Well spring has certainly sprung if the dog shows are any indication of it! People are posting their show wins all over the e-mail lists. After a long hard and very cold winter, going to dog shows again seems like the perfect remedy to boost ones belief that the sun and warm weather is finally here to stay.
Many dogs were fattened up over the winter for lack of exercise and conditioning. Many didn’t have the same attention paid to their coats either. So because the dog needs to get ready for the shows, this gives their owners a reason to get up off the sofa and get their dogs as well as themselves in “show dog conditioning!” For the dogs, they need to be competitive in the show ring and have good endurance. For the owner, they need to be able to even make it around the outside of the ring to double handle their new “stars!”
So you feed and supplement your dog with the best food and coat conditioners on the market. Now you need to make them shine in the ring by presenting them in “runway” ready fashion. If you want to make them stand out from the competition, they need to have that “look at me” advantage. Besides having an awesome representative of the breed, he must look the part of a star. This is where good grooming comes in handy. Bathing, spraying and blow drying a dog’s coat will help give him that little something extra.
Having a good hair dryer is a must to make the German Shepherd Dog’s coat look polished and groomed. One dryer that seems to be reasonable yet has the force needed to properly take care of this breed’s coat is the Metro Vacuum AFTD-2 Air Force Commander Two Speed 1.7-Peak HP Dryer. It’s reasonably priced as well. Here is the information that I found about it.
From the Manufacturer
You want more out of your dryer than just a lot of hot air. You want a dryer that saves you time, saves you work and leaves your dogs looking beautiful. That's the "grooming advantage" Metro® Air Force® Commanders® give you. No other compact dryer combines such features as air flow control, air concentrator, air flare tool, a groomer rake and much more. That's why Metro® Air Force® Commanders® actually cut drying time by two thirds. You could, in fact buy a more expensive dryer but it wouldn't give you the grooming advantage. Because 60 years of Metro design and manufacturing experience give you high performance without high prices. So give yourself the "grooming advantage", for about half of what you would expect to pay for dryers of this quality. Metro® Air Force® Commander® is a powerful floor/table dryer with two-speed performance, allowing you to groom large or small breeds with one dryer. This lightweight dryer is so powerful you will forget it's portable. Features include an easy change filter and dual mounted legs that allow the Commander® to be used vertically or horizontally. You can groom more dogs in less time ... make more money. You'll particularly like the job it does on heavy coated breeds. The Commander® dries their hair without drying their coats. It's ideal for the professional in the shop or on house calls. Once you use an Air Force® Commander® you'll say, "How did I ever get by without it?" Optional Cage Dryer Kit includes: 2 handle holders, 2 1/2 x 3" cage attachment w/ "S" hooks
Product Description
Includes: two speeds 1.7 peak H.P. floor/table power unit, plus all the features of the Model FTD-1.
As an added bonus, this product includes FREE SUPER SAVE SHIPPING. Check item for details.
I’m including the review of this next product as well because of the testimonials it received, however some cautioned it being too loud and others said it was a powerful tool and shouldn’t be used by children to groom the dog. This one also has FREE SUPER SAVE SHIPPING as well. So check it out and see what you think.
Metro Vacuum AFTD-3 Air Force Commander 4.0-Peak HP Pet Dryer:
From the Manufacturer
Metro Air Force Commander is a powerful floor/table dryer with two-speed performance, allowing you to groom large or small breeds with one dryer. This lightweight dryer is so powerful you will forget it's portable. Features include an easy change filter and dual mounted legs that allow the Commander® to be used vertically or horizontally. You can groom more dogs in less time ... make more money. You'll particularly like the job it does on heavy coated breeds. The Commander® dries their hair without drying their coats. It's ideal for the professional in the shop or on house calls. Once you use an Air Force® Commander® you'll say, "How did I ever get by without it?" Includes: two speeds 4 peak H.P. floor/table power unit, plus all the features of the Model FTD-1.
So if your dog is “ready for his close up” these dryers can help him achieve his best look yet! Good luck to everyone that is showing their dogs this season!
My rating: Price: (4), Positive reviews on product: (4)
Showing posts with label dog shampoos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog shampoos. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
REVISITING THE FURMINATOR
Spring has sprung and so has the dog show circuit with the Futurities already underway. This means that people are grooming, combing, brushing, and bathing their dogs more now than they did in the overly long winter months. I already reviewed the Furminator shedding tool last year and received a lot of positive e-mail about the product. I would like to know how many of those people that never used it before, use it now and what you think about it. Because of Furminators tremendous popularity, they offer many more products besides the original shedding tool. I’m going to share a few of them here with you today. There are many different Furminator tools and they come in different sizes, usually small, medium and large.
FURMINATOR deLUXE deSHEDDING TOOL WITH FUR-EJECTOR: This tool comes in three convenient sizes….small, medium and large. I’ve never used the large size, but I assume it takes a lot more hair out of the dog’s coat at one time. I wonder if it’s more cumbersome to use. Anyway, I like that this tool will eject the fur that you pull out of your dog’s coat by pressing a button to release it. The teeth are very small and close together to pull the maximum amount of hair from your dog’s shedding coat. It’s wise to remember when using this tool, not to press too firmly on your dog’s skin as it can hurt him. Don’t dig into his skin too aggressively with this tool.
From the products description: Reduce your pet’s shedding by 90 percent with the FURminator deLuxe deShedding Tool. Its premium stainless steel fine-toothed 4-inch blade does not cut, but reaches deep to grab and remove loose hair and undercoat hair quickly and easily, leaving a shiny, healthy topcoat. By removing loose, dead hairs, the tool also eliminates shedding and the cleanliness and allergy problems that accompany it. Less hair on your dog means less hair on your furniture and floors. The innovative ergonomic handle makes the tool easy to grip. The FURejector is a conveniently placed thumb button that lets you empty the collected fur from the shedding blade safely and quickly. Just push the button, and the fur is easily released. Get fast, amazing results every time with both long- and short-haired shedding breeds. Reduces shedding better than any brush, rake, or comb, and brings out the pet’s natural oils, which promotes healthier skin and a shiny coat.
INTERESTING TO NOTE: It says on the description page that the medium tool is recommended for dogs up to 50 lbs. and the large tool is for dogs over 50 lbs. It looks like they answered my question for me about which size to use for the German Shepherd Dog.
I know that most of you show exhibitors bathe your dogs before they’re shown. What about those other times that you just want to freshen up their coats and make them smell good without having to do all that work? I love having and using a waterless shampoo for my dogs. It’s handy and convenient. I’ve been using them for years, although I’ve never tried this one, but it has gotten very good reviews from those that have.
FURMINATOR WATERLESS DE-SHEDDING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: Product description: Promote healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding by using the FURminator Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent that will make you want to snuggle with your pet all day. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding Tool (sold separately). The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The renourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process.
When I do muster up the courage and strength to bathe my dogs in the bath tub, besides all the pain it causes me (back injury), the one other thing that I absolutely hate is all the water that’s left behind on my floors. I have tons of towels to dry them with, but it just doesn’t absorb enough of the water. I’ve seen and read about the microfiber towels in the past, but I’ve never used them. I wonder how many of you people do and what you think of them. I’m for anything that helps cut down on my work load. I’m assuming these types of towels would be excellent for the groomer and show person. It certainly should cut down the amount of time you would have to blow dry your dog.
