Show Time Jitters

ktn67 · #1 3rd March 2005, 02:35 PM

Ok people HELP!!,

This is not exactly my first show. I've been in the ring before but I still haven't gotten over my "show time" jitters!!! Does anyone out there have any tips/hints/suggestions on how they got over the nerves??? My mentor keeps telling me the dog senses it and it throws them off. I have Charm entered in her first show next weekend at Marietta,OH (3/12 & 3/13) and I'm already getting butterflies!!!! LOL

BTW, I'd appreciate it if you guys would take a look at my gallery and let me know what you think of her.

Thanks and wish us luck. (At least one of us is going to need it - she thinks it's all fun and games!!!)

abby's mum · #2 3rd March 2005, 03:27 PM

Well, I have never shown dogs (yet!) but I have shown horses both under saddle and in breeding (conformation) classes for many years. I still get nervous. My advice however is to channel that nervousness from "OMG, OMG" in a bad way to hyped, focused feeling. Kind of a everyone is watching me, my dog rocks, we can totally win. I guess I mean learn to enjoy the nervousness, almost think of it as excitement instead like a kid at Christmas. It sounds impossible probably but you can do it if you set your mind to it. I don't think I am explaining this well but you can ask me questions if you want to clarify my rant.

Kerry Jane · #3 3rd March 2005, 04:32 PM

Try concentrating on being upbeat, exciting and fun. Even if you feel a little nervous, talk to your dog in an upbeat voice, and try and have fun out there....and hopefully, your nerves will fade away.
At times I was pretty nervous in the ring...and probably also too serious, and my girl would definately pick up on it and become very serious. I found that concentrating on the need to be upbeat and fun helped a lot. Also, talking to my dog helped a lot (but keep it upbeat). For example, when we were gaiting I would be talking the whole time to her in an upbeat, encouraging voice about what we doing, and what a good job she was doing....and concentrating on being upbeat and also on my dog helped the nerves to fade.

But, it probably depends on the dog. If you have a really wild puppy maybe talking to them in a calm voice and concentrating on being calm and focused would help more than being upbeat and exciting.

Good luck with the show, and I hope both you and your dog have a blast!!!

Alisha Mobley · #4 3rd March 2005, 05:51 PM

The reason I enter dog shows is to have fun with my dog...that's all I concentrate on while there. If my dog and I have fun together, my goal was met.

I also keep in mind there is *nothing* that will happen to me that hasn't already happened to someone else...it's all been done and seen before.

oz4lines · #5 4th March 2005, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alisha Mobley

I also keep in mind there is *nothing* that will happen to me that hasn't already happened to someone else...it's all been done and seen before.

Exactly!!!

We'll be there to support you no matter what!!

ktn67 · #6 7th March 2005, 11:25 AM

LOL

Thanks Guys. For the tips and the moral support. If this past handling class is any indication I'm going to need it!!!! Little Miss Monster (AKA Charm) has decided that all the other dogs are there solely to entertain her!!!! So she jumps at and play bows to whoever is in front of or behind us. When (if)the 'judge' clicks his tongue or whistles or makes any motinon towards her to see facial expression she thinks that means he wants a kiss!!!! But AFTER class when most the people have left she stacks and gaits like a pro. I think she's doing it on purpose!! BRAT!

kassa · #7 8th March 2005, 11:08 AM

Chewing gum is supposed to help mask fear from traveling down the leash. Not quite sure how, and you certainly need to avoid chomping on it in front of the judge since it's rude

Alisha Mobley · #8 8th March 2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kassa

Chewing gum is supposed to help mask fear from traveling down the leash. Not quite sure how, and you certainly need to avoid chomping on it in front of the judge since it's rude

Breath mints are supposed to work as well. From what I understand, when stressed you breath has a different smell...the dog can pick up on this so anything to give your breath a different smell should work.

oz4lines · #9 15th March 2005, 09:06 PM

Don't you have a bit of bragging to do?
From what I saw, you girls did just fine.

Great job ladies!!

HD_Cruisin8 · #10 16th March 2005, 10:41 PM

I never saw full results of the Marietta shows.. I was kinda disappointed at that because I wanted to see how Jill and Ca$h did and a few others. So Carla, how DID you and Charm do!? According to Jill, you did quite nicely! Can't wait to hear!

ktn67 · #11 17th March 2005, 12:19 PM

Thanks Jill!

Charm had a rough start to her show career! Her sire's owner came in from KY to see how she was coming along and to help me. He agreed to take her in Sat. but not having had a chance to meet her before he worked with her that morning before they went in the ring. Well...........Charm was having none of that! She wouldn't stand for the judge to go over her, she was in his lap, the judge's lap. In general, everywhere except where she was supposed to be!! LOL Definitely showed good temperment but the judge couldn't examine her. She moved beautifully but the judge put her 5th out of 5 pups in the 6-9 month class. LOL

Sunday I took her in. (GULP) I had bought canned chicken Sat. night after we left the show. She wouldn't bait for anything Sat. She'd take it and spit it back out! LOL So, in we go! Breath mints for both of us (Thanks Alisha) The chicken worked. She stood to let the judge go over her, moved her back feet a litttle but didn't try to climb in his lap!! LOL She didn't move as well for me. But when all was said and done Charm ended up 2nd out of 6 in her class Sunday. A great improvement and I was very proud of her.

So we both survived. Now...where's the next one???????

P.S. Jill - where's your brag????

Alisha Mobley · #12 17th March 2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

She stood to let the judge go over her, moved her back feet a litttle but didn't try to climb in his lap!! LOL She didn't move as well for me.

I only had the chance to watch the beginning of the class and from what little I saw, Charm did very well! I can't wait to see the video!

Quote:

P.S. Jill - where's your brag????

Yeah Jill, where's your brag??