Posts by Laura Reeves
85 – Wendy Paquette on Shih Tzu, Toys and Breeding Challenges
Wendy Paquette – Shih Tzu, Toy Breeds and Breeding
Wendy Paquette faced challenges with her choice of Shih Tzu as a breed. Before the internet, with no other breeders in northern Canada, Wendy imported her first two dogs from England.
All Breed Judge and former Professional Handler, Wendy handled many of the toy breeds with multiple Best-in-Show success.
Smart Solution to Toy Breeding Education
Wendy had a smart solution to acquire a toy breed “Breeding” education, despite Canadian isolation.
She leased bitches from her top clients and whelped different toy breed litters! Firsthand she gained breed insight from day 1 in the whelping box.
Nigel Aubrey Jones
Nigel Aubrey Jones, great Pekingese breeder and author, was an influential mentor for Wendy.
Tips and Thoughts on Toys and Drop Coated Breeds
Health and Maintenance
Tend to be maintenance and care intensive for health and coat. Since they are small, owners tend to have larger numbers. The drop coats make it more difficult to notice health issues.
Lack of Exercise
Need more exercise than just an ex-pen. Despite the small size, they need to run outdoors, in fresh air, where they can stretch and tone muscle. Proper coat has strong hair, but some show dogs might need the sides tied up.
Temperament
Toys are companions and temperament is a must.
Wendy’s Thoughts
Learn the past of your breed. Know who the breeders were or are, and their contributions. Just because they don’t have a top dog out today, doesn’t mean the decades of knowledge and experience are any less.
Wendy has been involved in purebred dogs since 1971. She began her career breeding Shih Tzu, and along the way has owned and bred Samoyeds, Afghans, Salukis, Whippets, Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Pekingese, Lakeland Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers. She specializes in Shih Tzu and Lakeland Terriers as her main breeds and has produced over 250 Canadian Champions, 80 American Champions, 16 different Best In Show winners and 10 National Specialty winners. Wendy is a co-owner of Wenrick Kennels Incorporated. The Wenrick Shih Tzu breeding program is world-renowned.
Wendy is also a retired professional dog handler. A profession she enjoyed for 15 years. During this time she finished over 500 champions in 80 different breeds and won 150+ All Breed Best in Shows with 16 different breeds. She also owned and piloted a Pekingese “Bingo”, Am Can Ch Rodari’s Aces High to the number 2 All Breeds in Canada in 1994.
She has been honored with lifetime memberships in the Canadian Kennel Club, the Sudbury & District Kennel Club and the Canadian Shih Tzu Club. She was also awarded an Honorary Membership in the Canadian Professional Handlers Association.
Wendy is a Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Licensed All Breed Judge, a founding member of the Canadian Dog Judges Association (CDJA) and a member of the American Dog Judges Association (ADSJA). In addition to Canada and the USA, she has judged in Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, South Africa, Denmark, Italy, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. www.wenrick.ca
84 – Obedience at the Garden: David Haddock, AKC Judge
Obedience at the Garden: David Haddock, AKC Judge
Obedience was not always offered at the Garden during the Westminster Kennel Club show. David Haddock, a member of the Westminster Kennel Club and AKC Judge, was instrumental in the inclusion of the obedience competition.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, David obtained his first purebred dog in the 1970’s, during which time he owner-handled the Alaskan Malamute to an obedience title and conformation championship. He later acquired Portuguese Water Dogs, handling one of the first PWDs to achieve both Breed Championship and Utility Dog titles. He is a former board member of the PWD parent club and has authored several PWD articles that have appeared in national publications. David and his family have also owned and exhibited Border Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Havanese, Chihuahuas, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, and Samoyeds.
David is the long-serving President of the Nashville Dog Training Club, where he has been instrumental in developing multiple venues for canine performance. During his tenure, the club has gained national recognition for its semiannual 4-day agility trials and multiple venues for obedience, rally, tracking, and lure coursing. He is also a member of the Nashville Kennel Club, Santa Barbara Kennel Club, Westchester Kennel Club, and the Westminster Kennel Club, where he serves on the Dog Committee. David is a nationally recognized obedience judge, having adjudicated at over 300 trials in 40+ states. He is also approved for several breeds within the Working Group.
