1.How long does it take to finish a dog?
Usually, I finish them within 3-4 mos. if I get them in decent condition (hair and weight). It can take longer if I need to grow more hair or get them in weight. Of course, this also depends upon the availability of majors. It can take longer if I am trying to get majors on a dog, and majors break or don't make.
2. How much does it usually cost to finish a dog?
On the average, figure on approximately $3000-$5000. That would include entry fees.
3. How young is it good to start a dog in the ring?
Some are ready to go out at 6 mos. and win. Most need to mature before they are competitive and ring-trained. Minis can need a bit longer to grow a bit more hair (at about 8 mos.)
4. What do I need to know to prepare my puppy before you take it to show?
You need to socialize your puppy a LOT, as well as weekly baths and coat care. It is helpful if you can crate-train your puppy, so that it is comfortable sleeping in a crate without making a fuss. Expose your puppy to all sorts of noises and locations, so that it is used to being in strange places. This can go a long way to reducing the stress of going into new showsites, etc.
5. Are there any special vaccinations my puppy needs before going to show?
Yes, the Bordetella vaccine is very important to have(as well as the usual puppy vaccines), as there are many respiratory bugs at these shows.While this may not give 100% protection, it does seem to help.
6. At what age do you like to take a puppy before they are ready to show?
I can take a puppy at any age, or adult for that matter, but if we are talking puppies, then I like to get them around 5 mos. of age to work on their trim and training. This depends upon whether or not I have an opening to take a young puppy, too.
7. Do you have a priority system in your handling program as far as which dogs get preferential treatment?
Yes and No. I try very hard to give each dog a fair chance at winning at each show, regardless of how long I have had it in my program. They are all groomed equally and shown equally. Where there might be a consideration as to seniority is in the situation where I win in more than one class with my dogs. In that case, I will "stay on" the one I have had the longest for the Winner's Class, and have another competent handler or handlers show the others that have won their classes.
8. Will your travelling in a motorhome increase my expenses?
It shouldn't, in spite of the increase in gas usage. There won't be any motel expenses, plus most of my meals will be prepared and eaten in the RV, saving more expensive meals "out". Several people have put together comparison worksheets on using an RV vs. a regular van and using hotels, etc. and have found the costs to be about equal.
The advantages to my using the motorhome are enormous, as it is so much better for me and the dogs. They have more of a "home" while on the road, and have much more freedom to be out of their crates, than otherwise. Plus, if they aren't showing on a weekend, they can stay in the motorhome and not have to stay in a showsite due to temperature considerations. The motorhome can provide constant heat and A/C for them.
I use an alarm system to alert me if the air goes out at any time.