FURMINATOR SUPER-ABSORBENT MICROFIBER DRYING TOWEL: Product description: Drying your pet after a relaxing bath can be done in no time flat with the FURminator Microfiber Towel. Its microfibers are incredibly absorbent and extremely soft, pulling the moisture quickly from your dog’s coat. Your pet will dry faster and be more comfortable. The lightweight, fast-drying towel is reusable and machine-washable. Measures 18 x 24 inches.
I think the FURMINATOR line of products has proven themselves to be a top line of grooming products for the last several years and it seems that their products have received a lot of positive feedback. As I said earlier and in my last review, use these grooming tools with a lighter hand as they can be sharp to the dog’s skin especially to a puppy.
My rating: FURMINATOR line of products: (4)
FURMINATOR deLUXE deSHEDDING TOOL WITH FUR-EJECTOR: This tool comes in three convenient sizes….small, medium and large. I’ve never used the large size, but I assume it takes a lot more hair out of the dog’s coat at one time. I wonder if it’s more cumbersome to use. Anyway, I like that this tool will eject the fur that you pull out of your dog’s coat by pressing a button to release it. The teeth are very small and close together to pull the maximum amount of hair from your dog’s shedding coat. It’s wise to remember when using this tool, not to press too firmly on your dog’s skin as it can hurt him. Don’t dig into his skin too aggressively with this tool.
From the products description: Reduce your pet’s shedding by 90 percent with the FURminator deLuxe deShedding Tool. Its premium stainless steel fine-toothed 4-inch blade does not cut, but reaches deep to grab and remove loose hair and undercoat hair quickly and easily, leaving a shiny, healthy topcoat. By removing loose, dead hairs, the tool also eliminates shedding and the cleanliness and allergy problems that accompany it. Less hair on your dog means less hair on your furniture and floors. The innovative ergonomic handle makes the tool easy to grip. The FURejector is a conveniently placed thumb button that lets you empty the collected fur from the shedding blade safely and quickly. Just push the button, and the fur is easily released. Get fast, amazing results every time with both long- and short-haired shedding breeds. Reduces shedding better than any brush, rake, or comb, and brings out the pet’s natural oils, which promotes healthier skin and a shiny coat.
INTERESTING TO NOTE: It says on the description page that the medium tool is recommended for dogs up to 50 lbs. and the large tool is for dogs over 50 lbs. It looks like they answered my question for me about which size to use for the German Shepherd Dog.
I know that most of you show exhibitors bathe your dogs before they’re shown. What about those other times that you just want to freshen up their coats and make them smell good without having to do all that work? I love having and using a waterless shampoo for my dogs. It’s handy and convenient. I’ve been using them for years, although I’ve never tried this one, but it has gotten very good reviews from those that have.
FURMINATOR WATERLESS DE-SHEDDING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: Product description: Promote healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding by using the FURminator Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent that will make you want to snuggle with your pet all day. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding Tool (sold separately). The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The renourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process.
When I do muster up the courage and strength to bathe my dogs in the bath tub, besides all the pain it causes me (back injury), the one other thing that I absolutely hate is all the water that’s left behind on my floors. I have tons of towels to dry them with, but it just doesn’t absorb enough of the water. I’ve seen and read about the microfiber towels in the past, but I’ve never used them. I wonder how many of you people do and what you think of them. I’m for anything that helps cut down on my work load. I’m assuming these types of towels would be excellent for the groomer and show person. It certainly should cut down the amount of time you would have to blow dry your dog.
FURMINATOR SUPER-ABSORBENT MICROFIBER DRYING TOWEL: Product description: Drying your pet after a relaxing bath can be done in no time flat with the FURminator Microfiber Towel. Its microfibers are incredibly absorbent and extremely soft, pulling the moisture quickly from your dog’s coat. Your pet will dry faster and be more comfortable. The lightweight, fast-drying towel is reusable and machine-washable. Measures 18 x 24 inches.
I think the FURMINATOR line of products has proven themselves to be a top line of grooming products for the last several years and it seems that their products have received a lot of positive feedback. As I said earlier and in my last review, use these grooming tools with a lighter hand as they can be sharp to the dog’s skin especially to a puppy.
My rating: FURMINATOR line of products: (4)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
YOU DIRTY DOG
Most dogs don’t have to be bathed very much unless you are showing them or you live in an area where it’s always raining and the dogs love rolling around in the mud. But for those times that you do bathe them, there are so many different shampoos, conditioners and coat enhancement products on the market to choose from. I just love opening the bottles to smell the delicious scents.
GROOMING PRODUCTS: (shampoos, conditioners, sprays, etc.)
CHRIS CHRISTENSEN: This name brand has long been associated with some of the best dog brushes on the market. The company offers a nice choice of grooming products as well. With vitamin enriched formulas they offer several different types of products from shampoos, conditioners, finishers, etc. Their Day to Day shampoo is made for all skin and coat types. It is enriched with Vitamin E, Colloidal Oatmeal and natural botanical extracts to gently clean and restore natural moisture. Mild enough to use everyday, natural conditioners add body and sheen.
BIO-GROOM: This company offers a wonderful variety of hair and coat products made to address certain problems. For instance, their Bio-Med shampoo offers a therapeutic, tar-sulfur formula that brings relief without offensive odor. Excellent for skin and coat damage associated with flea bites and hot spots. They make products to help intensify the shine of the coat. They have mink oil spray, herbal shampoos and oatmeal rinses.
1 ALL SYSTEMS: Many show people are familiar with and use this line of products for their dogs. They have a super cleaning and conditioning shampoo that is specially formulated with rich conditioners which cleanse the coat thoroughly without stripping or softening. It rinses out quickly leaving a sparkling, residue-free coat. Its unique formula removes only excess oil and dirt and not the natural oils. It contains all natural, healthy ingredients with NO alcohol, oil or silicone products. It will not affect natural color or texture. Safe and gentle enough to be used everyday, even on the most sensitive skins and coats. They make wonderful coat conditioners and grooming sprays.
WHOLISTIC PET ORGANICS HEAVENLY HERBAL SHAMPOO: Although this is the only product that I saw this company make, I liked the ingredients so I’m included this one as well. They advertise it as the best and safest way to clean your pet. This USDA Certified Organic shampoo is a non-toxic alternative to conventional, chemical-laden shampoo. It is made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. It is naturally mild and moisturizing for even the most sensitive of skins, this herbal shampoo is free of petroleum, free of animal by-products, free of all artificial ingredients, free of Sodium Laurel Sulfate, and no animal testing ever used! It rinses easily and completely with a clean, fresh citrus scent.
CINDRA: This is another brand that is associated with the dog show people. It’s been around for years. They have a cleansing, moisturizing and a texturizing shampoo. I have been told by some show people that the texturizing shampoo is a great product. It is a bodifying shampoo for thin or limp coats. It is a hair keratin formula which increases volume and texture. It improves the body of the coat and is easy to rinse with a low-sudsing formulation. It is highly concentrated. Another favorite with the show dog people is the Reconstructor conditioner.
EARTHBATH: This is a line of products that I wasn’t familiar with until I talked to a breeder that swears by this company’s shampoos and conditioners. And I’m one for anything that is totally natural. From their website, they say, their ultra-concentrated, totally natural pet shampoos are made with natural essential oils and other good stuff from nature. They never contain parabens, harsh soaps, artificial dyes or fragrances, phosphates, or toxins, so you don't have to worry about what might be left behind on your pet or the environment. Exceptionally mild, effective, and safe for pets over 6 weeks old. My friend told me she is in love with the smell of their products.