David is a graduate of Washington & Lee University (BA, 1983) and Columbia University (MBA, 1987). He spent his early professional career with New York-based real estate and finance companies before embarking on a successful entrepreneurial career, first in the health-care field and later in consumer products. He was a founding partner and/or executive in multiple start-ups and early stage businesses, including Windy Hill Pet Food, a roll-up ultimately acquired by Mars Pedigree. He has worked internationally as a pet industry consultant, and owns and manages several niche brands within the pet food industry. http://bouvier.org/specialty/2012/judges.html
Article by David Haddock for the Westminster Times
The Dog Show: 125 Years of Westminster
William F. Stifel
83 – Mike and Karen Kurtzner: Mentors, Field Judge and Beagle Buddies
Mike and Karen Kurtzner
Mike and Karen are professional handlers that have both been mentored by some of the great dog people of the past, but have trained some of the stars today. Boarding kennel owners in the Sacramento, California area, they have been in dogs since the 1960’s, and have more than a few stories to tell.
This episode of Pure Dog Talk is quite enjoyable, and Laura’s introduction gives a bit of insight and respect to two people who deserve it.
Did You Know?
- Mike raised homing pigeons
- One of the first all breed handlers in the licensing system
- Married to Karen for 33 Years – Kudos to Karen and Mike!
- WAS THE YOUNGEST LICENSED FIELD JUDGE IN U.S.
Ch Kahootz Chase Manhattan
Many know and remember Mike as the handler of 13 inch Beagle “Ben” – Ch Kahootz Chase Manhattan, but there is much more to Mike and Karen.
www.tesorosbeagles.com
Original Handler Licensing System
Once upon a time, you had to be licensed for each breed that you handled. AKC reps inspected your kennel, your set-up at the shows and your license had to be renewed each year. Mike and Karen tell the stories of how the original handler system worked.
Field Judge and Beagles on the Scent
Mike is full of surprises, so if you want to know about Beagles, scents, and field work, here you go.
82 – New to Group Ring? 10 Tips to Survive and Succeed
New to the Group Ring?
Requested by Brandon Lobato in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Brandon writes, “Love the podcast, it really keeps me motivated. I started showing two years ago and didn’t know anything. It took me a year and 15 shows to get my first point. I pointed him out during the next year, and then our shows started up … and my boy took the breed two days in a row this weekend going over four specials for his majors in Irish Setters. I’ve been going to handling classes each week and listening to the podcast over and over. If you could talk about going into to groups ring I would love it, I was something I hadn’t prepared for.”
First of all Great Job on your first two Best of Breed wins Brandon! That is fantastic!! I am so thrilled the podcast was helpful for you!
Now, on to the group. Those first few trips around the big ring can seem daunting at best.
10 Tips to Survive and Succeed in the Group Ring
Remember, in group competition, the judge is comparing each individual dog against its standard and is tasked with selecting and placing in order the four dogs which most closely meet their breeds’ standards. Refresh the breed standard in your head, concentrate on your dog’s virtues in relation to the standard and run through again how best to showcase those virtues. The group ring brings more room to move, more space to stand out but also a larger cast of characters, all striving to catch the judge’s eye. Be sure to watch your spacing on the line… not too close to the dog in front of you, leave enough room to stand in front if that is what you need to showcase your dog. If the handler behind has a tendency to crowd up on you, turn your dog and put your back to the handler to create a little extra breathing room for you and your dog when it’s time to turn around and stack again.
If you are honored with a Best of Breed win, go to the group. It is an insult to any other dogs defeated, the judge who awarded your dog BOB and the group judge to skip it. “I’m not going to win” isn’t an acceptable excuse! Unless there are only 4 dogs present, *somebody* isn’t going to place. And I’ll tell you a little story. Some years ago I showed a 9 month old Briard to the breed … He was the only dog entered in the breed. It was the last day. It was hot. It was a judge I believed would do nothing with this gangly puppy. There were some lovely dogs in the group. I just plain wanted to go home. I whined and moaned and gnashed my teeth, but I stayed. And well I did, as that goofy puppy WON the group. Yes, there are times of emergency or what have you in which missing the group is understandable. But going home just because “it’s political and I won’t win” is not going to win you any admirers and worse, does not give you the opportunity to learn a single thing.
