1st 9-12 month puppy & Reserve Winner's Dog

To say that we had a fun and exciting first show weekend would be an understatement!

Having never owned a show dog, much less attended many conformation shows- to say that I was intimidated would be an understatement! On Saturday, Gibbs was the only puppy in his age group. My legs felt like jello, my hands trembled, and I couldn't set Gibbs up for the life of me. We got to go back in for Winner's so it was a nice opportunity for more ring practice.

On Sunday, again Gibbs was the only 9-12 mont puppy dog. When we went back in for Winners, I had no expectations. I wanted to go into the ring and be less nervous and more able to set Gibbs up. Well, to see the judge keep comparing distant relative Detour to Gibbs made my heart pount when I realized she was really considering us for RWD. Finally the judge said, "And my Reserve Winners Dog will be my puppy" I just about couldn't believe my ears. MY PUPPY? Woo-hooo! For this to be our 2nd show, and very first show weekend this was beyond my expectations. We're definitely hooked on conformation now!

Tick Tock- Tick Tock

Show time is drawing near. We're packing our bags and double checking our list. Tonight a fellow golden friend and myself and heading down to the show venue to set up our grooming tables, crates, and all that jazz! It will be exciting. It is the first show for both humans and both puppies. While our puppies aren't littermates, they are related. Gibbs is a Lotto son. Dandie is a Terra daughter, who is a Lotto daughter. Say that 3 times fast! We're crossing our fingers and paws that everyone gets through the shows with no embarrassing stories to post about later!

Gibbs from 6-9 months

It has been a long time since we've posted on the blog. It's been busy here and I've mostly forgotten about it. Gibbs finished his 8 week Rally Class and we've begun a new one last week. We're polishing all of our Rally Novice exercises and trying to get ready for our first trial on April 30th. Keep your paws crossed for us! On Sunday, we got to spend some time with Gibbs' 1/2 siblings that are about 7 weeks old. Gibbs' breeder invited us to her puppy party so that we could show off all that Gibbs knows how to do at only 9 months. We did the usual sit, down, stand, heel but also some tricks. Gibbs can get a tissue from a box, roll himself in a blanket, turn on the lights, & put things into a basket. He was a big hit despite being a little sluggish from our 2 hour conformation class. Speaking of conformation, we have our first show this weekend. We're entered both days! Yikes! I am nervous but also pretty excited. There are not many dogs entered, it will be 1 point in dogs and 2 points in bitches. Gibbs goes for his pre-show groom on Thursday at Anne's house. This week we have a visitor, my in-laws's cocker spaniel, Maggie. She is already teaching Gibbs some bad habits like barking as cars or people go past our house. *sigh* This is going to be a long week. Above is Gibbs' 6-9 month video montage!

First Conformation Class

Yesterday I took Gibbs to our first conformation class. It was so much fun, I think I've been bitten by the show bug already. The class was 2 hours long, but it was so informative and a good experience for us both.

My little guy just loves food... bait- even better. He was incredibly good. Didn't mind other dogs crowding him or moving toward him while he was stacked. What a good boy! Our breeder, Anne, was there. She said he is developing nicely and he is quite the mover! YAY! Now, had she told me the total opposite that he wasn't going to make the cut for the ring, I would have been disappointed but wouldn't have gone home to cry. However, hearing that he is looking like a show dog has me on cloud 9. :)

I made show bait that Gibbs absolutely loves. I think that I am going to save it only for handling class and for shows. I want him to be motivated and 'up' when he needs to be. Maybe saving his new favorite tid-bit will do that for us.

Here is the recipe, thanks for a fellow member of GoldenRetrieverForum.com, LibertyMe.

SALMON BROWNIES

These treats are so great for training. They aren't
slippery.
They don't crumble. They toss really nicely.

1-14 ounce
canned salmon drained or 2 cans of tuna packed in water, drained
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups of flour (or more as needed to make
stiff dough)


Mix together. Press (or roll) flat on a cookie sheet to
about ¼" thick.
Spraying your hands with Pam® make pressing out much easier
Bake at 250° F for 30 minutes.
Cut into ¼" cubes and refrigerate or
freeze.


These freeze really well....however they must be used within
a day or two after thawing as they will spoil.