PLUSH PUPPY: Here is another line that many show people are familiar with. Their line of coat products has increased over the last few years. They offer shampoos, conditioners, finishers, brushes, etc. Their line of shampoos varies from body builders, hydro-bath, deep cleansing, etc. They have a huge line of finishing products, probably more than I’ve seen with the other companies. I’ve used the volumising cream and their shine and comb product on a bitch that was bald when I showed her at her futurity. It definitely made a difference in the appearance of her coat. She never shined as beautifully as she did that day. It made her have such a high sheen to her coat.
FURMINATOR WATERLESS deSHEDDING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Most German Shepherd people are familiar with the excellent Furminator comb to remove this breeds undercoat. However, most people are unaware that this company now offers a line of grooming products as well. They say that this shampoo and conditoner promotes healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding comb. The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The re-nourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process
There are many more grooming products that I haven’t listed here that I’m sure many people are happy with. I find that the products that contain oatmeal or aloe are excellent for soothing the dog’s skin as it is not harsh and doesn’t strip the coat of natural oils. It is like anything else that you buy…..what ever works for your dog is the one that we normally stick with.
Some grooming products can be on the pricey side. You need to find the one that can do the job that you are looking for and that fits your budget.
Human shampoos and conditioners are not made for the dog’s skin and coat. You might find that some of them can be too harsh and strip the dog’s coat. Buy products that are made for your dog and if he has certain coat or skin conditions, choose one made to address that problem.
Darn many of these shampoos and conditioners smell better than my shampoos and conditioners. No, I’m not going to start using them on myself but it’s mighty tempting!
My rating: shampoos and coat treatments specifically made for dogs: (4)
GROOMING PRODUCTS: (shampoos, conditioners, sprays, etc.)
CHRIS CHRISTENSEN: This name brand has long been associated with some of the best dog brushes on the market. The company offers a nice choice of grooming products as well. With vitamin enriched formulas they offer several different types of products from shampoos, conditioners, finishers, etc. Their Day to Day shampoo is made for all skin and coat types. It is enriched with Vitamin E, Colloidal Oatmeal and natural botanical extracts to gently clean and restore natural moisture. Mild enough to use everyday, natural conditioners add body and sheen.
BIO-GROOM: This company offers a wonderful variety of hair and coat products made to address certain problems. For instance, their Bio-Med shampoo offers a therapeutic, tar-sulfur formula that brings relief without offensive odor. Excellent for skin and coat damage associated with flea bites and hot spots. They make products to help intensify the shine of the coat. They have mink oil spray, herbal shampoos and oatmeal rinses.
1 ALL SYSTEMS: Many show people are familiar with and use this line of products for their dogs. They have a super cleaning and conditioning shampoo that is specially formulated with rich conditioners which cleanse the coat thoroughly without stripping or softening. It rinses out quickly leaving a sparkling, residue-free coat. Its unique formula removes only excess oil and dirt and not the natural oils. It contains all natural, healthy ingredients with NO alcohol, oil or silicone products. It will not affect natural color or texture. Safe and gentle enough to be used everyday, even on the most sensitive skins and coats. They make wonderful coat conditioners and grooming sprays.
WHOLISTIC PET ORGANICS HEAVENLY HERBAL SHAMPOO: Although this is the only product that I saw this company make, I liked the ingredients so I’m included this one as well. They advertise it as the best and safest way to clean your pet. This USDA Certified Organic shampoo is a non-toxic alternative to conventional, chemical-laden shampoo. It is made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. It is naturally mild and moisturizing for even the most sensitive of skins, this herbal shampoo is free of petroleum, free of animal by-products, free of all artificial ingredients, free of Sodium Laurel Sulfate, and no animal testing ever used! It rinses easily and completely with a clean, fresh citrus scent.
CINDRA: This is another brand that is associated with the dog show people. It’s been around for years. They have a cleansing, moisturizing and a texturizing shampoo. I have been told by some show people that the texturizing shampoo is a great product. It is a bodifying shampoo for thin or limp coats. It is a hair keratin formula which increases volume and texture. It improves the body of the coat and is easy to rinse with a low-sudsing formulation. It is highly concentrated. Another favorite with the show dog people is the Reconstructor conditioner.
EARTHBATH: This is a line of products that I wasn’t familiar with until I talked to a breeder that swears by this company’s shampoos and conditioners. And I’m one for anything that is totally natural. From their website, they say, their ultra-concentrated, totally natural pet shampoos are made with natural essential oils and other good stuff from nature. They never contain parabens, harsh soaps, artificial dyes or fragrances, phosphates, or toxins, so you don't have to worry about what might be left behind on your pet or the environment. Exceptionally mild, effective, and safe for pets over 6 weeks old. My friend told me she is in love with the smell of their products.
PLUSH PUPPY: Here is another line that many show people are familiar with. Their line of coat products has increased over the last few years. They offer shampoos, conditioners, finishers, brushes, etc. Their line of shampoos varies from body builders, hydro-bath, deep cleansing, etc. They have a huge line of finishing products, probably more than I’ve seen with the other companies. I’ve used the volumising cream and their shine and comb product on a bitch that was bald when I showed her at her futurity. It definitely made a difference in the appearance of her coat. She never shined as beautifully as she did that day. It made her have such a high sheen to her coat.
FURMINATOR WATERLESS deSHEDDING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Most German Shepherd people are familiar with the excellent Furminator comb to remove this breeds undercoat. However, most people are unaware that this company now offers a line of grooming products as well. They say that this shampoo and conditoner promotes healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding comb. The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The re-nourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process
There are many more grooming products that I haven’t listed here that I’m sure many people are happy with. I find that the products that contain oatmeal or aloe are excellent for soothing the dog’s skin as it is not harsh and doesn’t strip the coat of natural oils. It is like anything else that you buy…..what ever works for your dog is the one that we normally stick with.
Some grooming products can be on the pricey side. You need to find the one that can do the job that you are looking for and that fits your budget.
Human shampoos and conditioners are not made for the dog’s skin and coat. You might find that some of them can be too harsh and strip the dog’s coat. Buy products that are made for your dog and if he has certain coat or skin conditions, choose one made to address that problem.
Darn many of these shampoos and conditioners smell better than my shampoos and conditioners. No, I’m not going to start using them on myself but it’s mighty tempting!
My rating: shampoos and coat treatments specifically made for dogs: (4)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
WHOSE CASTLE IS IT ANYWAY?
Is your home YOUR castle or is it your dog’s castle? When someone walks into your house, can they tell that dogs live there? How does your house smell? Does it smell clean or does it smell doggie?
As anyone can attest to that owns a German Shepherd, probably our biggest complaint is that they shed too much. Hair on the furniture, hair on the bed, hair on the table……hair everywhere! How do you live with your dogs? Do you find yourself cleaning your house much more than usual? Or are you of the belief that a little dirt never hurt anyone?
When you own a dog that sheds as much hair as the German Shepherds do you start looking to buy “heavy duty” types of cleaners to help make your home more livable. Most people buy a heavy duty vacuum cleaner and now the manufacturers have taken notice and advertise how great their product is about picking up dog hair and dander. Some pet owners have taken to vacuuming their homes every day or at least every other day. There is much debate over which vacuum cleaner is best for picking up dog hair. I still haven’t found one that I like very much. Either they’re too heavy to use or they don’t pick up the hair as well as they claim.
