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 ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. 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. 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@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================