Anyone going to the Dobe show this Oct in MA?

sheezbusy said:

Just wondering if any of you are going to the big Dobe show in Fitchburg MA this October? I am thinking this might be a great place to meet breeders and start looking for another pup within the next year. I may want to get a show prospect. Do most breeders want co-ownership? Do you get complete ownership of the dog after he/she is finished? Any suggestions on how to break into showing? Any pointers on how to hire a handler?
Lisa

Click to expand...

I'll be there for the last 4 days.

I'd say most breeders do want a co ownership with novices. When that co ownership ends varies-some breeders will sign the dog over when it finishes, but I think it's more common (especially with puppy bitches) for them to sign off if/when the dog is bred and they get a pick puppy. And some breeders never sign off, they stay on as co owners for the life of the dog.

As far as hiring a handler-this is where the breeder can be a big help as far as recommendations. Beyond that, I'd be spending a lot of time at shows, watching handlers in and out of the ring. There was a fairly recent thread on handlers here that mentioned some of the considerations..this is someone you'll have to be able to get along with and have good communication with. And some dogs work better for some handlers than others.