Muddy paw prints are something to be expected when owning dogs. How many of us wash our floors everyday? There are a number of products on the market now to help make this an easier task. Many people love the Swiffer mops for washing their floors. I confess I haven’t tried this product yet but it’s on my list of things I want to get.
Our computers, printers and other office equipment pick up dust very easily and it’s wise to keep these things clean and dust (hair) free to ensure that they are working properly. The dog’s fine hairs fall in between the keys of your computer very easily so we have to stay on top of this on a daily basis. I find I like to use the pre-moistened clothes like Windex to clean my office equipment. They’re easy to use because I’m only using one product and then I throw it away.
If you let your dog on the furniture, do you put a throw on it to protect the fabric? Do you allow your dogs on the bed? Do they sleep with you? How many times do you find that you are your washing your bed sheets and blankets? I don’t allow my dogs on the bed so this is one less chore that I need to worry about. Although they don’t sleep on my bed, of course they go into my bedroom (because they are so nosy) and their stray hairs will find a place to land on my blankets and sheets anyway.
Besides the fact that they are always shedding, nothing is worse than when they “blow” their coats. This is when their coats start coming out in hunks. You’ll find the bitches blow their coats right before they come into season. Also they’re blowing their coats with the changing of the seasons throughout the year. If you don’t strip them of this dead hair, you will have a mess all over the house. I have a bitch losing her coat now. I brushed her a couple of times and then took her outside on the back deck and thoroughly stripped her coat out of her. There are many good grooming combs on the market for this chore. The Furminator comb that I reviewed a few months back is excellent for this. Check out the Furminator ad in this article. There is a video you can watch of animals being groomed including the German Shepherd using this product! Grooming your dogs on a daily basis or several times a week will help cut back on the amount of time you’ll be spending cleaning your house.
Because my house dog doesn’t share my bed with me, she has her own rugs that I put down for her that she likes to lay on. If you do the same thing or have a doggie bed for your dog, make sure you clean this often as well. Shake out the rug and wash it in the washing machine if the instructions say you can do that. If your dog sleeps in a crate and you put towels or blankets in them, make sure you shake them out and wash them as well.
If you feed your dog in the house, make sure their water and feeding bowls are kept clean as well. Don’t leave a bowl on the floor that your dog ate from without picking it up and washing if with hot sudsy water. If you leave it on the floor without washing it, you may attract unwelcome “guests” into your kitchen……bugs or mice or both!
There are many products now that leave a lovely scent in your house. There are sprays, plug-ins, candles, etc. There really isn’t any reason that your house should smell doggie as long as it is kept clean and most importantly that your dog is clean. Grooming is an essential part of dog ownership.
Can you be a fussy housekeeper and co-exist with dogs living in your house? Can you tolerate them putting their noses on the counters, the tables, the stove and any other place that attracts their never ending investigating noses?
Remember you chose a very intelligent dog when you got yourself a German Shepherd. Because they are so darn intelligent, their “nosy noses” must investigate everything! Besides all the paw prints on the floor, expect nose smudges on EVERYTHING! There is nothing you can hide from this breed. You bring something new into the house and I don’t care how small it is, they’re going to know it and look for it and won’t rest until they find it.
Oh yeah, and let’s not forget while we are trying to keep the castle clean, you better have some clean clothes to change into because just take a look down on what you are wearing right now. I bet YOU ARE NOT dog hair free! I “betcha!” Can I tell you how totally I HATE it when I get out of the shower and I’m all powdered up, smelling just divine and “their” noses are all over my newly laundered flannel p.j.’s that I just put on!!!! It never fails!
My rating: Must haves: heavy duty vacuum cleaners: (4), good mops: (4), disinfectants/sprays: (4), good grooming combs: (4)
As anyone can attest to that owns a German Shepherd, probably our biggest complaint is that they shed too much. Hair on the furniture, hair on the bed, hair on the table……hair everywhere! How do you live with your dogs? Do you find yourself cleaning your house much more than usual? Or are you of the belief that a little dirt never hurt anyone?
When you own a dog that sheds as much hair as the German Shepherds do you start looking to buy “heavy duty” types of cleaners to help make your home more livable. Most people buy a heavy duty vacuum cleaner and now the manufacturers have taken notice and advertise how great their product is about picking up dog hair and dander. Some pet owners have taken to vacuuming their homes every day or at least every other day. There is much debate over which vacuum cleaner is best for picking up dog hair. I still haven’t found one that I like very much. Either they’re too heavy to use or they don’t pick up the hair as well as they claim.
Muddy paw prints are something to be expected when owning dogs. How many of us wash our floors everyday? There are a number of products on the market now to help make this an easier task. Many people love the Swiffer mops for washing their floors. I confess I haven’t tried this product yet but it’s on my list of things I want to get.
Our computers, printers and other office equipment pick up dust very easily and it’s wise to keep these things clean and dust (hair) free to ensure that they are working properly. The dog’s fine hairs fall in between the keys of your computer very easily so we have to stay on top of this on a daily basis. I find I like to use the pre-moistened clothes like Windex to clean my office equipment. They’re easy to use because I’m only using one product and then I throw it away.
If you let your dog on the furniture, do you put a throw on it to protect the fabric? Do you allow your dogs on the bed? Do they sleep with you? How many times do you find that you are your washing your bed sheets and blankets? I don’t allow my dogs on the bed so this is one less chore that I need to worry about. Although they don’t sleep on my bed, of course they go into my bedroom (because they are so nosy) and their stray hairs will find a place to land on my blankets and sheets anyway.
Besides the fact that they are always shedding, nothing is worse than when they “blow” their coats. This is when their coats start coming out in hunks. You’ll find the bitches blow their coats right before they come into season. Also they’re blowing their coats with the changing of the seasons throughout the year. If you don’t strip them of this dead hair, you will have a mess all over the house. I have a bitch losing her coat now. I brushed her a couple of times and then took her outside on the back deck and thoroughly stripped her coat out of her. There are many good grooming combs on the market for this chore. The Furminator comb that I reviewed a few months back is excellent for this. Check out the Furminator ad in this article. There is a video you can watch of animals being groomed including the German Shepherd using this product! Grooming your dogs on a daily basis or several times a week will help cut back on the amount of time you’ll be spending cleaning your house.
Because my house dog doesn’t share my bed with me, she has her own rugs that I put down for her that she likes to lay on. If you do the same thing or have a doggie bed for your dog, make sure you clean this often as well. Shake out the rug and wash it in the washing machine if the instructions say you can do that. If your dog sleeps in a crate and you put towels or blankets in them, make sure you shake them out and wash them as well.
If you feed your dog in the house, make sure their water and feeding bowls are kept clean as well. Don’t leave a bowl on the floor that your dog ate from without picking it up and washing if with hot sudsy water. If you leave it on the floor without washing it, you may attract unwelcome “guests” into your kitchen……bugs or mice or both!
There are many products now that leave a lovely scent in your house. There are sprays, plug-ins, candles, etc. There really isn’t any reason that your house should smell doggie as long as it is kept clean and most importantly that your dog is clean. Grooming is an essential part of dog ownership.
Can you be a fussy housekeeper and co-exist with dogs living in your house? Can you tolerate them putting their noses on the counters, the tables, the stove and any other place that attracts their never ending investigating noses?
