Newbies

Oh, I don't know. I think ALL shelties are perfect

 

... and that is the reason I could never do confirmation! I believe the same!

 

I agree with a lot of you - that´s also why i like this statement from Ann

 

That's wonderful that she did so well at class! She looks great, so pretty!
I haven't had a lot time to work with Finnie...what with Piper's obedience training, the yard and work...not enough hours in the day!
I take Finnie to the breeder on Sunday (she's lending me a larger crate) and we're going to measure him (I'm guessing he's close to 12" and around 11 1/2 pounds). He's definitely got a lot of attitude (and a real barker, nothing like Piper at that age) so he's going to be a handful lol.

 

A few years back, I took the George Alston handling seminar -- two days of one of the top handlers picking me to pieces! The most important things I learned were:
1. The entire time in the ring, keep one eye on your dog and one on the judge. Don't be the person talking with others while showing -- your dog will know she's not your main focus.
2. Don't drape the leash over your neck when your dog is on the table. Learn to fold it into your palm quickly with one hand.
3. George said never to use bait. He taught us to show without it, and it was amazing how well it worked. Looked impressive, too.

I like to watch Greg Speeks show. His intense focus on his dog is phenomenal -- like a silent, secret, laser-like communication. When someone talks to him in the ring (ringside observer or fellow competitor), he glances up and smiles politely, then goes right back to silently communicating with his Sheltie.

 

Don't be nervous, you'll do great. I found when I'd entered Piper in an altered class back in April that conformation isn't nearly as nerve wracking as obedience and the judges love seeing the puppies (who doesn't love a puppy?).
Elise looks lovely and her ears look good in the picture (I asked our breeder if the tape had to come out for the show and she said it doesn't, can stay in or come out...personal preference (here in Canada anyways).
Finnie hates the table and will leave the room if he thinks I'm going to put him on it...I just hope by August (he'll be 6 months) that I can get him used to it. I've taken to feeding him his meals (by hand)on the table...he's such a stubborn boy. Our show in 2 weeks is an hour away so I just hope I don't forget anything...Piper is entered in Utility and that starts early (9 am) so we have to leave by 7 am and with 2 dogs and all the supplies and dog food etc etc I'm liable to forget something important lol.
Good luck this weekend and have fun, that's what it's all about!