Pay attention to the timing!!!!!! Groups start at an appointed hour and then flow based on the judge, the number of dogs in the ring, how inclement the weather is, how anxious everyone is to get to the hotel/airport/home, etc. The superintendent lists the *anticipated* group judging order in the judging schedule. DO NOT assume that is written in stone! Check the schedule of group judging when it is posted. Watch the groups ahead (this is *always* a good suggestion, no matter what, for educational purposes) in order to know when it’s your turn. I normally prep my dogs at the beginning of the group ahead of mine, but if the groups are small, the dog needs an extra rinse and fluff, extra warm up or whatever, that can change. Know what you need to do to prepare your dog to look its very best in the ring and how long it takes to do that. Then gauge your time accordingly. Aim to arrive at the group ring a full five to ten minutes ahead of your turn. This gives you time to settle your nerves, accustom the dog to the extra applause and commotion and generally get your game face on. If you need more time, there is NO law that says you can’t come earlier. Do what works best for you and your dog.
Groups in the US are generally, although not always, judged in size/speed order. The exceptions are when the show is extra fancy and they ask exhibitors to line up alphabetically and give you signs to stand in front of (a la Westminster). But at most average dog shows, the long legged dogs go up front and the lineup proceeds in basically descending size. Keep in mind you want to move your dog at the proper speed for the breed. Find a dog of similar build/stature to your breed and try to follow that exhibitor. The Bulldog, Pekeingese, Sussex Spaniel, miniature dachshund and the like are not going to run around the ring at the same speed as the taller members of their group. The line up for the group entrance can feature a good bit of jostling. Just be patient, courteous and ask questions. See if you can find a mentor or friend in the bunch who can give you some on site guidance.
Once you get in the ring, move around the ring as directed by the judge. Stack your dog and be prepared for the judge to walk down the line looking at expression and/or overall outline. Once the exam of the first dog starts, you can relax your dog. Play with your dog, relax, but don’t let the judge see the dog looking dorky. You can block the dog with your body if you’re going to give it free time. I’ve shown any number of dogs over the years who had limited “stamina” in the group ring. I just take them to a corner, teach them to lie down quietly and sit peacefully with them. Conversely, I’ve shown dogs with no off switch who fret incessantly if they are not constantly “working”… Know your dog and know what is best for him. Pay attention to the judge… If you notice she is checking back down the line after every dog, time a nice free stack so they can see it — do not grandstand in the middle of the ring or block another exhibitor, but be sure your dog is always and only seen looking its best. When it’s your turn for the exam and individual movement, your general target is to move the dog as far as the last number in the center of the ring and then come back. It’s a big ring, nobody needs or wants to see your dog trot ALLL the way to the end of the ring and back.
First impressions count. That first sweep around the ring should demonstrate smooth, effortless and correct movement. While that first one is important, ALL impressions count in the group ring. You are playing with the big kids and if you expect the judge to award your dog, you must be prepared to have its performance be flawless. Gather yourself before you move, don’t get jiggity with your freestack. Stick to what you know works. You have MAYBE four chances to really showcase your dog. When you come in, on the line at the beginning, on the individual exam and on the line at the end. If each and every time the judge looks your dog is flawless, and your presence and presentation are confident, they WILL notice.
Don’t be nervous! I know it seems scary, but it’s no different than the breed ring in the basic concepts. Don’t forget that your dog will pick up on your nerves. Confidence, or a lack thereof, travels right down the leash! Hi speed internet has nothing on a dog’s sensitivity to its handler’s moods. I know, you’re thinking, all those people are *watching* us! A version of stage fright is pretty common, but I always remind folks what my debate coach taught me in high school… If you just picture all the people around you in their underwear, pretty soon, you’re giggling to yourself and it’s nearly impossible to concentrate on being afraid when you’re laughing (in your mind!) at somebody’s imaginary tight whities. As you relax, so will your dog, making their movement, their attitude and their carriage improve 100 percent.
Professional handlers are NOT the enemy! If you have a question, seek out an experienced and respected handler and ask them. I guarantee they’ve been there for the first time, just like you! As in any other situation, be sure to wait until the person is not concentrating on the dog or the judging. And handler friends, for the love of Pete, take a minute out of your coffee klatch in the corner to at least smile at the newbie. Maybe compliment their dog or their outfit or simply tell them congratulations on their win. We are ALL in this together. The more we remember that, the better off we’ll be!