Remember you chose a very intelligent dog when you got yourself a German Shepherd. Because they are so darn intelligent, their “nosy noses” must investigate everything! Besides all the paw prints on the floor, expect nose smudges on EVERYTHING! There is nothing you can hide from this breed. You bring something new into the house and I don’t care how small it is, they’re going to know it and look for it and won’t rest until they find it.
Oh yeah, and let’s not forget while we are trying to keep the castle clean, you better have some clean clothes to change into because just take a look down on what you are wearing right now. I bet YOU ARE NOT dog hair free! I “betcha!” Can I tell you how totally I HATE it when I get out of the shower and I’m all powdered up, smelling just divine and “their” noses are all over my newly laundered flannel p.j.’s that I just put on!!!! It never fails!
My rating: Must haves: heavy duty vacuum cleaners: (4), good mops: (4), disinfectants/sprays: (4), good grooming combs: (4)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
JUDGING OFF OF MY COMPUTER
Again, I was very thankful for being able to view the dog show by streaming video from my computer. I thought that today was a very exciting day to kick off the official start of the conformation judging at the GSDCA National Specialty show in Ohio. I thought the quality in both males and bitches was very good. We saw some beautiful animals in the Futurity/Maturity finals. Again, I will not be naming the dogs that I saw as it’s up to their owners to do their bragging and I don’t want to take away their rite to do so. But I will comment on some of them without naming them. I will also comment on what I thought about the judging.
Today we had two judges. In the regular classes, Ms. Gloria Birch judged the dogs and the bitches were judged by Mr. Lee Brown. For the Futurity and Maturity classes the judges judged the opposite sexes than they did in the classes. I thought that both of them got their better ones up front. They also had their own unique style of judging. Gloria definitely pushed temperament more than Lee did. This is not to say that Lee didn’t look for good temperament. They both did. It’s just that Gloria really pushed it. If she thought an animal had questionable temperament, she would go back to the dog time and time again. It didn’t change the dog’s mind. They still didn’t want her touching them. The more she pressed, the more they resisted. If Lee seen poor temperament, he didn’t make a big deal about it. He just eliminated them from any placement. I saw a couple of dogs be excused. However, over all temperament was very good for such a large entry.
In the male classes, most of the time I agreed with what Lee put up except in one class. I knew as soon as I saw this particular dog walk into the ring, that this was Lee’s type of dog, or at least the type that I’ve seen him put up in pictures in the Review or on the lists. Although a very deserving dog, he wasn’t my type of dog because I felt he had more rear than shoulder which made him look unbalanced when he moved, plus he wasn’t enough dog for my liking. However, I wasn’t judging and aren’t the owners happy about that. Still the dog was a quality animal and one his owners can be proud of and again, I didn’t get to see the dogs up close and personal as Lee did. Now Mr. Brown’s Best in Maturity Dog (again in my opinion) was OUTSTANDING! I’ve read about this dog and his wins before, but when I seen him today on the video, I was very impressed. I think he is what the breed needs. He’s very masculine, balanced front to rear, nice coat, excellent temperament and a very good mover. It’ll be fun to watch this one in the specials class. Also a beautiful sable bitch that Lee put up was dripping in breed type. She is just the type of sable bitch that I love. She was plush and beautiful.
One of Gloria’s 1st. place puppy winners was a beautiful black and tan stallion youngster. He too I read about winning at many of the recent shows. He had beautiful breed type, masculinity and easy, flowing motion. I think this one is heading for many more wins for his owners!
I was glad to see some of my friend’s dogs competing and winning. Congratulations to everyone. I think the breed as a whole has a lot to be proud of. The breeders seem to be doing a very good job of producing some beautiful breed type and correct motion. OK, this is short and sweet………..looking forward to the next classes over the next few days.
My rating: judging: (4), quality of dogs: (4)
Today we had two judges. In the regular classes, Ms. Gloria Birch judged the dogs and the bitches were judged by Mr. Lee Brown. For the Futurity and Maturity classes the judges judged the opposite sexes than they did in the classes. I thought that both of them got their better ones up front. They also had their own unique style of judging. Gloria definitely pushed temperament more than Lee did. This is not to say that Lee didn’t look for good temperament. They both did. It’s just that Gloria really pushed it. If she thought an animal had questionable temperament, she would go back to the dog time and time again. It didn’t change the dog’s mind. They still didn’t want her touching them. The more she pressed, the more they resisted. If Lee seen poor temperament, he didn’t make a big deal about it. He just eliminated them from any placement. I saw a couple of dogs be excused. However, over all temperament was very good for such a large entry.
In the male classes, most of the time I agreed with what Lee put up except in one class. I knew as soon as I saw this particular dog walk into the ring, that this was Lee’s type of dog, or at least the type that I’ve seen him put up in pictures in the Review or on the lists. Although a very deserving dog, he wasn’t my type of dog because I felt he had more rear than shoulder which made him look unbalanced when he moved, plus he wasn’t enough dog for my liking. However, I wasn’t judging and aren’t the owners happy about that. Still the dog was a quality animal and one his owners can be proud of and again, I didn’t get to see the dogs up close and personal as Lee did. Now Mr. Brown’s Best in Maturity Dog (again in my opinion) was OUTSTANDING! I’ve read about this dog and his wins before, but when I seen him today on the video, I was very impressed. I think he is what the breed needs. He’s very masculine, balanced front to rear, nice coat, excellent temperament and a very good mover. It’ll be fun to watch this one in the specials class. Also a beautiful sable bitch that Lee put up was dripping in breed type. She is just the type of sable bitch that I love. She was plush and beautiful.
One of Gloria’s 1st. place puppy winners was a beautiful black and tan stallion youngster. He too I read about winning at many of the recent shows. He had beautiful breed type, masculinity and easy, flowing motion. I think this one is heading for many more wins for his owners!
I was glad to see some of my friend’s dogs competing and winning. Congratulations to everyone. I think the breed as a whole has a lot to be proud of. The breeders seem to be doing a very good job of producing some beautiful breed type and correct motion. OK, this is short and sweet………..looking forward to the next classes over the next few days.
My rating: judging: (4), quality of dogs: (4)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
IT'S A FIRST....STREAMING VIDEO OF THE NATIONAL SPECIALTY SHOW!
Well I got absolutely nothing done today. I always do my blog in the morning, but me along with over 200 other people were watching a streaming video offered by The German Shepherd Dog Club of America. We were all watching the specialty show before the National begins tomorrow. I was watching the show from 10 am this morning until roughly around 4 pm this afternoon. As I said, nothing got done around here and I admit, I didn’t get out of my p.j.’s until noon time when I had my lunch. Lazy, no good for nothing that I am! About the only thing that got done this morning were the dogs feeding and watering.
The streaming video is a first for The German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Thanks to some very unselfish people who donated their time to this effort, the rest of us got entertained for nothing! For a list of all who were involved with this project, you can check it out on the streaming video’s website under show catalog. From what I heard Lanalee Jorgensen – Law say on the video, Mr. Lew Bunch was instrumental in getting Purina to sponsor this streaming video. Bob Braue did the camera work to bring it all into our living rooms. Lanalee was the commentator for the length of the show. There was only sound when Lanalee came on to announce what dog it was that we were watching or to comment on the candid shots of people in the audience. I tried to think of whether I would have preferred having constant audio so I could hear the applause and chit chat or if I liked it better with silence as my friend until Lanalee interrupted with her occasional sense of humor. Sometimes I think I would like to hear the excitement in the arena especially for Saturday and the specials class, but then I wonder if all that noise would give me a headache and I should count my blessings.
