learned a LOT then! Would take it again if I had a pup....as each dog is different.

[Milosmom]

CONGRATULATIONS!! Sara & Miss Co-Pilot.
Having a first win is exciting and there is always time to push forward with your other goals.
I'm so happy for you both and I send you MUCH good luck for tomorrow.

[GingerSnap]

I know yuo're so happy! Good for you girls! Woo hoo!

[MyJordy]

Congratulations Miss Co-Pilot and Sara!! Good luck tomorrow.

Oscar has jumped in to his travel bag, he's decided he would like to attend the show tomorrow. He wants to be there to cheer Miss Co-Pilot on and offer his love and moral support. I don't know how to tell him there's no way he can get there in time.


and here he is just waking up from a sweet dream about Miss Co-Pilot.

[Co-Pilot in Flight]

Oh my goodness Oscar is SOOOO adorable in those pics, can we put him on a private jet he might make it then!!!

[Milosmom]

Ohhh Myla...
Thought you'd sneak adorable Oscar pics by me did you.
He's soooo cute.
Love and kisses for the little traveler in progress.