Does anyone know Ket?

[StateOfMine]

I don't even know if this is the place to put this, feel free to delete or move. But I found out a breeder named Ket Ayling is the president of a kennel club near where I live. Sudahr Dobermans I think is the kennel name? Anyway, there are events going on this weekend and I kinda want to go see if she is there and I'd like to meet her. Maybe once Flint crosses the rainbow bridge I will get my next puppy from her. I have heard she is reputable and we have exchanged a few emails when I was looking for a puppy forever ago, but by the time we were talking regularly I had already placed a deposit down for Flint. I mostly wanted to ask if anyone here talked to her even sort of regularly.

I don't know how to say it so I will just say it: I have social anxiety that makes it hard to go to events with the intention of meeting people, especially when I care about their opinions of me. Most of the time I don't, which makes life so so easy usually. I'd like to make a good impression too. Flint can't come to those events since he isn't participating (I'd love to do some lure coursing with him but he still gets very excited around other dogs and if the e-collar is not allowed I do not want to be fighting that muscle-bound behemoth the whole time I am there).

She seemed nice in the emails... is she actually nice? I'd love to go to the club meetings but they're always when I am at work, and I'd like to do more than just the virtual drop-ins. So this would be my chance to maybe finally shake her hand and talk for a sec. This is embarrassing, I feel like a child Any info would be awesome. Thanks guys!

 

[MyBuddy]

I wish I could help but I don't know anything about that. How about you guys? @JanS @Ravenbird @Rits

 

[Rits]

I haven't heard of her but looks like she is reputable on the short search I did of her.

Here's a little secret though... I have found that most dog people that compete are socially awkward/anxious in some way. You aren't alone! Go, you likely won't regret it.

 

[Ravenbird]

I haven't heard of her but looks like she is reputable on the short search I did of her.

Same - short search, she's been in Dobes for 30 years, so not a fly-by-night.

Here's a little secret though... I have found that most dog people that compete are socially awkward/anxious in some way. You aren't alone! Go, you likely won't regret it.

Again, same. I may appear pretty bold on my posts, but I'm not a social butterfly and all my life have been awkward & anxious internally in public settings - but the more I do with my dog in trials the more confident I become. This is true for dogs also - they become more confident and relaxed in the public only through repeated exposure and having good experiences. I also openly admit to not knowing a thing rather than telling them everything I DO know. When I first went to the IGP club we ended up having lots of laughs, and I kept saying "I know nothing, help me here!" I made friends, I volunteered at every trial and seminar they had even though it was over 3 hours one way.

If the club is having an event, you absolutely could go to watch! I'm sure you would see her there and you could just introduce yourself saying you wanted to say hello and thank her for her time & kindness when you were searching for a puppy. Events can sometimes be chaotic so if she's busy, you can easily use that as an excuse to not linger, but I think she'd appreciate you coming by to meet her and maybe ask for a card or club info. I see that club also has obedience lessons and you could inquire about those to help Flint with his manners - group lessons are especially helpful in that all the dogs will be on leash and controlled and you will both get instructions on how to deal with this. And yes, all AKC events it is against rules to have prongs or e-collars, and they usually discourage dogs not entered to be on the grounds during a show. I would give ANYthing to have a place like that for lessons within driving distance from me, it looks fabulous. Also, leaving Flint at home you won't have to worry about anything but watching the events, maybe meeting some great people.

I hope you go and let us know all about how it went for you!

 

[LifeofRubie]

You wouldn't believe how long it took me to ask strangers to video agility and barn hunts runs when I was at competitions alone or even just to ask simple trialing questions! Once I did, though, I never came across anyone who wasn't willing and eager to help.

If you're discussing a mutually passionate topic (DOGS!), I think you will find it flows much easier. Plus, you've already met her via email! Why not shoot her an email about seeing if she'd be interested in talking with you face to face at the event for a short time because you know she'll likely be very busy but you'd love to get on a list for one of her pups in the future?

Most of the time I don't, which makes life so so easy usually. I'd like to make a good impression too.

I see you're a bit younger than me but as I get older, I find I have less f*cks to give, with the caveat that I approach people with empathy, respect, an open mind, and interest until they act in a way that deserves otherwise.

I say you go for it! We CAN do hard things

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Haven't heard of her. I'm a rather antisocial guy, but if I share a keen interest in common with someone I am usually just fine going up and talking to strangers. I used to be very much that way with Dobes. Still am to an extent. Maybe you could find inspiration in that.

 

[JanS]

I've never heard of her either but I'm not a social person myself; especially after I retired. I do go to most of our clubs show and sit near a group of down to earth people and met quite a few others that way.