[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Was Thisa and Thata now MENTORING

  • From: tsaligsds@xxxxxxxxxxx
  • To: djur@xxxxxxx, Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx;, Germanshepherds4Show@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 15:08:16 +0000

Sure, its called MENTORING.  Almost every breeder should be willing to offer it 
to new folks.  If you don't already have a reputation in the breed or have 
GREAT references, its the easiest way to get good stock.  By joining the 
"group" AKA local clubs, you begin to become known.  Friendships develop and 
breeders watch - learning who they can trust with their nice pups.  Don't be 
too quick to allie yourself to any one person - that can be the kiss of death 
in "clickie" clubs.  Just join, work, and have fun with your current dogs.  
After a while, someone will emerge to help you.
I consider mentoring to be two phase.  One is just the quick "ringside" stuff 
the AKC requires of all judges.  The other is a long term relationship.  It 
involves sitting at ringside or watching videos and talking dogs, evaluating 
litters, discussions and assistance with feeding, conditioning, training, etc.  
The key here is LONG TERM.  Don't become an instant expert.  Keep learning. It 
takes a lifetime to know a breed.  You are NOT an EXPERT when YOU think you 
are.  You become an expert when someone well respected in the breed says you 
are.
Folks watch.  They may not be the one to mentor you, but they watch!!!  Usually 
it starts with your mentor but eventually you will be offered good dogs - that 
people TRUST you with their good stuff! 

Once you get a good one, and prove yourself people are more willing to give you 
another the good one - at least thats been my experience!!

Sidenote:  I've been a mentor in Aussies for many years and feel VERY 
comfortable mentoring in that breed.    Personally, I don't feel qualified to 
do long term mentoring in GSDs YET.  I'm getting closer!  Thats not to say that 
I don't know dogs, and Lord knows I'm opinionated!  but I still have too much 
to learn from breeding programs like Amber, Covy Tucker Hill, Fran-Jo, Eko-Lan, 
and a list of others ....... 

Some of the highlights of my time in dogs have been very small.....  The time a 
well respected breeder judge asked me to groom one of her dogs for the ring.  
WOW, what a complement!  Another judge asking me over to evaluate a litter.  
Being personally invited and included in dinner plans at the National with 
ICONS of the breed.  You can bet I kept my mouth SHUT those nights and was all 
ears.   Having someone like Fred Migliore come by for a quick hug at a dog show 
- and no, its not the way I'm built <EG> at least I don't THINK so.......LOL

Suzanne 
www.tsalishepherds.com 
Home of Ch Firedog, Ch Cookie, Ch Flair, BIS/BISS Ch Yancy, Ch Flash, and Lil' 
Miss Dancer!! Website updated 11/04

>> Hello List, 
> > 2. Will you even consider them for a pick puppy? Truely? 
> 
>> Deanne Jur 
> djur@xxxxxxx 

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