[Maeghan]

Hi everyone,

My name is Maeghan and I'm desperately looking for a conformation, specifically Doberman, mentor. I don't plan on getting one of my own for a few years, because life is pretty full with a 15 month old and a Min Pin, but I really want to get into the scene and learn as much as I can.

I have a little experience in the show ring, but with Smooth Collies when I was in middle school, and I know the Doberman is my perfect breed. Im just interested in learning the nuances, the small things, in conformation, handling, WHATEVER.

I work during the week at a doggy daycare, so I'm open to travel to LOCAL (in state, south oklahoma) show on the weekends, and might be able to get off for some days. If you want me to pick up poop, give baths, do whatever, I'm up for it!

I've been trying for a long time, but haven't really been able to reach out to anyone, cause I'm kind of shy. XD

Maeghan

 

[AuraDobe]

I feel like I met you somewhere...your story sounds so familiar!

Anyway, do you currently have a Doberman? Who is your breeder? Your breeder should be your first 'go to' person. I recently got a bitch from a breeder who is also a professional hander, and she has taught me more in the last 6 months than I learned in the year and a half before that.

Since meeting her, I have put three majors on 2 different dogs, and I give her a lot of credit...she helped me with little things that make a big difference in the ring, things that I never really thought about.

Through her, I have also gotten closer with the other pro handlers in this area, which is great, because they will give me the occasional tip, too.

Good luck in your search, a good mentor really does make all the difference.

 

[Maeghan]

Maybe!
I play SD online, so maybe that's where?

I had a rescue fawn Dobe in high school, but she had to be placed when we moved into an apartment complex. Biggest mistake I have ever made. And right now my boyfriend, daughter, and our dog are moving into an apartment in the next few months and we're both still in college, so my life isn't right for a Doberman right now, though we are thinking of adding another small mix to the family. I'm hoping within the next 5 years or something, we can get into a house and our daughter is a little bigger, then I'll start looking to get one of my own, but I want to be prepared and know what I'm doing, so I can do the best I can do with my pup.

I'm really hoping someone could use an extra set of hands with a "general" dog savvy person and eager learner.

 

[AuraDobe]

Maybe!
I play SD online, so maybe that's where?

I had a rescue fawn Dobe in high school, but she had to be placed when we moved into an apartment complex. Biggest mistake I have ever made. And right now my boyfriend, daughter, and our dog are moving into an apartment in the next few months and we're both still in college, so my life isn't right for a Doberman right now, though we are thinking of adding another small mix to the family. I'm hoping within the next 5 years or something, we can get into a house and our daughter is a little bigger, then I'll start looking to get one of my own, but I want to be prepared and know what I'm doing, so I can do the best I can do with my pup.

I'm really hoping someone could use an extra set of hands with a "general" dog savvy person and eager learner.

I dont play anything online, so that cant be it...Oh well

In that case, you have a nice long time to research breeders and LEARN! I started by hanging out at shows. A nice lady introduced me to her breeder/ handler and I started helping her out by holding dogs, etc. Im really shy, too, but if this is something that you really want, you have to get over it. IME, the Doberman people in this area are great. As long as you have a good attitude, they will help you and cheer you on.

You can also attend the DPCD meetings. This months meeting is on Oct 18 in Grapevine. Lots of great people with a lot of knowledge about Dobermans. Many of the members have conformation dogs, but there are also people who are into OB, agility, and having loving family pets.

Website: Home Page

 

[Maeghan]

Do you have to be a member to attend the meeting?

 

[AuraDobe]

Do you have to be a member to attend the meeting?

Nope, you just show up. The website has the next meeting info.

 

[Maeghan]

Awesome! If I can get a sitter, I'll be there!

 

[punkischic]

heeey, i know you. i play SD too, "lion dog".

good luck on your mentor search, it gets easier talking to people the more you push yourself.

 

[sam&macksmom]

check out AKC's mentoring program: American Kennel Club - New Exhibitor Mentoring Program

 

[Maeghan]

@punkischic, lol! Heyyyyyy! I breed dobes there under Drama Dog.

And thanks Sam & Mack, I'll check it out!

 

[DobeForLife]

We would love to have you at the meeting, I am the Membership Chair person for the DPCD Club. No need to be shy, you will find a great group of people there and a wealth of knowledge and experience in conformation and performance.

Coleen

 

[Maeghan]

Just faxed in my application for the mentoree program. Has anyone ever participarted in it?

And Ill definately be there on the 18th.

Excitedddd.

 

[AuraDobe]

Cool! Good luck with the program, and I look forward to meeting you in the 18th.

 

[TxDobieLady]

I'm in Texas but I'm also looking for a mentor but love to make new dobe friends what is this sd online game I'm a huge gamer

 

[Maeghan]

I'm in Texas but I'm also looking for a mentor but love to make new dobe friends what is this sd online game I'm a huge gamer

It's showdog.com. Its basically a virtual dog kennel where you breed and show dogs. It's different then neopets and those other ones aimed at kids, it's extremely in debth and they make it as realistic as possible, when it comes to genetics, colors, judge preferences, pro handlers, etc. I warn you, it's addictive and pay-to-play, but they do have free accounts, but you're pretty limited to how much you can breed and progress. It keeps me occupied while I wait for my own show dobe IRL. Lol.

 

[Maeghan]

Went to the Dallas meeting. I was a little nervous, and kind of awkward, but everyone was SO nice and welcoming. They encouraged me to volunteer with the North Texas Doberman Rescue, and I'll definately be going the Sunday after this one.

It was really cool to see people talk about some of the rescue dogs I had been stalking, and to hear their stories.

 

[Zephyr]

Went to the Dallas meeting. I was a little nervous, and kind of awkward, but everyone was SO nice and welcoming. They encouraged me to volunteer with the North Texas Doberman Rescue, and I'll definately be going the Sunday after this one.

It was really cool to see people talk about some of the rescue dogs I had been stalking, and to hear their stories.

The folks that run DRNT are fantastic. They're incredibly helpful, warm, and welcoming. They're also super appreciative of any help you may be able to offer.

Before I got my girl, I went on a few occasions to see if any of their rescue girls would be a good fit. Unfortunately, my dog didn't really click with any of their ladies all too well, so I went the breeder route as a litter from dogs I loved was in the making. I'm sure you'll have a blast out in Grand Prairie!