Alaskan Malamute - New To Showing

[Keeping it real]

Hi All, my first DOL post.

I have recently purchased an Alaskan Malamute puppy and will recieve him at 8.5 weeks around July 20. Although not confirmed he is of show quality (only two weeks old), he's breeding is of the highest quality and my intentions are to get involved in showing him from the get go.

For all the experienced handlers. breeders and dog owners I have some questions for you.

Shows to enter - I'm in Victoria and have Horsham, Macalister, Hamilton, Kilmore and Royal Melbourne earmarked as the dog's and my initiation to the baby puppy show ring. I'd be keen to hear your thoughts and advise on wether on not I am in for a good experience and the chances of success without alot of experience.

Equipment - I have received a list of things to purchase prior to the puppies arrival, food bowl, leash, collar, day bed, kennel, etc. They have also recommended a grooming table, noose and blower and I'd like to know if this grooming equipment is absolutely necessary for success given I will only have the 1 dog?

Training - i am keen to have the best training possible for the dog however I am a little confused with all of the options available. Is puppy school required? Is Obedience training better than a home schooled TOT approach? I'm also looking for a good book on showing dogs, show dog training, possible breed specific?

Any help appreciated....

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I'm assuming the breeder supports you showing the pup and is prepared to sell you the pup on the main register.

Is the breeder local? If so, the best way to learn is to tag along with them. If not, do they know someone in your area who will take you under their wing?

Whether or not the breeder is local, I would take the breeder's advice about which shows to enter but would steer clear of a Royal for one of your first outings. For a first show I would pick a low key country show for preference. There is no way any of us can predict your likely success without seeing you and your dog in the flesh. Mals are a competitive breed, and you will need to have realistic expectations.

With training a baby, don't overdo whatever you do. They do need training but you need to be careful not to squash their spark and a baby is given a certain amount of license from most judges. You could do worse than book a lesson with a show trainer to start with if you don't have a breeder locally to help. I think there are a few in Victoria and DOLers could let you know their names.

I think the best book for a beginner on showing dogs is Caroline Coile's "Show Me", she's writing about the American system but deals with most aspects of showing and targets her book to the complete beginner. Many of the other books don't.

Edit: The grooming equipment. Those additional things give you an edge but are a big waste of money if you try showing and decide you really don't like it. Start with the basics and if you get hooked, there is plenty of time to spend $$$ later on.

Edited June 5, 2011 by SkySoaringMagpie

[*Lolapalooza*]

With a Malamute you definately want a blower if you continue showing. If there is a service station with a bath and dryer near you use that for a while. If your baby wigs out with the blower keep on with it and just stuff their faces full of food until they like it (thats how i train mine )

I would take any puppy to puppy school, obedience is always great (I think better than home schooling) as there are differnet dogs and people to help with socialising too.

If your breeder is near to you definately go to some shows with them or ask if they have freinds in the breed living closer to you who can give you moral support and help at first.

Definately dont over train like SSMagpie says the dogs end up not liking showing. Being a bit silly makes them happy. Remember win or lose give the puppy a big pat and tell them how clever they are.

Good Luck...EXCITING!

[wayrod]

Hi All, my first DOL post.

I have recently purchased an Alaskan Malamute puppy and will recieve him at 8.5 weeks around July 20. Although not confirmed he is of show quality (only two weeks old), he's breeding is of the highest quality and my intentions are to get involved in showing him from the get go.

For all the experienced handlers. breeders and dog owners I have some questions for you.

Shows to enter - I'm in Victoria and have Horsham, Macalister, Hamilton, Kilmore and Royal Melbourne earmarked as the dog's and my initiation to the baby puppy show ring. I'd be keen to hear your thoughts and advise on wether on not I am in for a good experience and the chances of success without alot of experience.

Equipment - I have received a list of things to purchase prior to the puppies arrival, food bowl, leash, collar, day bed, kennel, etc. They have also recommended a grooming table, noose and blower and I'd like to know if this grooming equipment is absolutely necessary for success given I will only have the 1 dog?

Training - i am keen to have the best training possible for the dog however I am a little confused with all of the options available. Is puppy school required? Is Obedience training better than a home schooled TOT approach? I'm also looking for a good book on showing dogs, show dog training, possible breed specific?

Any help appreciated....

If possible go along to the Victorian Spitz Breed Club Champ Show on Monday 13th June 2011 at KCC Park. There will be some Mals there and you can see and talk to owners/exhibitors. It will also give you some idea of what sort of equipment that you should have.

[Keeping it real]

The breeder is well aware of the intention to show the dog.

I've purchased several books today and 'show me' is one of them.

The breeder is unfortunately based in Sydney...but will be coming down for Royal Melbourne, lucky me.

Thanks for all the advice.

[Beth24]

First of all, congrats on your first show dog, a very exciting time

Not sure where you are based, but there is show training at KCC Park 7.30pm on a Thursday. That's a great place to start with a puppy. Everyone is really helpful and you can learn some great tips! Also great way to socialise your puppy. I know there is training at Bulla also - not sure on details though.

If you are wanting to show at the royal, I'd suggest getting lots of practice and getting to as many shows as you can before then. If the breeder will be there then it will be a fun time for you both so personally I wouldn't be put off, afterall it is a baby puppy. I know I loved showing my first crested at the royal with the breeder from QLD there. We also had a win so could share it together

I found the show ring more relaxed with baby puppies and no one expects them to be perfectly behaved so make the most of that time in the show ring

Also, I wouldn't rush out and buy all that grooming equipment. As long as you have the basics, required brushes etc then that will keep you going until you decide on what you want and need if you continue to show.

