To old???

[Guest Anonymous]

Ok, this may seem like a really stupid question to everyone who shows... But... Toby(my Doberman), will be three next month. I realy wanted to show him, but there are absolutly no shows less than two hours away and my parents won't take me. I was planning on driving when I get my driver's licsense(next year), but would he be to old??? He's well socialized, and I've "practiced" with him, having someone he didn't know put their hands all over him, open his mouth, etc. He did fine... Just need to know. :) Also, in the AKC Obedience trials, can the dogs compete if the are altered. I've heard that they can't and that the could. Hope I'm not sounding to dumb... But, if I can't compete with him in conformation shows, I'm going to be doing obedience anyway, and I'd like to neuter him... Thanks guys!

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks! I knew altered dogs couldn't compete in conformation(that's why I didn't have him neutered right away), but I wasn't sure about obedience. Thanks again!!! I'm really glad I still have a chance to compete with him in conformation. He probably won't go to far(he was pet quality), but it's not really the points I'm after, anyway. :) I'll probably have a few more strange questions later on. lol...

[Guest Anonymous]

Nikkigirl,

Just to give you some hope, a friend of mine didn't finish her female Springer until she was 5 yrs! Some areas are more difficult to get points in than others....and she was able to only go to a limited number of shows per year due to finances. However, if you say your dog is "pet quality" and you just want the experience of showing....why not try some match shows. Often areas that do not have AKC sponsered events will put on matches which are just as fun. Find your local breed club which may also offer some handling classes, as well as being able to tell you about matches. You may also be able to find other people to travel to shows with. The more you network with other owners in your area the more opportunities will open up for you--it is very difficult to go it alone. Hope this helps a bit.

Later,
Trinity

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks! I didn't know that altering the dogs later would actually be better! :) Lol, I know this might sound kind of bad, but he's sort of my "guinea pig". :) I really hope I can show him in all sorts of things for fun, but later on, when I'm older and have time and money(hehe), I'd like to get a show quality Dobie and really show. Thanks everyone! Your advice really helped! I'm sure I'll have a lot of other questions on showing, so you'll be hearing from me!

[bk_blue]

newfiemom napisał(a):

Nikkigirl,

It is better to alter later for obedience and working dogs. I have read that if you do it too early for a working dog, they stay in that puppy stage and retain that "Attention Deficit Disorder" for ever..

So that explains why BK is a hyperactive nutcase when he should be acting middle aged... :roll:

[Guest Anonymous]

I've never heard that about neutering/spaying too early... Chloe's 10 mo. and not spayed. (she's my newf baby) I plan to compete in conformation. Andorra is a great working dog and was spayed early. Of course... she's a golden retriever...