In need of a Mentor and a Professional Handler

[Ciela]

Hi there,
I live in Kent WA and am interested in showing my sweet 4 month old Fawn girl, Ciela. We showed in the Intl Show this weekend and she received very good marks. I am going to be attending handling classes soon.
My problem: My breeder has moved away to Texas, because her husband is in the military and I am only able to get her help over the phone and email.

I am having the most difficult time with ear taping. This weekend I received excellent advice from a wonderful person showing two boxers. However, Ciela managed to pull one of the ear posts off and a tiny piece of her ear along with it. It was disgusting and I am sure very painful. (Please don't be angry with me for having her ears cropped, I wish I would have never done it. It is a terrible ordeal).

I am very frustrated and feel so alone in my venture to the show world. It would be extremely helpful if I could receive advice on working with her ears and training her for the show ring from someone local. I know of two local kennels that post here regularly that are in my area but I am not sure if you have any time to assist me.

Not sure if I can afford it, but I am willing to look into having a professional handler. Does anyone have any advice they can offer me?

Thank you so much!

[Draymia]

I live in the Tri-Cities, so can't be of much help to you, but you have many very good breeders in your area, plus a very good Boxer Club. I would suggest you start by joining the Pacific Northwest Boxer Club and continue with the handling classes.

As for the ear postings, do not feel guilty about having the ears cropped. It sounds like you are more frustrated with the taping. Call your breeder and ask them for a recomendation of someone close to you that can help. Most people are very willing to help a newbie. You should expect to pay for supplies and maybe for their time, but it won't be much. I would stay away from your vet, since most vets do not know how to tape ears. Tell whoever helps you with the taping about her reaction to the last taping. I am not sure why the pup would have actually reacted so strongly to the last taping. I personally don't use posts down the ear canal, so my pups don't react that badly?? But, I know many breeders that do and have no problems.

Here is the website for the Pacific Northwest Boxer Club.

http://pnwbc.tripod.com/about.html

[Ciela]

I appreciate the tip. I was able to reach a person from the Boxer Club who has an offer of help.

I also appreciate the advice. I am sure if I knew what I was doing or was better at it, my poor girl would be much more comfortable through this process of ear taping. It didn't seem all that hard at first but this past couple weeks have been a "bear".

You have been great, Draymia. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my cry for help!