Remy’s Show Thread

[JanS]

Does it seem like the entries are lower this year compared to last in anyone else’s area?

I know our clubs show is coming up and at this point the pre-entries are lower than I've seen them in the past. There are quite a few dogs in the gun dog and herding groups as usual, but not as many as prior years.

I think post COVID there was such a huge boom to get out there and show after everything was shut down and now that has dwindled.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. We had a fun match in 2020 when everything was shut down and the turnout was huge, even though that show didn't count for points.

 

[remy]

I mentioned I may be entering Remy in a scent work trial in September, but I just saw there is also a conformation show and FastCat 40 minutes away that same weekend. Decisions, decisions!

I’ll see how he does at the shows this week before I decide to enter him in those. If it doesn’t go well I’ll probably take a little break from showing. I’ll definitely be showing him myself in October though as my family wants to come watch!

 

[Rits]

but I just saw there is also a conformation show and FastCat 40 minutes away that same weekend.

So it begins. Welcome to my world

 

[remy]

So it begins. Welcome to my world

I have two different scent work trials in mind, which one I pick depends on how he does when I introduce him to buried (and reintroduce to containers) lol. If I go with the first one I’ll probably do FCAT at least.

If he doesn’t pick up any points this week, I’m not sure if I’ll enter that show in Sept. My bank account might need time to recover. I was supposed to stay with family for this show, but it didn’t work out and I ended up renting an Airbnb. Needless to say it’s been a very expensive month.

 

[Ravenbird]

My bank account might need time to recover.

Mine never has...

 

[remy]

Mine never has...

I don’t doubt it! It’s so expensive to be involved in dog sports. And even just owning a “pet” dog lol.

 

[remy]

Remy didn’t earn any points last week but he got more experience in the ring which is great! He didn’t show as well as last time. He just paced a bit and for whatever reason was a little jumpy. He didn’t jump while gaiting, but did a few times when they would take off for the go around. Sort of like he was fighting against the collar? I’m not sure why because he never did that when practicing and he gaited with 3 different handlers . He was shown by a different handler this time. She was in another ring for 2 shows, so he was shown by a different handler for those. The reason for the 3rd handler was the first two weren’t sure if they would make it back in time (they did) lol. He seemed to like them all!

I’m debating when he’ll show again. I’m not sure if we should take a break or just keep things going lol. I’m considering entering him for 2 days at the end of August/beginning of September. I want to handle him myself more but I also know I’m not great at it, so if we do enter that show I may have the handler show him for 1 day. Besides for that I’m definitely showing him myself for 2 days in October. It’s a much smaller show and it’s close to home so a lot of my family wants to come watch!

 

[JanS]

He looked awesome out there and that second photo just shows his focus on the handler. That one is framable for sure.

He just paced a bit and for whatever reason was a little jumpy.

Elroy did that with me and I'm pretty sure that's just because I'm unable to run fast enough anymore (getting older isn't fun). I think I'm done showing for the year since I just can't do it myself anymore and I can't seem to find anyone else to step in except my friend and I don't expect her to drive that far for the fall show.

 

[Ravenbird]

He's a gorgeous dog, you have him trained well and while he's in this show mode, go ahead and do your planned events. Then make a decision on moving forward or not. A few disappointments are always going to happen, but a few bright notes can keep you going. I have found by experience what my dog is cut out to do or not do and I won't push what doesn't fit us. That said I pushed through Rally to get our Novice because we'd done a lot to train for it and I wasn't ready to give up. Once done with novice though I knew that was the end of that road because neither of us was having fun. Since you've worked so hard and Remy looks great I'd just keep the commitments for Sept & Oct then decide. Confo is hard because it doesn't matter how hard you train, he can do everything perfectly and still it's an opinion, not how well he stacks or gaits. Do enjoy the experience, love him for trying to do his best with a stranger handler. You guys are good just by getting out their and seeing what it's like!

 

[JanS]

I knew that was the end of that road because neither of us was having fun.

And that's really important since show time is supposed to be enjoyable bonding time for everyone involved, IMO.

 

[Rits]

I wouldn't take much to heart! You know it from me, dog shows are hard and you guys are just getting your toes wet. Definitely keep at it! Like I told you in private, it'll be good practice for everyone even if he isn't "ready" maturity wise. Who knows, you might pick up a point.

His rearing up, he was just being a naughty boy testing the waters in the ring and throwing a mini tantrum, lol. His handler looked like she was definitely used to that, didn't blink an eye and went! Once that happened he was like "fine!!" and had to go or he would have been dragged behind lol. He looked great once he got moving!! He'll get it. Stavros has been showing for much longer and I think a little bit naughtier and is just now starting to get his act together. He's only 3 months younger than Remy.

Did the handler catch him pacing and break him out of it at least? Usually they don't pace for long if the handler is paying attention.

 

[remy]

Definitely keep at it!

We will! I would like to get his championship as a minimum, it just might take longer than I anticipated lol. Not sure if I’ll continue to show him after that. One step at a time!

His rearing up, he was just being a naughty boy testing the waters in the ring and throwing a mini tantrum, lol.

“Whose dog is that?” Lol.

His handler looked like she was definitely used to that, didn't blink an eye and went! Once that happened he was like "fine!!" and had to go or he would have been dragged behind lol.

She primarily shows working breeds so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s had some difficult dogs lol. While we were there she handled (that I know of) Great Danes, Black Russian Terriers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

Did the handler catch him pacing and break him out of it at least? Usually they don't pace for long if the handler is paying attention.

