....it would be a Train Wreak if I showed one of mine. Although the dog would have fun they would not move out as well as they do with someone else on the leash. I am sure most everyone agrees with that comment with the exception of very few who perform quite well for their owners. It is more like a comfort zone which the dog enters owner handled, no need to put any extra effort into this "I am with my favorite person, that's all I care about", sort of thing. Frankly, even if I was younger I would no longer show my own dogs (meaning I have once). They do look better with a handler. Futurity/Match. All Breed or Specialty, doesn't matter. And this is another reason: ...have you taken a good look at the majority of owners lately- it explains why they don't take their own dogs in the ring LOL I am so glad I'm not the only one, haha Lee Liane (Lee) Fossland Steppenwind German Shepherds www.steppenwindgsd.com Home of Ch. Donar, Loni, CD, Auburn, KaraMia & Windy ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================