The ugly truth

Politics!!! There everywhere!!! Churches, offices, schools, and yes even at dog shows.

At Sienna’s first dog show I learned that puppy Chesapeake’s don’t win over the adult dogs. Ok, I can live with that, I really didn’t expect her to get her championship title at her very first show. So when I saw that at the next show there would be 4 puppies, I was excited because that meant she might have competition, therefore earning points towards her champion title. Unfortunately the other 3 dogs were all boys. So again we were in the ring, alone, another blue ribbon but no points – you don’t become a champion without points. You don’t become a champion without competition. Winning in her class does mean that she does get to compete with the other female dogs that win their classes, but like I said, puppy chesapeakes don’t usually win against the adults, so I was a little disappointed that she wasn’t going to gain any points. I don’t know about Sienna, but I pretty much felt invisible in the ring as we brought up the rear. I felt like the judge only glanced our way out of obligation to look at all the dogs.

I have also found out a few things about showing. One of the reasons that I went with the Chesapeake breed was low maintenance. I didn’t want to dock any tails or pin any ears and I certainly didn’t want a dog that had prettier hair than me. (I don’t even like to do my own hair, I can’t imagine grooming my dogs hair for 2 hours before each show – ug!) Any way, I have found out that they are not as low maintenance as I originally thought – that is if you want to win!!!!! Chessies are known for their thick curly coats. Well during the summer time in moderate weather like we have here in the Northwest, they don’t really develop the coat they need to be a winner – ah but you can force it. At one show one of the owners was backcombing her dogs coat (my trainer says that’s a big no no) but guess what – her dog won that day! Another owner took her dog outside and in her back yard; she would soak him with cold water everyday. While his coat did look beautiful, it just wasn’t what he would look like had he just been left alone. I have been told on several occasions that I am to make my puppy spend the nights outside in order to develop her coat. I guess if you are driven enough and have the competitive spirit you’ll do whatever it takes to win. Don’t even get me started on situations where your handler and the judges are good friends…………….

So her next show is in November, she will be 11 months old. What am I going to do about her coat? Well, since we live near water, and they are water dogs, I plan to take her swimming on a fairly regular basis to get her winter coat to come in. I can’t do anything about her body filling out, that is something that will have to happen as she matures but hopefully she will get some points this time.

It’s so wonderful to get the opportunity to try something new. I have enjoyed so much learning about training and showing, obedience and hunt tests and it really has given me a good idea as to what direction I want to turn. At this point Sienna will probably be the first and last dog that I ever show……at least I say this until she starts getting some points and my competitive side kicks in……..