[barb0604]

I'd talk to Kim and see if she really even wants you to take your puppy to a handling class. A lot of handlers really prefer that novices avoid stuff like that..it's easier for them to teach the puppy correctly from the getgo, rather than having to retrain the dog if the novice makes some kind of training error.

In the meantime, socialize, socialize, socialize.

That's exactly what the handler we're using for Jewels told me...well she didn't give that reason, but she said no handling classes. She did stress that Jewels needed to be well socialized with all kinds of people in all kinds of locations.

When I picked up Jewels,Jody had told me to work on stand stay, allowing her feet to be placed, catching food; which I've done. Today, we met the handler at the dog show (it was the first time she'd seen Jewels in person, and of course, Jewels did not show), and she said to keep doing what we're doing because Jewels is doing great. The handler added a few new exercises, learn 'watch', 'step', and to get used to a lead up high and snug on the neck.

I will say that I didn't try stacking Jewels because I didn't want to screw her up, but when the handler stacked her, it was like she was someone else's dog, she was stunning...and people stopped to tell me how impressive she looked.

So, it seems to be working to do the basics and leave the showy stuff for the professionals.... Guess we'll find out when she enters her first show most likely in December.

 

[barb0604]

Wendy Bettis, and I really like her a lot. At today's show, she handled Winner's Bitch, and her husband (Jimmy) got Winner's Dog & Best of Winners! Impressive! Even more impressive was that Jewels took right to her...

 

[barb0604]

I had no idea she'd been in that long, she looks too young! Many people at ringside told us stories of how she finished their dogs; it's great hearing all the positive feedback about her. It was impressive watching her (and Jimmy) handle a variety of dogs so that they looked just stunning.

 

[barb0604]

Hey!! Don't mean to hikack but couldn't resist asking... By any chance was that you that I met at the show in Cerritos yesterday and your darling pup played with my girl?? If so, wish I'd known it was you!

Yes it was!!! I wish I would've known too! I've been telling everyone about your girl, she's amazing (Jewels loved her....) and you're such a nice person!!

To the OP: I hope you'll forgive us for these digressions, but they do demonstrate how FUN it is to go to shows, and meet other Doberman lovers! I'm certain we'll all be looking forward to updates as your training progresses...