I won’t name the names of the dogs who won. That’s already been written about through Evan Ginsberg’s blog and commentary. Also you can view the name of the dogs that were entered in the catalog on the streaming videos website. I will however, comment on the judging and as always this is just my opinion. The males were judged by Mr. Robert Drescher and the females were judged by Ms. Vicki Roye. I’ve seen Bob judge before, but I’ve never seen Ms. Roye judge. I would have preferred to have seen one judge, rather than both of them. I like to follow what one judge does and likes rather than switching over to a different judge half way through the show.
I thought the quality was for the most part very good. I saw nice breed type more so on the bitches than the males. But the males, I’m happy to saw had good secondary sex characteristics along with good bone. I thought that Mr. Drescher did a very good job. I could follow what he was doing and what he liked. He unfortunately had to deal with some bad temperament problems, but dealt with it very professionally. One young dog appeared to have snapped at him. It happened so quickly, but next thing I knew he excused the dog. Another dog that had gorgeous breed type and pigment also displayed poor temperament, but did not try to bite the judge. You could tell Bob really liked this dog, but he gave him a chance and went back to the dog. The dog shied away again and was put to the end of the line. Over all the rest of the male classes exhibited good temperaments. He found his better movers and rewarded them with the win or class placements.
The bitches, in my opinion, showed better overall temperaments. I don’t recall any temperament problems in the classes. Ms. Roye was a little harder for me to follow. Some times she had breed type in front and other times a better mover. Naturally being a chair side judge like I am, I didn’t have the view of the dog’s mouth, so this too would have helped being a deciding factor in some of the placements. However, I thought she was more inconsistent in her choices. Where I could follow what Bob was doing, I couldn’t say the same for the bitch classes. I thought some of the good ones got away. But that’s just me.
The Best of Breed classes got a very large entry and I was happy to see some champions that I’ve never seen before. I really liked the Best Opposite Sex champion winner. She had the side gait and the breed type that I favor. I did get away from the video a couple of times, but correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that Kent Boyles won Winners Dog, Winners Bitch and Best of Breed. I could be wrong and I’m sure if I am, someone will write to tell me so.
I along with many others am most appreciative for the hard word that the many volunteers and the parent club have done to bring us this wonderful entertainment. It isn’t perfect and they are still feeling their way around it, but boy, we’ve come a long way since last year and the years before. Improvements that are needed and I’m sure will change as the time goes by is the need for zooming in on the dogs for close up shots especially when they are gaiting. Right now it’s hard to truly evaluate their side gaits from a distance. In an ideal world, if we had the capabilities that we do when we watch a video on the television and have the option of slowing it down to watch each step the dog takes, then we would all be very happy. But for now, I think this was a great way to spend my day. It didn’t cost me anything and it was very enjoyable. I also would like it if the commentator would say who we are looking at while the camera man is zooming around taking pictures of some unsuspecting audience members. Sometimes Lanalee would mention a few, but it would be so great to know who we are looking at because most of us know what Jimmy Moses or Fran Ford looks like, but what fun to put a name to a face to someone we correspond with on the show dog lists. Just a suggestion. Thank you one and all for all that you do! I can’t wait for the National that starts tomorrow.
I will not be blogging a great deal this week because I will be watching the show with the rest of you. If I blog at all, it might just be a short one. More than likely, I’ll wait until it’s all over to start the blog again. Have fun everyone!
My rating: video: (4), volunteers: (4), Show List & Evan’s blog: (4)
The streaming video is a first for The German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Thanks to some very unselfish people who donated their time to this effort, the rest of us got entertained for nothing! For a list of all who were involved with this project, you can check it out on the streaming video’s website under show catalog. From what I heard Lanalee Jorgensen – Law say on the video, Mr. Lew Bunch was instrumental in getting Purina to sponsor this streaming video. Bob Braue did the camera work to bring it all into our living rooms. Lanalee was the commentator for the length of the show. There was only sound when Lanalee came on to announce what dog it was that we were watching or to comment on the candid shots of people in the audience. I tried to think of whether I would have preferred having constant audio so I could hear the applause and chit chat or if I liked it better with silence as my friend until Lanalee interrupted with her occasional sense of humor. Sometimes I think I would like to hear the excitement in the arena especially for Saturday and the specials class, but then I wonder if all that noise would give me a headache and I should count my blessings.
I won’t name the names of the dogs who won. That’s already been written about through Evan Ginsberg’s blog and commentary. Also you can view the name of the dogs that were entered in the catalog on the streaming videos website. I will however, comment on the judging and as always this is just my opinion. The males were judged by Mr. Robert Drescher and the females were judged by Ms. Vicki Roye. I’ve seen Bob judge before, but I’ve never seen Ms. Roye judge. I would have preferred to have seen one judge, rather than both of them. I like to follow what one judge does and likes rather than switching over to a different judge half way through the show.
I thought the quality was for the most part very good. I saw nice breed type more so on the bitches than the males. But the males, I’m happy to saw had good secondary sex characteristics along with good bone. I thought that Mr. Drescher did a very good job. I could follow what he was doing and what he liked. He unfortunately had to deal with some bad temperament problems, but dealt with it very professionally. One young dog appeared to have snapped at him. It happened so quickly, but next thing I knew he excused the dog. Another dog that had gorgeous breed type and pigment also displayed poor temperament, but did not try to bite the judge. You could tell Bob really liked this dog, but he gave him a chance and went back to the dog. The dog shied away again and was put to the end of the line. Over all the rest of the male classes exhibited good temperaments. He found his better movers and rewarded them with the win or class placements.
The bitches, in my opinion, showed better overall temperaments. I don’t recall any temperament problems in the classes. Ms. Roye was a little harder for me to follow. Some times she had breed type in front and other times a better mover. Naturally being a chair side judge like I am, I didn’t have the view of the dog’s mouth, so this too would have helped being a deciding factor in some of the placements. However, I thought she was more inconsistent in her choices. Where I could follow what Bob was doing, I couldn’t say the same for the bitch classes. I thought some of the good ones got away. But that’s just me.
The Best of Breed classes got a very large entry and I was happy to see some champions that I’ve never seen before. I really liked the Best Opposite Sex champion winner. She had the side gait and the breed type that I favor. I did get away from the video a couple of times, but correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that Kent Boyles won Winners Dog, Winners Bitch and Best of Breed. I could be wrong and I’m sure if I am, someone will write to tell me so.
I along with many others am most appreciative for the hard word that the many volunteers and the parent club have done to bring us this wonderful entertainment. It isn’t perfect and they are still feeling their way around it, but boy, we’ve come a long way since last year and the years before. Improvements that are needed and I’m sure will change as the time goes by is the need for zooming in on the dogs for close up shots especially when they are gaiting. Right now it’s hard to truly evaluate their side gaits from a distance. In an ideal world, if we had the capabilities that we do when we watch a video on the television and have the option of slowing it down to watch each step the dog takes, then we would all be very happy. But for now, I think this was a great way to spend my day. It didn’t cost me anything and it was very enjoyable. I also would like it if the commentator would say who we are looking at while the camera man is zooming around taking pictures of some unsuspecting audience members. Sometimes Lanalee would mention a few, but it would be so great to know who we are looking at because most of us know what Jimmy Moses or Fran Ford looks like, but what fun to put a name to a face to someone we correspond with on the show dog lists. Just a suggestion. Thank you one and all for all that you do! I can’t wait for the National that starts tomorrow.