And most importantly, enjoy yourself and your new baby!! I have a Leonberger (also group 6) so happy to lend a hand where I can.

[Keeping it real]

Hi Beth,

A very positive post...thanks. Exciting is an understatement, the poor boy's only 3 weeks old and I have his future all mapped out

I'm in Melton, so only 25 mins from KCC ;) I haven't been there before, but was very happy to hear Bulla is home to one of the main show venues. The sessions on Thursday nights sound perfect for us and I'll check it out as soon as puppy arrives

I'm discussing the Royal with the breeder and it looks likely that they will attend and show the dog for me, so I'll have a great opportunity to gain some much needed experience. Never the less I'm going to aim for 3 shows prior to the Royal, hopefully get my confidence up and see what I'm in for. After the Royal the specialty show is next.

I'm inclined to think the same about the equipment, I don't need a table whilst his a pup. However the Dryer looks like it's a neccessity I can't do without.

Wow a Leonberger! How cool...are you near KCC too?

[whiskedaway]

I own a Husky and a show Lapphund. Both are coated like Mallies, and while I've survived without a dryer so far, I really really want one because they are so much easier when you have a dog with a big coat. I also don't have a grooming table - I have a show trolley which is fantastic, because it doubles as a grooming table and a crate, and is super easy to put everything in and push it to where I need to set up. As Beth said, just start with the basics and I would definitely start talking to people with your breed about what they use. I knew how to groom a Sibe, yet a Lappie was very different and it was only other lappie owners who helped me out with the best way to groom her.

[Keeping it real]

I own a Husky and a show Lapphund. Both are coated like Mallies, and while I've survived without a dryer so far, I really really want one because they are so much easier when you have a dog with a big coat. I also don't have a grooming table - I have a show trolley which is fantastic, because it doubles as a grooming table and a crate, and is super easy to put everything in and push it to where I need to set up. As Beth said, just start with the basics and I would definitely start talking to people with your breed about what they use. I knew how to groom a Sibe, yet a Lappie was very different and it was only other lappie owners who helped me out with the best way to groom her.

Whiskedaway, thanks.

I'll do just that while he's a baby and maybe add the dryer when he grows a bit. Good to hear from someone in a similar position.

[Rottshowgirl]

Keeping It Real, KCC Park is in Skye so the Thursday night training is some distance from you ;)

[underfoot]

Peter Frost does show training on Wednesday evenings at Bulla. You can ring the VCA and the will give you his number and you can go along. I found his help fantastic. Good luck and more importantly have fun.

[Keeping it real]

Underfoot,

Thanks sounds great - this would suit perfect.

[wayrod]

Vic Spitz total entry of 150 so it will be a nice relaxed show.

Edited June 8, 2011 by wayrod

[Keeping it real]

wayrod,

Thanks I'll be there.

[Pockets]

Hi Beth,

A very positive post...thanks. Exciting is an understatement, the poor boy's only 3 weeks old and I have his future all mapped out

I'm in Melton, so only 25 mins from KCC ;) I haven't been there before, but was very happy to hear Bulla is home to one of the main show venues. The sessions on Thursday nights sound perfect for us and I'll check it out as soon as puppy arrives

I'm discussing the Royal with the breeder and it looks likely that they will attend and show the dog for me, so I'll have a great opportunity to gain some much needed experience. Never the less I'm going to aim for 3 shows prior to the Royal, hopefully get my confidence up and see what I'm in for. After the Royal the specialty show is next.

I'm inclined to think the same about the equipment, I don't need a table whilst his a pup. However the Dryer looks like it's a neccessity I can't do without.

Wow a Leonberger! How cool...are you near KCC too?

I am in Werribee and KCC is about a 45 minutes trip for me so would be over an hour for you, are you getting your grounds confused, cause Melton for me is 25 minutes in the opposite direction to KCC Park?

How exciting, best you be posting some lovely photos when you have him :

[Keeping it real]

I am in Werribee and KCC is about a 45 minutes trip for me so would be over an hour for you, are you getting your grounds confused, cause Melton for me is 25 minutes in the opposite direction to KCC Park?

How exciting, best you be posting some lovely photos when you have him :

Yeah a little confused, KCC is atleast an hr from Melton. Sorted now though, spoke with Peter Frost on Wednesday and I'll be spending some time with him at Bulla when puppy gets to 12 weeks.

Thanks all, I'll send some pics when puppy srrives.

[Yoki Tekno]

Hi Keeping it Real,

It sounds like you have an Icemile pup. If so we have the sister to your pup - Icemile What a catch.

We have named her Yoki Tekno.

Yoki is a North American Indian name for rain. Topical as it rained all week last week and was torrential when we made the drive to pick her up.

Tekno is a play on words of the Grandfather who has in his name - Take's No Prisoners.

What have you named your pup.

How is your pup settling in?

[Keeping it real]

Hi Keeping it Real,

It sounds like you have an Icemile pup. If so we have the sister to your pup - Icemile What a catch.

We have named her Yoki Tekno.

Yoki is a North American Indian name for rain. Topical as it rained all week last week and was torrential when we made the drive to pick her up.

Tekno is a play on words of the Grandfather who has in his name - Take's No Prisoners.

What have you named your pup.

How is your pup settling in?

I do have an Icemile pup 'Icemile Something T believe in' and his absolutely gorgeous.

We named him Austin - although a little jealous about the amount of thought you put into your pups name, well done. He has settled in well, a couple of little mishaps with toilet training but otherwise he is very well behaved and my family absolutely love him. He had his second shot last week and starting puppy classes on Saturday.

How about you, where abouts are you located? Are you going to show Yoki?