The beginnings of being a show dog are tough, but not just for me, Mom too. She has never had a show dog, so we are learning the whole thing together. We are taking conformation classes and our groomer is helping us get ready for our first show outing. Speaking of groomer, I went there on Tuesday for the first time. My sisters said it is called a spa and I needed to bring a towel, so I did. Come to find out, they were just making me look stupid. Girls!
My furs were not too bad when I got to the spa. I needed a bath and some touch up mainly. Mostly my paws needed some taming down. Mom left me there for almost five hours! The lady is nice, but she had me doing all kinds of training things and quite frankly, I was worn out when Mom finally returned.
I do think I look pretty nice all cleaned, trimmed, and stripped. Thankfully she didn’t mess much with my face and beard.
When we got home I had to do some photos so everyone could see my right side. Learning to stand, stay standing and stand still seem to be a big thing for this show dog gig.
How about a peek at my left side? I think I am looking pretty good. Next we have to work on something called a stack but I am not keen on doing it. Mom says I will learn if I want to be a show dog.
At conformation class I have to run around with Mom, stay at her side, and go up on a ramp thing to a table. So far I’ve learned to let people see my teeth, and to hold my head straight. In this photo, the holding still kind of fell apart as it was at the end of class when I am pretty much done with it all.
My sports are super fun, but this show stuff I am not sure about. Mom isn’t so sure either, but she says we are going to do it together because I am the right guy for the job. On the way home from class, I crash completely. It is really exhausting work, all this learning! Hopefully when we get to that point, the showing thing will be at least a little bit of fun. I guess I am thankful I get a lot of opportunities. Many dogs don’t.
My GBGV Life is joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
You are one handsome boy, Nelson, and we hope the show training gets easier for you and you start to enjoy it.
Mom and I both are nervous about it all, but Mom knows it will all work out. It’s hard to be new at something.
I’m sure you’ll have a great future, it’s worth the effort!
Everyone says I will do well, so hopefully Mom can get things together and we will do well.
Such fun, we are starting back in the confirmation ring too with our new Pembroke Welsh Corgi. So much work but you will love it handsome boy!
Mom has never shown a dog before, so it is all new for us both but I am learning and our teacher says she is impresses with how nicely I hold my head up since I am a hound and a young hound too.
You will do very well with the “show” thing. And you are a very handsome boy!
Thank you. I guess we will see how it goes.
Nelson, you are the handsomest guy in the world! Be strong because you do need to give the show ring a chance. I could never do that because my front paws go east west. Puffin and I are always exhausted after our spa days. XOXO Sparkle
Conformation class is even more tiring than the spa! So much to learn and people are always messing with me and I am not sure I like it, but Mom says I’m getting better every class.
Yes, it is hard work, I assume your groomer strips your coat, which is a very long process. Yes, a lot to learn for a baby boy. They have classes for puppies. Now you could be a winner in activities that your sisters can’t complete. If you do really well you could be invited to The Westminster Dog Show.
Yes we all get our coats stripped. Mine isn’t very long yet, so it didn’t take so long. I had to be there to practice standing and being around other dogs, and some other things the spa lady wanted me to know about.
It’s hard work, but you’ll love it and you’ll get to show up your sisters. I’m sure you’ll like that after that towel thing.
Have a woof woof Thankful Thursday. Scritches all around and a hug to mom. ♥
They sometimes like to take advantage of me. I think I will give them a run for their money in sports now that I can start competing.
You will make an excellent show dog but why? It’s no fun.
Mom wants to try it to see what it is like. She doesn’t expect to love it like she does sports but she wants to give it a whirl with me.
we are sure you will love that kind of events… and we know you will win many ribbons and trophies
Maybe I could get some good tips from you boys about how to handle my mom at such shows?
We can’t wait to see how you and your Mama do…A tired puppy is a happy puppy, right?
xoxo,
Rosy
I’m tired a lot because I am always so busy learning things.
We are so excited to watch your journey Nelson! You look so much like our Jimmy Parker (in fact, you may have common ancestors, Nancy would know). Jimmy is now happily living with his new Mom, Karen Meldrum, in St. Louis….who knows you may see one another at a dog show since Karen is starting dog show life up for Jimmy again!
We know about Jimmy. Show life will have a life of its own according to my mom. Sports will be our main focus but showing will also be important, at least for a while.
See you in the ring hopefully, Nelson! Conformation is a sport, but you’re supposed to get lots of treats for your hard work – especially the days of the shows. And we here think you look super! Jimmy Parker & Karen
I find it very boring right now, but maybe I will enjoy it when we get to a show. It will be very different from the sports we all do.
You are a handsome fella Nelson. Fingers and paws crossed that being a show dog is in your future. Dog shows are fun to watch. We have a major dog show in Philadelphia, PA every year. If you make it here – I will be in the stands rooting for you!!
They tell us we will probably have to travel to get me “finished” because there are not that many of us out there at shows. We will give it a try and see how it goes.
Nelson you and Mom are a great team…she has field experience so she can help you if there are any nerves.
Your chocolate brown ears are gorgeous
Hugs Cecilia
The question is, will I stay dark or fade? Answer will be seen in another six months or so. Mom has never shown a dog, so we are both in for something new together.
It may not be so easy, but that’s why it takes a special guy like you to do it!
It’s a lot to learn and it really wears me out in that class but Mom says we will do fine once we figure it out together.
You really do look fabulous sweet Nelson, we smell a show stopper coming up, you can do it! Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
I hope I can do well and get the titles Mom says I should have.
Da mommas almost showed Brinley and me – but then family stuff got in the way and they just decided to spay us instead. We both are natural stackers still though, BOL.
I am a partial natural stacker, but we are learning to stack on my own.
Good luck. You look great!!
Thank you.
Aww, sweet Nelson, you’re gonna be ‘wagnificent’ at this dog show thing.
People tell Mom that all the time but we still have a lot to learn.