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!