I will not be blogging a great deal this week because I will be watching the show with the rest of you. If I blog at all, it might just be a short one. More than likely, I’ll wait until it’s all over to start the blog again. Have fun everyone!
My rating: video: (4), volunteers: (4), Show List & Evan’s blog: (4)
Monday, October 12, 2009
WHAT DOES A GRAND VICTOR LOOK LIKE?
For those of you who don’t show your German Shepherds and don’t really know too much about the dog show world let me tell you what some enthusiastic, nervous show dog people are experiencing this week. This is the big fall event that every German Shepherd Dog breeder, exhibitor and handler looks forward to. This week is the National Specialty Show put on by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. This year it’s in Ohio. This is the show where the “best of the best” in the German Shepherd Dog world meet to compete for the most prestigious of awards. Win, place or show…..this is the arena to do it in. People from all parts of the country will come here to strut their stuff. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and all are in good spirits for they come to share, compare and watch and enjoy some of the most beautiful German Shepherds in the world.
Right now as I write this, someone is feeding and caring for the future Grand Victor of the United States. He may be lying on someone’s rug or running outside in his dog run, but somewhere, someone owns the future Grand Victor! How exciting is that?! So just what does it take to be a Grand Victor? A Grand Victor is the champion of all champions! When the judge points his finger and says this is it, the enthusiastic crowd responds. Camera lights flash, congratulations are expressed, people run down to the arena floor to get up close and personal with the new winner and still others are left crying in the other corner for having seen their own “hopeful” not achieve this highest of awards this year. The judge congratulates the handler and tells the owner that he was delighted to have had the opportunity to judge and award such an excellent representative of the breed this title.
So the Grand Victor probably is still home right now. To him it’s just another day. Perhaps he’s going to be bathed once again today. His owner sprays and primps up his coat. My, he does smell wonderful. Maybe he’ll be road worked later on towards the evening. He’s fed the best of food, enjoys the health benefits of his supplements and chews contently on his milk bone. To him, life goes on like it normally does. He’s not planning for the big show coming up. He leaves that up to his owner.
The hotel reservations are once again confirmed. The car is filled with gas. Oil is checked. Tires are new. Luggage is packed. Supplies and crate are loaded in the car. Snacks are put in the back seat for later on to enjoy on the long trip to Ohio. Alright, everything is in place and the new Grand Victor is loaded in the car. Little does he or his owner know that a big new beautiful trophy will accompany them on their way back home! It’s what they’ve dreamed about all year long, but right now they haven’t realized that dream……..not yet!
So what does our future Grand Victor look like? Is he any better than your dog or mine? Is he the pretty, plushy dog with the black and red pigment? How about the hard dry, athletic dog that moves nice and easy? Is he a big dog, or maybe a medium guy with great secondary sex characteristics? Does he have an obedience title? Does he have an OFA number attached to the back of his name? Is he a happy go lucky kind of dog? Perhaps he’s a quiet gentlemanly type of animal. Oh there may be better movers. There may be even better looking dogs, but something about this dog will make him stand out among all the rest. He will have that “look at me” type of attitude. He will dare the judge not to put him up because he’s just that darn good! One things for sure his life and his owners will be forever changed.
The Grand Victor is afforded the opportunity of being a part of history for the breed. Many more times than not, he will have the best bitches in the country sent to him for breeding. The door is wide open for him to make his ROM (register of merit) because of the excellent quality of bitches he entertains. Because he is the Grand Victor, does this make him a better producer? Of course not; he just has a better opportunity to become one. He’s not any better of a producer than he was last week before he won his new title. It’s just that more people are breeding to him now. Not every Grand Victor has been a great producer.
The new Grand Victor becomes the “who’s who” in the German Shepherd Dog world. All eyes will be on him especially the first year that he achieves this new title. Breeders will be looking to see what he can produce. Phone calls will be made, notes will be compared and the new Grand Victors offspring will be scrutinized by those who are looking to produce their own Grand Victors. The smart breeders will know that it will take the new “star” more than a year to prove his worthiness as a producer!
So although the new Grand Victor will look forward to returning home to play ball with little Johnny once again, his life has taken a new detour and his chance to alter history is just beginning. His overjoyed owners will soon be answering more phone calls, entertaining more people with their bitches……….their work has just begun. But this is it……..all their hard work has finally been rewarded. Just a few short days ago, they left their home with a champion and returned with a Grand Victor!
My rating: Grand Victor should be the “best of the best”, (4) best of opportunities afforded to him: (4), GV = producer? (3)
Right now as I write this, someone is feeding and caring for the future Grand Victor of the United States. He may be lying on someone’s rug or running outside in his dog run, but somewhere, someone owns the future Grand Victor! How exciting is that?! So just what does it take to be a Grand Victor? A Grand Victor is the champion of all champions! When the judge points his finger and says this is it, the enthusiastic crowd responds. Camera lights flash, congratulations are expressed, people run down to the arena floor to get up close and personal with the new winner and still others are left crying in the other corner for having seen their own “hopeful” not achieve this highest of awards this year. The judge congratulates the handler and tells the owner that he was delighted to have had the opportunity to judge and award such an excellent representative of the breed this title.
So the Grand Victor probably is still home right now. To him it’s just another day. Perhaps he’s going to be bathed once again today. His owner sprays and primps up his coat. My, he does smell wonderful. Maybe he’ll be road worked later on towards the evening. He’s fed the best of food, enjoys the health benefits of his supplements and chews contently on his milk bone. To him, life goes on like it normally does. He’s not planning for the big show coming up. He leaves that up to his owner.
The hotel reservations are once again confirmed. The car is filled with gas. Oil is checked. Tires are new. Luggage is packed. Supplies and crate are loaded in the car. Snacks are put in the back seat for later on to enjoy on the long trip to Ohio. Alright, everything is in place and the new Grand Victor is loaded in the car. Little does he or his owner know that a big new beautiful trophy will accompany them on their way back home! It’s what they’ve dreamed about all year long, but right now they haven’t realized that dream……..not yet!
So what does our future Grand Victor look like? Is he any better than your dog or mine? Is he the pretty, plushy dog with the black and red pigment? How about the hard dry, athletic dog that moves nice and easy? Is he a big dog, or maybe a medium guy with great secondary sex characteristics? Does he have an obedience title? Does he have an OFA number attached to the back of his name? Is he a happy go lucky kind of dog? Perhaps he’s a quiet gentlemanly type of animal. Oh there may be better movers. There may be even better looking dogs, but something about this dog will make him stand out among all the rest. He will have that “look at me” type of attitude. He will dare the judge not to put him up because he’s just that darn good! One things for sure his life and his owners will be forever changed.
The Grand Victor is afforded the opportunity of being a part of history for the breed. Many more times than not, he will have the best bitches in the country sent to him for breeding. The door is wide open for him to make his ROM (register of merit) because of the excellent quality of bitches he entertains. Because he is the Grand Victor, does this make him a better producer? Of course not; he just has a better opportunity to become one. He’s not any better of a producer than he was last week before he won his new title. It’s just that more people are breeding to him now. Not every Grand Victor has been a great producer.