Making the cut. This is when the judge comes down the line for a final look. It’s important to make some eye contact with the judge, really making the pitch that your dog is worthy of consideration amongst the best. If the judge points at you for your dog to make the “short list” of 6-8 dogs to be considered for the four placements, tamp those jangling nerves down with a deep breath and keep your composure. Line up and remember this is the last chance to make a great impression. Stay in tune with your dog while paying attention to the judge for cues. Some judges don’t make a cut and simply select their placements. Continue to watch the judge out of the corner of your eye to determine if they are looking at your dog and be sure the dog is stacked and standing proud.
Final reminders. Be a good sport…. congratulate the winners, say thank you if your dog gets a ribbon and someone congratulates you. have FUN with your dog! be proud, be a team… and never forget, the dog you love best is coming home with YOU! A ribbon or not a ribbon, it doesn’t get any better than that.
And there you go. You’ve now survived the group ring for the first time. It’s all downhill from here! Catch ya’ll on the flip side. In the meantime, don’t forget to kiss your dog on the nose every day.
81 – Social Media Challenge from Randy Benns and Luke Baggenstos
Social Media Challenge
Randy Benns and Luke Baggenstos are both members of the Professional Handler’s Association.
Luke Baggenstos
Luke literally was born into dogs. His parents and stepmother are all dog people. He worked for dad, Rick, and stepmom Dinah, both PHA handlers, and followed in their footsteps. In fact, the bulk of his extended family are “in dogs.” His wife, Rowan, is the daughter of Canadian Akita, Shiba Inu & Japanese Chin breeder Susan Norris-Jones. His brother is married to professional handler, Jen Holmberg.
I began in dogs at birth. My parents bred and showed Old English Sheepdogs and Afghan Hounds. I first went into juniors at a Fun Match with my Afghan at the ripe old age of 4. Needless to say I was hooked. As soon as I was old enough I participated in junior handling, showing my mother’s Afghans. My parents divorced when I was 11 but I continued to attend shows even when my mom did not. I would travel to the shows and work for my Dad, Rick, and Stepmom, Dinah. I apprenticed for 13 years with them. In the mean time I also put myself through school earning my Associates degree in Business Management. I then went to work at New England Financial and then Met Financial but I missed the dogs too much. I quit a great Career to be a dog handler, a job I truly love,” Luke says.
Randy Benns
Randy is “first generation” dog man who, with wife Lisa Haney, is a noted all-breed handler. In his words, he started in dogs because someone told him he couldn’t. He started with chow chows in the late 1980s. He graduated from University of Utah with a degree in political science.
Later Randy apprenticed under the renowned all-breed judge, Dorothy Nickles. Over the years he’s shown top ranked Beagles, Giant Schnauzers, American Staffordshire Terriers and, more recently, American Eskimo Dogs.
Social Media, Dog Shows and Instant Influence
Luke and Randy tackle the thorny issue of social media and how it impacts the purebred dog fancy.
Luke is not a “Social media superstar,” but participates. Randy is a strong opponent of the medium. We hear from each side of the aisle as these two opinionated friends share their thoughts.
Take a minute to really think about their common message…. If you won’t say it to somebody’s face directly, *don’t* write it for 1000 of your “closest” friends to read….
As always, we’d love to hear from you! Share YOUR thoughts on ways our sport can improve… with or withOUT social media!
80 – Steve Gladstone: In His Words
79 – Valerie Nunes-Atkinson Handling Seminars: Ready to Handle Like a Pro?
Valerie Nunes-Atkinson
Best known for CJ and his Westminster win, Valerie is a 2nd generation breeder with the passion for handling, training, breeding, and conditioning show dogs.
Pay It Forward – Handling Seminars for Owner Handlers and Juniors
Valerie has a deep love for her dogs, and a deep love for her sport. She is focused on a Pay-It-Forward future by training owner-handlers and juniors in international handling seminars.
Dispel the “Owner Handler Cannot Compete” Belief
For those who want to raise their game, for those ready to dispel the owner handler cannot compete belief, for those who will work to win on a consistent basis; Valerie is ready to help.