Yes and no. He paced less with the handler in the photos and she seemed to be quicker to get him out of it. The handler who filled in was older and maybe moved a little slower. I think he paced for a full go around or two with her…

He's a gorgeous dog, you have him trained well and while he's in this show mode, go ahead and do your planned events.

Thank you and I think we will.

Do enjoy the experience, love him for trying to do his best with a stranger handler.

I love being able to watch him! Usually it’s more relaxing than handling him myself, but this time he had me stressing out . It’s kind of funny because he’ll just go with the flow and do whatever with whoever. He was even held ringside for a few minutes with a junior handler and he just calmly stood there getting pets from her.

Confo is hard because it doesn't matter how hard you train, he can do everything perfectly and still it's an opinion, not how well he stacks or gaits.

Yup! Both times he’s showed and I thought he did his best, he was 3rd out of 3 in his class lol. It all comes down to what that particular judge likes.

He looked awesome out there and that second photo just shows his focus on the handler. That one is framable for sure.

Thank you! He’s happy to do whatever if food is involved .

 

[remy]

Just figured I’d update on what I decide to do! (Shows & scent work trials)

He’s entered in 2 days of the show. I believe it’s 4 days, but to be honest I don’t feel like being away/staying in a hotel that long lol. On Saturday he will be showing with a handler (the first one he showed with). Later that day there is a match show. I’ll be doing that with him to get some practice in before I handle him myself the following day! I’m not very confident in my handling which is why I’m using a handler for one of the shows… I always say I’m good at making him look bad lol. He’ll also do a FastCat run or two while we’re there.

Originally I was hoping to enter the scentwork trial that is nearby the show. I decided to skip this one since I don’t want to stay another night at the hotel. I thought there was another one in mid-September, but I must have gotten it confused with another date because there isn’t one lol. We will be entering one that is in mid-October and all 4 elements are offered! You can enter them each twice the first day, then once on the second day. I figure we’ll just do them all and see how it goes.

Since it’s related to both things, I figured I’d bring up the National too. As of now I’m not sure if we’ll be going. I really want to but between doing other shows, a scent work trial, and now talks of a family vacation, I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it.

 

[JanS]

I'm sure you'll do great whether you show him or the handler does. It's not a showmanship or OB competition so they should be looking at the dogs quality.

He’s entered in 2 days of the show. I believe it’s 4 days, but to be honest I don’t feel like being away/staying in a hotel that long lol.

I'm so with you there. It's tiring and I want it to be fun, not a chore. Two days is fun and four days is a chore, IMO.

 

[Two Dobes]

Oh I am sorry you don't think you'll make the National....it is so great to see MANY dobermans in a hotel setting! I was looking forward to finding you to say hi!!!
Sounds like you are having a great time with Remy...and keeping it fun!

 

[JanS]

I am sorry you don't think you'll make the National

I was thinking about it too but the hotel has been booked solid for a year.

it is so great to see MANY dobermans in a hotel setting!

I went to the UDC nationals one year and it was indeed cool to see a sea of nothing but Dobermans, both at the show and at the hotel.

 

[remy]

Oh I am sorry you don't think you'll make the National....it is so great to see MANY dobermans in a hotel setting! I was looking forward to finding you to say hi!!!
Sounds like you are having a great time with Remy...and keeping it fun!

I’m really, really hoping I can at least go for a day! Even if I don’t get to enter everything I originally planned. I will keep you guys updated! I’d love to meet you and anyone else here who is attending! I saw that next year the National is in Texas and I doubt I would drive almost 19 hours to that one lol, but 6ish to Tennessee is doable.

 

[remy]

I was thinking about it too but the hotel has been booked solid for a year.

I’m thinking about an Airbnb if I’m able to make it. It’s easier to stay at the hotel but like you said, it’s been booked basically since the reservations opened.

 

[JanS]

I’m thinking about an Airbnb if I’m able to make it.

I'm starting to think those are a better option than a hotel these days but if most or even part of the event is held at the hotel, it's nice to just walk out of your room and go see stuff.

 

[remy]

We showed this weekend! On Saturday he showed with the handler again, then later that day I did a match show with him. He didn’t get anything in the regular show (2 out of 2 in his class), but he won reserve best in match! They gave stuffed toys which you’ll see made him very happy lol. I know it’s really just for fun/practice but it was nice to win something. I think we needed a confidence boost . The judge in the match gave a lot of compliments to Remy and said she really loved him!

This morning I showed him myself. He was 2nd again but I was very happy that he showed much better than last month! No jumping/being bratty about gaiting lol, no pacing, etc… I won’t lie, I am a little disappointed that he doesn’t have any points yet. I think he is capable so we’ll keep training and going to shows. His time will come eventually! I also think I will just show him myself from now on. The handlers were great and super kind people, but I think he just prefers to be with me.

We are showing again October 12th and 13th. I am considering doing a second show in October although I’m not 100% sure yet.

Match show

Regular show
I was trying to stack him quickly since we were the first ones in, and turns out the judge didn’t really want to see them stacked yet lol. He said “they already look perfect, let’s see them go around.”

He always wags his tail when the judge comes to examine him lol

Apparently Remy is a lot more hairy than I thought . I shaved the “seams” on the sides of his neck since the hair sticks out a bit. After the handler showed him yesterday she said “hang around until Dobermans are done, I want to shave his neck up BAD.” So we went over to her grooming setup and I could not believe how much hair came off… She joked that he was going to dull her clippers lol. Now I know for next time!Remy walking out with his toy. I did have to take it away because he managed to rip a hole in it within 5 minutes.
Quick nap while he waited for his turn. I also bought him a cooling coat. It wasn’t supposed to arrive for 2 weeks but it showed up in the mail a few hours before we left for the shows! Of course it’s green