Cooper's first show

Cooper is finally old enough to enter in his first show. There has been a lot of preparations up to this point. We train every day. Even though we go on walks and have done different kinds of training, when I put the show chain on him, he acted like he had never been on a leash before. It was bucking bronco time. So, time with a show collar and lead is now a regular part of his training. He stacks (stands) like a pro now, but I still am unsure how he will react in a ring with all the distractions and noise of a real dog show.

Grooming also requires training. I have to say that I have been a bit lax lately with grooming and nails. So, I fear that it is going to take me a while to get him show ready. My original plan was to use the Dremel on his nails at lease every other week just so he would be used to having it done. Well, that hasn't happened. He does pretty good, but he still seems stressed because he is not sure. He will get better at being still with practice. I hope.

His coat is very thick. On Sunday, Sadie was given a bath and completely combed out. Her coat gets a little soft after bathing so it has to be done at least a week before a show or it doesn't look right. Cooper still has that wooly puppy coat that is hard to comb. He will get a bath (to get rid of that stinky boy smell) probably Monday or Tuesday. I will do nails on both probably Friday then both will get spritzed and fluffed right before the show. Hopefully, neither will roll in anything between their bath and the show.

Update:
Cooper had his nails and feet done Friday morning. I then went to the store to get Super Bowl snacks and got rear ended on the way home. Back and neck sore for the rest of the day. Cooper took this opportunity to dig and roll in the dirt. So, Saturday I had to wash his legs and groom him again.

We got to the show site at noon and the ring time was 2:05. We had plenty of time to walk around and get Cooper used to the sights, sounds and smells of an indoor show. He really didn't like dogs in crates barking at him as we walked by. The floor is very slick there and he had trouble walking. It took a good 10 minutes for us to go more than a few yards. The vendors that were by the front door got a good laugh at his legs going 100 miles an hour and his body going nowhere.

Ring time:

Cooper went into the ring first. The judge proclaimed him the "wiggliest puppy". He was so excited and happy. His tail never stopped. I don't think the judge got a chance to actually go over him especially his bite. At least he didn't jump up on the judge or lick him in the face. Thank goodness for small favors.

Sadie decided she didn't want to show for Tiff. I don't think she was as bad as she can be. She at least moved well. She looks good and what's not to like about that sweet face. She is always interesting in the ring. You never know what you are going to get. Are you going to get the one that can wow the judge and all that see her? Or will it be that "other" one that is horrid or just not interested in being there?

Cooper got both a blue and a purple ribbon. Of course, he was the only one there. So, he got both first and last place in his class. He really likes the blue ribbon, not so much the purple one. Sadie got Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex by default.

The ribbons were not the point. The goal was to get Cooper to a real show for some experience and to remind Sadie. Goal accomplished, bring on Denver!

New Show Leads

Now that I am no longer working, I have time to try different things. I have been making some new show leads. Some are braided leather with beads and some are braided satin cord with beads. Not sure which I like the most. The satin is a bit thicker than the leather and comes in lots of bright colors. It is very soft in your hand and seems to be very strong. The leather is more traditional. Because it is more natural in color, the beads really stand out and make a statement. I plan on making a lot of different ones and maybe see if I can sell them. Or, I could make some to match every show outfit I have so the dogs and I could match.

White Sands

No, all that white stuff isn't snow! We went to White Sands National Monument. Cooper seemed to be a bit disappointed because he thought it was going to be like snow, but it wasn't. He got the hang of running and playing pretty quickly though. We hiked and took tons of pictures. It was so warm, at least in the 60's. It was so cute to see their paw prints on the white sand where there were no other marks.

Cooper's First Snow

Wow! Who knew how much fun snow is to play in? Certainly not Cooper. For his first snow, he was unsure, but quickly discovered how to run and tunnel with his nose. Of course, after a while of playing, he got snow balls stuck all over his fur. His legs were covered so that he could barely walk.

Cooper "Trades"

One of the first commands I teach my dogs is to "trade". They give me the toy they have and I give them another toy of equal value. Works well to exchange a wet, slobbery toy for a drier one, or my husband's good leather work gloves for a special toy. (you would think he wouldn't leave those on the floor after numerous times like this). Cooper came into the room with one of my sheepskin slippers. I traded with him and went to put the slipper back in the bedroom. There, next to the left slipper, was his favorite toy. He had taken it upon himself to "trade" his toy for my slipper. He knew he wasn't supposed to go in there in the first place and he is not to play with my slippers, but evidently it is okay if you trade something of value. He is sure keeping me on my toes.

Training

Copper is now 4 months old. A typical puppy, he likes to play and chew and play some more. He has been going to Puppy Kindergarten for a little over a month now. It is amazing how quickly he is learning.
We started out with "sit" and "down". Because there are treats involved, he has learned these two things very quickly. He really likes the "come" command. He will go to anyone with treats. He doesn't even care if he is not the one being called. We also learned the importance of "social handling" where you look at the teeth, mouth, ears and feet. Also the pup needs to get used to someone holding him while getting an examination. Now at home we are working at "stay" and "stand". Both are still a work in progress.
He is also learning some agility while at class. He loves the A-frame which has transferred nicely to the ramp he will be shown on. He can also do a tunnel and a tire. There has been no jumping yet, so as to not damage growth plates.
The keys to good training are patience, consistency and repetition. It is important that he practices every day. Something I need to remember as well.
Next I think I will teach him to "high five" (or is it 4?)

Fall Pikinik

Sadie and Cooper went on the annual fall piknik today. Sadie has gone every year but this was Cooper's first time. He is only 4 months old. The weather was great and the colors were beautiful. We got some great pictures. Cooper of course found a whole patch of plants filled with stickers. As owners of fuzzy dogs it is always "Have brush will travel". Still took quite a while to get rid of all those stickers.