The new Grand Victor becomes the “who’s who” in the German Shepherd Dog world. All eyes will be on him especially the first year that he achieves this new title. Breeders will be looking to see what he can produce. Phone calls will be made, notes will be compared and the new Grand Victors offspring will be scrutinized by those who are looking to produce their own Grand Victors. The smart breeders will know that it will take the new “star” more than a year to prove his worthiness as a producer!
So although the new Grand Victor will look forward to returning home to play ball with little Johnny once again, his life has taken a new detour and his chance to alter history is just beginning. His overjoyed owners will soon be answering more phone calls, entertaining more people with their bitches……….their work has just begun. But this is it……..all their hard work has finally been rewarded. Just a few short days ago, they left their home with a champion and returned with a Grand Victor!
My rating: Grand Victor should be the “best of the best”, (4) best of opportunities afforded to him: (4), GV = producer? (3)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
SPORTSMANSHIP AND GOODWILL IN THE SPORT OF SHOWING DOGS
Let’s face it, everybody loves to win, and it’s not always true as the old song would have you believe, “Everybody loves a winner!” No one goes to a dog show to loose. But what about that winner; how many people who entered and showed their dog is truly happy for the person’s dog who won? Now come on, let’s be honest here. You wanted that win just as much as the winner did.
You bred or bought the best dog you could. You’ve worked and trained him. Maybe you road worked him. You feed him the best food and supplements that you can afford. You bought and use the top shampoos and conditioners. You groom him to perfection insuring that the judge will look at him a second time. The judge points to his winner and it’s not your dog. John Doe just won another major on his dog. Are you feeling excited? Are you jumping for joy? I mean, are you really happy for John? Do you suck it up, bite your lip and extend your hand for congratulations? Or maybe you walk away in a “huff” cursing like an old sea captain not caring who sees or hears you.
What does it take to have good sportsmanship? What does it take to show goodwill towards your fellow exhibitor? I believe it comes from the person who intelligently knows that when he enters a show, there’s a big possibility that he may not win. Now some people who enter expect to win every time. As I said before, no one goes to a show expecting to loose. But common sense will tell you, that it can and will happen, more times than you’ll want to admit.
Showing good sportsmanship to another person by showing goodwill and extending congratulations means that you think the other person has won a fair, good hard contest knowing he was as worthy of the win as you. But what about when you don’t think his dog was as good as yours? That’s when your true character will come through. I quote: “A sportsman has been defined as a person who can take loss or defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating, and who treats his opponents with fairness, generosity, and courtesy.”
A good sport should be able to maintain control of his emotions whether or not he agrees with the outcome of an event. He recognizes that his opponents have devoted just as much time and money in the sport of showing dogs as he has. He realizes that some days he wins and other days he loses. He’s going to want people to recognize and congratulate him when he is triumphant in the show ring as well. He realizes his behavior on the show grounds are viewed by……spectators, judges, breeders, exhibitors, etc. He realizes that he loses nothing by showing goodwill and gains so much more by having and maintaining a good reputation.
One of the worst emotions we humans (and even the dogs that we love) have is that old “green eyed” monster known as jealousy. It can ruin and destroy many relationships in our lives. No where is it more pronounced than when you’re competing. Dog show people are highly competitive people. They love their dogs and think that they are just about the best thing walking on four feet. Challenge that thought and you might just see some of the most “bad to the bone” type of behavior.
I’ve had two friends who live on opposite coasts of the US tell me recently about their experiences in the show ring. Both had exhibited in their clubs shows so naturally many of the clubs members were there. Both of their dogs won. Both friends told me not one person from their club congratulated them. Both of these people are very nice sweet kinds of people so no one could say that they didn’t like them as individuals. Both have had success in the show ring, one having Select champions and the other one having group winning dogs. So what gives with that?
Nothing is more important for the newcomer to the sport of showing dogs is to feel welcomed and have goodwill extended to them. This tells them that we “dog people” are a friendly lot and we want them here. This is what makes a breed club grow and prosper. Tomorrows ambassadors of our breed are today’s newcomers. It’s up to us to nurture them and see to it that they protect and maintain the principals that our forefathers had a vision for this the most noble of dogs, the German Shepherd. If we drive them away with our indifference and lack of goodwill the thrill of showing dogs just may become a pastime of the past.
My rating on good sportsmanship and goodwill in our breed: good sportsmanship: (3), goodwill (3), welcoming the newcomer: (2)
You bred or bought the best dog you could. You’ve worked and trained him. Maybe you road worked him. You feed him the best food and supplements that you can afford. You bought and use the top shampoos and conditioners. You groom him to perfection insuring that the judge will look at him a second time. The judge points to his winner and it’s not your dog. John Doe just won another major on his dog. Are you feeling excited? Are you jumping for joy? I mean, are you really happy for John? Do you suck it up, bite your lip and extend your hand for congratulations? Or maybe you walk away in a “huff” cursing like an old sea captain not caring who sees or hears you.
What does it take to have good sportsmanship? What does it take to show goodwill towards your fellow exhibitor? I believe it comes from the person who intelligently knows that when he enters a show, there’s a big possibility that he may not win. Now some people who enter expect to win every time. As I said before, no one goes to a show expecting to loose. But common sense will tell you, that it can and will happen, more times than you’ll want to admit.
Showing good sportsmanship to another person by showing goodwill and extending congratulations means that you think the other person has won a fair, good hard contest knowing he was as worthy of the win as you. But what about when you don’t think his dog was as good as yours? That’s when your true character will come through. I quote: “A sportsman has been defined as a person who can take loss or defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating, and who treats his opponents with fairness, generosity, and courtesy.”
A good sport should be able to maintain control of his emotions whether or not he agrees with the outcome of an event. He recognizes that his opponents have devoted just as much time and money in the sport of showing dogs as he has. He realizes that some days he wins and other days he loses. He’s going to want people to recognize and congratulate him when he is triumphant in the show ring as well. He realizes his behavior on the show grounds are viewed by……spectators, judges, breeders, exhibitors, etc. He realizes that he loses nothing by showing goodwill and gains so much more by having and maintaining a good reputation.
One of the worst emotions we humans (and even the dogs that we love) have is that old “green eyed” monster known as jealousy. It can ruin and destroy many relationships in our lives. No where is it more pronounced than when you’re competing. Dog show people are highly competitive people. They love their dogs and think that they are just about the best thing walking on four feet. Challenge that thought and you might just see some of the most “bad to the bone” type of behavior.
I’ve had two friends who live on opposite coasts of the US tell me recently about their experiences in the show ring. Both had exhibited in their clubs shows so naturally many of the clubs members were there. Both of their dogs won. Both friends told me not one person from their club congratulated them. Both of these people are very nice sweet kinds of people so no one could say that they didn’t like them as individuals. Both have had success in the show ring, one having Select champions and the other one having group winning dogs. So what gives with that?
Nothing is more important for the newcomer to the sport of showing dogs is to feel welcomed and have goodwill extended to them. This tells them that we “dog people” are a friendly lot and we want them here. This is what makes a breed club grow and prosper. Tomorrows ambassadors of our breed are today’s newcomers. It’s up to us to nurture them and see to it that they protect and maintain the principals that our forefathers had a vision for this the most noble of dogs, the German Shepherd. If we drive them away with our indifference and lack of goodwill the thrill of showing dogs just may become a pastime of the past.
My rating on good sportsmanship and goodwill in our breed: good sportsmanship: (3), goodwill (3), welcoming the newcomer: (2)
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