For many years I went to a job every day...like most people do. I didn't enjoy my job but I needed an income. On the walls of my cubicle I tacked up photos of my pet dachshunds and dreamed of the day I could retire and spend all my time learning to show my dogs in AKC dogshows. It was my DREAM.
Finally, in the Fall of 2005, the retirement became a reality...by April 2006 we had relocated to the Valparaiso, Indiana area and I was ready to begin my new endeavor!
All of the pet dachshunds I had owned and bred in Arizona for over 15 years had gone to Rainbow Bridge except for Redi and Demi. I needed young dogs to enter dog shows with.
Dachshunds vary greatly in price and quality. I researched and found four puppies that I could afford to purchase. I thought these would give me a good start. By May 2006 they had all arrived and I began the quest to "learn to show".
Luckily, and completely by chance, I meet a lady with a wealth of experience and knowledge...not just about dog shows...but about dachshunds as well! She agreed to help me get going in the "Dogshow World".
Now... if you have never entered a dogshow, you can understand when I say that I really had very little idea of what to do! Reading good books is one thing, but getting in the ring and convincing the doxie on the end of the leash to do as you want is something completely different!
I began to take my young pups to a once a week training class. My friend offered to teach me about grooming. She helped me learn how to fill out the entry forms correctly. I needed grooming gear, proper clothes and shoes, crates to transport the dogs in...all things I had never needed when just raising pet dachshunds.
I did bring with me my experience in breeding and in handling the dogs outside the ring. I had something to start with...but it didn't feel like much when I talked with Show people who had been breeding and showing for decades! I was green and it showed! Fortunately, most Show people are
kind and helpful to a Newbie...I began to learn.
Now, over a year later, my doxies and I have had some small successes in the Show ring. A big win is still coming. I don't worry...it will happen. Showing dogs is as much about training the handler as it is about training the dog.
I WILL say that this year has been a difficult one. The transition from thinking like a pet breeder to thinking like a show breeder takes some time.
It isn't always easy to find your way. A personal guide is a great thing!
I want to offer to anyone reading this....anyone that dreams of showing their dachshunds like I did.... Call me. Or email me. Maybe I can help. I don't know everything and wouldn't presume to...but I may be able to direct you to where you CAN get help from someone like I did. It's invaluable. And YES...you can learn to show your dachshunds too!
Joanne