Ed, I have always felt that way. Years ago (CA National) I had a young male go best puppy from 6-9 at a STRONG 5 point major each side at our specialty. He was pulled out in winners. Nice compliment. The lovely folks I bought him from were talking up the CA National. I understand...it WAS a nice shot to do well in the puppy class. I thought they were nuts. I've flown a fair amount and no way was I putting a puppy through that to go to a dog show. Still wouldn't. They thought I was nuts. We were even <G>. I will fly 9-10 week olds to their forever home, non-stop, counter to counter. I have done that exactly three times. I let babies grow up, have fun, then when ready, there are plenty of shows within driving distance to get them done. Never did understand sending them away to "camp" to prep for a futurity weekend, nor do I understand a baby traveling for close to a week for a national or long cluster. What do they learn, how to stay in a pen and use an x-pen to relieve themselves? The other stuff, being used to a table, dryer etc. They can learn early here. The rest, handling class. Actually...I don't let mine in an x-pen anyway. JMHO Kathy, member GSDCA, DVGSDC Celebrating generations of Dual Titled TC'd Champions visit _http://www.pinehillgsds.com/_ (http://www.pinehillgsds.com/) In a message dated 3/26/2013 12:03:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, edwinx@xxxxxxxxxxx writes: I don't want to win that bad nor do I want to put my dog through that possible hell......... ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2012. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================