Professional Handlers do this 24 hours a day!
One of the drawbacks of the owner handler and frequent complaints from the judges is lack of conditioning. The seminars are not just how to hold your lead, but how to condition, train, and prepare for the ring.
Puppy Training or How to Raise a Rock Star Show Dog
Puppy training starts at birth and the time, effort, dedication, and persistence required evolves from the time that they are puppies. With a horse background, Valerie trains carriage and outline on her dogs.
Lead Breaking Tip
Train in circles, moving only to the right… Never lead break in a straight line. The puppy should bend and flex around you. After two or three circles, end with the dog facing straight towards you and looking at you. Don’t pull!!! Use treats or sounds to keep him engaged.
Breeders and Exhibitors
Dog shows are intended to evaluate breeding stock. But today, not everyone that shows are interested in breeding.
Some just like to own and show and this group of exhibitors are both welcome and deserve respect.
But encouragement is needed to help interest exhibitors to become breeders. For without our breeders, we will lose our dogs.
78 – Litter Evaluation Workshop: Recorded LIVE with Laura Reeves
Litter Evaluation Workshop: Recorded LIVE with Laura Reeves
Puppy litters are our hopes, dreams, and a bit of mystery for dog breeders. Every litter is a chance to get it right, to learn a little more about our breeding selections.
Picking the Right Puppy
Our second challenge as breeders is picking the right puppy. At 8 weeks, puppies are full of potential, and sometimes the best one gets away.
Laura Reeves suggests learning how to evaluate puppy litters with puppies that you are not emotionally attached to. Avoid the heart string decisions. Ask for every opportunity on breeds that are not your own, with master breeders to guide you.
Structure, Temperament, and Breed Standard Evaluation
In this workshop, two distinct breeds are evaluated – Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Haired Dachshunds.
Please enjoy this workshop!
77 – One Breed, One World: Think and Breed Global with Doug Johnson
One Breed, One World: Think and Breed Global with Doug Johnson
STUMP – PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG JOHNSON
One Breed, One World
Doug Johnson started at a young and impressionable age of 15, and attributes his “no bias” mentality to his youth.
Pursuit in quality is the top priority in working in small gene pools and shrinking gene pools are a factor that even popular breeds are facing. Pursuit in quality means that there is “no bias” towards or against the kennel or “camp” that the dog is associated with.
Doug Johnson breeds by physical trait, dogs that look alike or resemble each other regardless of the pedigree.
We use science as a tool, but breeding is an art
Genetic testing is a must-use tool, especially when breeding internationally.
Search the Globe
Search the globe and exchange dogs internationally. Consider building bridges by exchanging dogs with top international breeders for a second or third generation “puppy back”.
We can’t be be island breeders anymore.
Resist Fashion
Resist the “Americanization of Show Dogs” fashion trend. Dogs are bred to standards and should look and be the same everywhere. The English Springer Spaniel in the U.S. for example, has lost proper croup for a “showier” presentation in the ring.
Test and Tell
Yes, Test AND TELL!!! It’s not about you. Small gene pools cannot survive without the sharing of test results, good and bad. As genetic testing improves, the necessity for greater understanding, education, communication and reliance on other breeders is needed. The perfect dog without a specific recessive gene may be in Australia, or Germany or even Russia.
Look at the success of the African Basenji Project featured in Pure Dog Talk #67.
Drop the Ego
Don’t believe the press. You’re top winning dog may not be the best example of your breed. You may have had better dogs in the past, and this is just the best one at this time.
Want success for other people. Keep every door open and commit to lifelong learning.
Elevate who you are and be honest about your animals.
Be Grateful
Above all, be grateful. Be grateful for others and grateful for our dogs and what they give us all.
76 – Bo Bengtson and Paul Lepiane: History and Future of Dog Show Competition
Bo Bengtson and Paul Lepiane: The History and the Future of Dog Show Competition
Paul and Bo, whippet breeders and publishers of several magazines, share their thoughts on breed drift and the past, present and future of dog shows in this wide ranging, thoughtful interview.
We discuss why some breeds drift *a lot* and others it’s barely noticeable. Bo shares ideas he focused on while authoring the book, Best in Show: The World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows.
Primarily that history informs the current day and helps us understand our world.